Contact us
- Graduate Research Academy
- Level 2, 16 Wally’s Walk
- Macquarie University NSW 2109
- T: +61 (2) 9850 4741
- E: gr.enquiries@mq.edu.au
See steps for submitting your application
Apply nowYour main pathway to a PhD at Macquarie University
Learn about the MResGain a global perspective and expand your research network
Global research programsThe Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an ungraded degree awarded for research that demonstrates that the candidate has the capacity to conduct significant independent research.
At Macquarie we aim to deliver world leading research and world changing impact. If you share our passion to not only think about the future but to build it then we invite you to join us.
Our PhD program will support you to develop the skills and knowledge to operate at the frontiers of knowledge. Skills like analytical thinking and innovation, complex problem-solving, critical thinking and analysis, leadership and social influence and technology design and programming, all of which have been identified by the World Economic Forum in the top 10 skills of the future.
Learn more about our research strengths, quality and impact.
Watch video
How was the ancestor of all flowers pollinated?
Watch video
The Ancient Egyptian Karnak Temple
Watch video
Where does money come from?
Watch video
A 3D computed shoulder model
We accept candidature applications all year round for MPhil/PhD degrees. See below to make sure you meet other requirements before applying.
Note: the entry requirements for cotutelle and joint PhD are the same as for the Doctor of Philosophy.
Further requirements include:
For admission to the PhD, the University needs to confirm that prospective candidates will be able to complete their degree within the stated time periods, and that they have undertaken:
Macquarie University requires all research candidates (both domestic and international) to have and maintain a high level of English language proficiency. Applicants will need to demonstrate they have met this through one of the following requirements.
You have completed a minimum of five years’ study in one or more of the following countries:
Note: citizens, passport holders and permanent residents of the above listed English speaking countries are not exempt from providing proof of English language proficiency in the form of an acceptable English language test score unless they can show evidence of at least five years’ study in one or more of these countries.
The test must not be more than two years old at the time of submitting your application to Macquarie University:*
Test name | Overall score | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
International English Language Testing System: Academic version (IELTS Academic) | 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
Test of English as a Foreign Language: Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | 83 | 13 | 21 | 12 | 18 |
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | 58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Cambridge English C1 Advanced (C1A), previously Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | 180 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (C2P), previously Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) | 180 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
Please note: From 26 July 2023 TOEFL iBT will no longer be offering English language tests for Australian visa purposes until further notice. See English language visa requirements.
Visa applicants should refer to the Document Checklist Tool to find out which documents need to be attached to their visa application and acceptable English language tests to satisfy the visa requirements.
If you are applying for a research degree in English Literature or Law you will need to meet the required levels of English proficiency required by those programs:
*Note: Applicants who wish to seek an exemption to the requirement to provide English Language test scores on the grounds of a minimum of three years’ working experience or equivalent in an English speaking country will be asked to provide a letter from their employer, or equivalent, on an official letterhead which states:
You have successfully completed a bachelor degree in Australia (Australian Qualification Framework AQF7), or higher, within two years of submitting your application.
If you have sat an approved English Language test as above, but do not meet the minimum band scores in one skill area but are otherwise eligible for a program of study, you may be issued an offer of study that includes an English preparation program at the Macquarie University English Language Centre (ie a packaged offer).
International students with a packaged offer can apply for a single student visa covering both their English preparation program and their course of study at Macquarie University.
If you have previously completed an English language preparation program from Macquarie University, the results must not be more than 12 months old at the time of submitting your application for the HDR program.
English language provider | Qualification and required score |
---|---|
Macquarie University English Language Centre CRICOS Provider 00002J |
|
A PhD is a three-year full-time research study program.
Study load | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
Minimum period | 2 years | 4 years |
Maximum period | 3 years | 6 years |
Average weekly time commitment | 40 hours | 20 hours |