Study with us

Important information for applicants

We welcome applications from both domestic candidates from Australia and New Zealand, and international candidates. The next application round for PhD and MPhil program applications will be open in February 2024.

Applicants to the PhD and MPhil programs should have research topics in one of IRCI's areas of expertise. For information on our research areas and profiles of prospective supervisors, please see Our Research.

Successful applicants will be fully immersed in the intellectual life of the Institute, at ACU's St. Patrick's Campus in Fitzroy, Melbourne, participating in seminars, conferences, and reading groups, and working collaboratively with our team of world-class scholars across our research programs.

These programs support ongoing research projects which provide a vibrant environment for research students, including the possibility of international experience at international partner institutions and a co-tutelle program.

Successful applicants may be eligible for financial support through one of the University's competitive research scholarships. Financial support includes a stipend scholarship, a fees-offset scholarship or a tuition fee waiver (as appropriate). Full details are found in the University's research scholarships website.

At ACU the PhD is a three-year degree, while the MPhil is a two-year degree. A PhD Thesis must make an original contribution to the field, whereas an MPhil Thesis is required to display mastery of its field. For more information about HDR/graduate degrees at ACU, consult the following links:

• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Before you apply

Prior to submitting your application you should review:

• the PhD and MPhil eligibility criteria in the Higher Degree Research Regulations
• the stipend scholarship information on the ACU Scholarships page
• the Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry's areas of research expertise

How to apply

Applicants must follow the instructions on the ACU Become a Research Candidate page.

For further information please contact hdr.irci@acu.edu.au