How to apply

Prepare your application

A well-prepared application is considered favourably when the University is assessing you for HDR admission. Before lodging your application, make sure you have all of your required documentation in order.

Follow these steps:

Please note: individual pdf file size is 8MB max. To reduce the size, open the pdf document and save as new document using the “Adobe PDF Files, Optimised” function.

Submit your application – apply online

Check you have completed the steps above before you submit your application.

Applications are considered on an individual basis and academic qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience are all taken into account. 

If you have never studied at or made an application to Flinders University, you can register and submit your application for admission to a degree using the eApplication portal. You will receive two emails once your application is completed: confirmation of degree application submission; and a second email with your student ID. Note, it may take 1— 4 hours for your student ID to be created.

If you have studied at Flinders University or made an application within the last 12 months you can submit your application for admission to a degree via the Student Information System. You can apply for admission by selecting the My Applications tab at the top of the page, and searching for the degree you wish to apply for.

If you have studied at Flinders University more than 12 months ago you will need to reactivate your FAN via the FAN reactivation page. With an active FAN you will then be able to submit your application for admission via the Student Information System as advised above.

Please note: the system is currently experiencing problems with applications that use gmail and yahoo email accounts. Please consider using or creating an alternative email account to lodge your application in order to bypass the issue.

If you are experiencing issues with the eApplication portal, please call Information and Digital Services (IDS) +61 8 8201 2345 for support.

Once your submitted application is complete including all mandatory questions and documentation, your application will be assessed. Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered: you must provide all the required information.

Application dates

We strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible as it can take up to eight weeks to assess your application.

See when to apply for HDR course application opening and closing dates (PDF).

If you are applying for a scholarship you must check the closing dates as you will need to lodge an application for HDR admission first and separately.

For the standard PhD and Masters by Research, you can start any time during the year but the preferred commencement date may be the beginning of semester 1 or 2.

For an HDR coursework degree, you must be admitted prior to the start of the first required topic.

See Flinders University dates.

What happens after applying?

The Office of Graduate Research will advise you of the outcome of your application for admission to a higher degree by research.

If you receive an offer you will need to follow the instructions to act on your offer by the date stipulated. Once you accept your offer, instructions for enrolling will be sent shortly afterwards. If you wish to defer your offer, you may apply to defer for up to one year only.

If you have also applied for a scholarship you will be advised of the outcome separately by Student Finance and Scholarships Services.