How to apply - Doctor of Philosophy
Pursue an independent and sustained investigation into a research problem of your own design or join an established project team through a funded scholarship.
As a PhD candidate you will undertake a supervised research project that culminates in the submission of a thesis for examination which meets the following course learning outcomes:
- a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of research or learning, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution.
- your ability to provide a critical appraisal of relevant literature and available research, to appreciate and understand the relationship of the investigations undertaken by the candidate to the wider field of knowledge in which these investigations are located, and to draw out the contribution to knowledge made by these investigations
- your knowledge and understanding of the methodological techniques used in the research and any shortcomings associated with these techniques
- a satisfactory level of literary presentation reflecting an ability to communicate in a clear, concise and authoritative manner appropriate to the field of research and to the scholarly community to which it is addressed
You will be expected to submit your PhD thesis three years and three months (or part-time equivalent) after you commence; the maximum period of study is four years full-time (or part-time equivalent).
This degree involves you undertaking a supervised research project and presenting a thesis for examination 39 months (or the part-time equivalent) after you begin. The thesis for a PhD can also be undertaken in practice-based mode or as a thesis with publications.
Stipend scholarships are available for specific funded projects including specialist industry and international opportunities, or for broader research themes or areas where you can develop your own research proposal. You can find out more about scholarship opportunities on our scholarships page.
View Doctor of Philosophy course information
Application closing dates
You can apply for research candidature at any time.
If you’d like to apply for a stipend scholarship to support your candidature application, view our currently available scholarships, including information on scholarship closing dates.
Applying for a PhD
To apply for PhD candidature, you will need one of the following:
- an Australian Masters by research degree or international equivalent in a relevant discipline completed within the last ten years assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 70 or above; OR
- an Australian Bachelors (Honours) degree, Masters by coursework or ungraded Masters by research degree or an international equivalent completed within the last ten years where:
- your degree includes a research thesis of typically 15,000-20,000 words* assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 70 or above; or
- your degree includes a written research component comprising at least 3/8 of one year* assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 70 or above; or
- you are the lead author of a peer-reviewed publication or other research published within the last ten years* assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 70 or above.
*Applicants should seek advice from their proposed supervisor regarding discipline norms where applicable regarding the typical thesis length. The written research component of your application will be evaluated according to the La Trobe Masters by research criteria and will need to be assessed at a standard of 70 or above.
Discipline Specific Application Requirements
The La Trobe University Law School has discipline specific application requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). For more information, please review Graduate Research Admissions - Schedule C – Discipline Specific Application Requirements for Candidature in the La Trobe Law School and the Graduate Research and RTP Scholarships Policy - Schedule D – Discipline Specific Application Requirements for the La Trobe Law School.
International applicants
As an international applicant, you will also need to provide evidence that you meet the minimum English language requirements set for your course (some programs can have higher English language requirements).
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
Our partner La Trobe College Australia offer comprehensive ELICOS courses to specifically prepare international applicants for academic studies in English prior to commencing graduate research studies.
Before you apply for graduate research candidature you must identify a potential supervisor and receive in principle approval for your research project. You will need to include your potential supervisor's details on your application form.
There are three ways to identify a suitable supervisor:
- Check our available scholarships for projects that fit your interests and qualifications. Each project lists a contact person for more information and to obtain in principle approval to apply.
- Search our database of La Trobe scholars using key words relating to your intended research project. Filter the search results based on those available for ‘Masters Research or PhD supervision’. You can read our guidance on searching for a potential supervisor [PDF 623 KB] for more detailed step-by-step instructions.
- Navigate to the School website in your area of interest and use the resources listed in the Department or Research pages to identify a suitable supervisor or research group.
Once you have identified a potential supervisor or supervisors, you’ll need to get in touch with them to see if they are available and if they would be a good fit for your research project.
When you email a potential supervisor, make sure to include the following information:
- your most recent academic qualification and your grades or results
- your research background
- any previous publications
- a brief description of your intended research project or which advertised project you are interested in applying for.
You can use our template [DOC 19KB] to structure your email.
If you don’t hear back in a week or so, you can send a brief, polite follow-up email.
Your application cannot be processed until supervision is confirmed.
Domestic applicants
- Your University academic transcripts and completion certificates (certified copies)
- Your professional CV (resume) outlining relevant work experience, academic awards, prior research background etc.
- Details of any publications
- A copy of your Masters thesis (translated into English if it is not written in English)
- When you complete your application, you will be prompted to provide a preliminary research proposal of no more than 300 words (if you need assistance, use our Guide to Writing a Research Proposal [PDF 68KB]) (may not be required for some advertised projects, check the requirements specified in the scholarship advertisement)
- For advertised scholarships or projects, any other documentation stipulated in the scholarship advertisement
- Your birth certificate or citizenship certificate (certified copy, for domestic applicants only).
International applicants
- Your University academic transcripts and completion certificates (originals or certified copies)
- Your professional CV (resume) outlining relevant work experience, academic awards, prior research background etc.
- Details of any publications
- A copy of your Master's thesis (translated into English if it is not written in English)
- A preliminary research proposal of no more than 300 words (if you need assistance, use our Guide to Writing a Research Proposal [PDF 68KB]) (may not be required for some advertised projects, check the requirements specified in the scholarship advertisement)
- For advertised scholarships or projects, any other documentation stipulated in the scholarship advertisement
- Your birth certificate or citizenship certificate (original or certified copy, for domestic applicants only).
- Documentary evidence of your English language proficiency (optional)
- If you hold a current passport and/or an Australian visa, you must include a copy with your application
Domestic applicants
Lodge your application (candidature and/or scholarship) via our online application system
If you are an existing La Trobe student or have previously applied to study at La Trobe, you will be able to log on to your account to create your application. If you are new to La Trobe University, you will first need to register before creating your application.
For help completing your application, please see our How to Apply Guide [PDF 595KB].
International applicants
Lodge your application via the International Online Application System
You may be prompted to apply through an agent, please contact one of our registered education agents if you would like to do so. If you would like to lodge your application directly to La Trobe University instead, please email us and provide us with the following information and we will guide you with the next steps.
- Your full name
- Country of citizenship
- Course preference
- Proposed principal supervisor
How to apply for a PhD with an industry focus
If you are interested in completing the La Trobe PhD with an industry focus (“Industry PhD”), the best way to get involved is to check the currently available Industry PhD projects and scholarships in our scholarships search page. Instructions on how to apply are provided in each scholarship advertisement.