Applying for entry - international research students

Are you academically qualified to apply for a Higher Degree by Research (HDR)?

In general, to be eligible for admission to a HDR, you need to have undertaken a significant research project or thesis in your previous university level studies. For example, the equivalent of an Australian honours degree or a masters by research degree or a masters by coursework with a thesis component.

Specific entry requirements vary from course to course. You should check the entry requirements for your preferred course by contacting the graduate adviser in the relevant faculty or department. If you are not appropriately qualified, you should consider taking a postgraduate coursework program.
If you wish to apply for a postgraduate coursework degree, please go to the Postgraduate Coursework web page.

Applying for and obtaining admission to a research degree is a process that requires time and preparation before submission of the application. Incomplete or ill-prepared applications will take longer to process or may be rejected by the relevant faculty or department. Please follow the instructions on the 'making an application' web page.

If you are an international student, there are 2 methods of applying to the University.

Submitting a research application form

Once you have identified an academic contact/potential supervisor and prepared a research proposal, you are ready to submit an application.

If you are an international student, there are 2 methods of applying to the University.

1. Direct application to the International Office at the University

To make a direct application to the University of Sydney you should:

1. download and print either the international postgraduate research application form
2. fill out the application form by following the instructions on the making an application page
3. attach all necessary documents (including original or certified copies of academic transcripts, English language tests results and any other supporting documents), and
4. forward all documents to:
   International Office
   Jane Foss Russell Building G02
   The University of Sydney
   NSW 2006 Australia

Please use the menu on the left to check information about application dates, entry requirements and what happens next.

2. Application through a University representative (agent)

You may make your application through one of our University of Sydney representatives, either in Australia or in another country. This may be helpful to you if:

• you need advice about living in Australia
• you need assistance with completing documentation required by the University or the Australian Department of Immigration, or
• you need a reliable point of contact for communication with the University.

The University of Sydney has a global network of agent representatives.

Please note that some representatives may charge a fee for their services.