• Section 1 - PURPOSE AND CONTEXT
• Section 2 - DEFINITIONS
• Section 3 - POLICY STATEMENT
• Section 4 - PROCEDURES
• Part A - Admission Requirements 
• General Requirements 
• Currency of Qualifications 
• Resources and Supervision 
• Applications to transfer to a Doctoral Program from a Master of Philosophy 
• Part B - English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements 
• Part C - Application Process 
• Candidates Transferring from Other Institutions 
• Additional Requirements for International Applicants 
• Part D - Assessment and Approval of Applications 
• Assessment of Equivalency 
• Approval 
• Part E - Advice of Outcome 
• Part F - Withdrawal of an Application or Offer of Candidature 
• Section 5 - GUIDELINES
• Forms

Section 1 - PURPOSE AND CONTEXT

(1) These Procedures outline the processes for admission to Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs at Western Sydney University in accordance with the Higher Degree Research Policy.

(2) These procedures should be read in conjunction with the Student Administration Policy, Privacy Policy and Student Administration Policy - Student Fees Procedure.

Section 2 - DEFINITIONS

(3) For the purposes of this Policy, definitions that apply can be found in the Higher Degree Research Policy and the Policy DDS Glossary, in addition to the following: 

1. EFTSL has the same meaning as in the Student Administration Policy, that is - Equivalent Full-time Study Load means the measurement for a student's study-load. One EFTSL is the study load for a year of a student undertaking a program on a full-time basis. 
2. English Language Proficiency (ELP) Review Panel means a panel of University staff as defined by its Terms of Reference. 

Section 3 - POLICY STATEMENT

(4) These Procedures support the Higher Degree Research Policy. 

(5) The University is committed to having application processes for HDR programs that are transparent, equitable and clearly communicated to prospective applicants. 

(6) The Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development (Dean, GS & RD) may consider exceptions to these Procedures on a case-by-case basis.

Section 4 - PROCEDURES

Part A - Admission Requirements 

General Requirements 

(7) All entry requirements for HDR programs at the University are consistent with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and equivalent for domestic and international applicants.

(8) The academic entry criteria for individual HDR programs are outlined in the Online Handbook and on the Higher Degree Research webpage.

(9) The University admits applicants based on merit. Applicants who meet entry requirements are considered for selection but are not guaranteed admission.

(10) Applicants’ Academic qualifications required for entry must have been gained at: 

1. an accredited Australian tertiary education institution, or 
2. an overseas institution assessed by the University as delivering qualifications at a standard equivalent to that of an accredited Australian tertiary education institution.

(11) Where applicants present qualifications gained outside Australia, the University will assess them for equivalency with the stated entry requirements for the specified degree and using qualification recognition tools provided by the Australian Government.

(12) For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants, under the guidance of the Director, Indigenous Research, applicants will also have their external Indigenous community, industry, and cultural experiences considered for additional merit (see the WSU Indigenous Research Strategy Theme 3 SA 1).

(13) All minimum academic and English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for entry to HDR programs are approved by the Academic Senate of the University, following endorsement by the Academic Planning and Curriculum Approvals Committee (APCAC).  Minimum academic and ELP entry requirements are published on the University's website. 

Currency of Qualifications 

(14) Academic qualifications required for entry to HDR programs are expected to have been completed within ten years of the application. 

(15) Evidence of non-current qualifications must be approved by the relevant Faculty/Institute HDR Board.  

(16) Where the discipline-knowledge qualification is ten or more years old, applicants will be required to provide additional evidence of recent relevant work experience or professional training, or evidence of seniority and standing in the discipline area.

Resources and Supervision 

(17) Prior to approving an application for admission, the Associate Dean, HDR and Honours or equivalent must confirm that there is adequate and appropriate supervision and access to resources for the applicant to complete their candidature as outlined in the Higher Degree Research Procedures - Supervision and the Higher Degree Research Procedures – Resources.

(18) In consultation with the Director, Indigenous Research , external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives as supervisors may be considered based on Indigenous community, industry, and cultural experience.

Applications to transfer to a Doctoral Program from a Master of Philosophy 

(19) Applications to transfer to a doctoral program from a Master of Philosophy are considered after an Upgrade of Candidature (UoC) has been successfully completed.

(20) Applicants must demonstrate that the quality and depth of their work warrants the higher qualification including via their written research design and analysis, the UoC document, a literature review, or completed chapters and publications, along with a clear plan for the development of work beyond the scope of the original Master of Philosophy.

(21) This will usually occur following the Confirmation of Candidature (CoC).

(22) The relevant Associate Dean, HDR and Honours approves the transfer. 

Part B - English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements 

(23) Where an applicant’s academic qualifications were completed in a language other than English, the University requires the applicant to demonstrate proficiency in English by: 

1. achieving a prescribed level in an approved English examination, or 
2. providing certified evidence of completion of a tertiary level qualification (Certificate IV or higher) where the language of instruction was English. This evidence must:
   1. be a certificate or testamur which clearly indicates that the medium of instruction, examination and assessment were in English, or
   2. a letter from the institution where the qualification was gained, stating that the medium of instruction was English. This letter must be issued and certified by the relevant officer or department within the institution.

(24) ELP evidence must be no more than two years old at the time of commencing the HDR program.

(25) The approved ELP tests and standards required are outlined on the International Entry Requirements webpage. 

Part C - Application Process 

(26) Applicants apply for candidature by submitting an online application through the University Research Portal. 

(27) An application is only regarded as complete where all required documentation, as outlined in application forms and associated information, have been submitted.

Candidates Transferring from Other Institutions 

(28) Candidates who have commenced candidature in a HDR program at another institution and are applying to transfer to the University must include the following information from their original institution as part of their application for admission: 

1. all progress documentation 
2. an authorised letter from their original institutions stating consumed Equivalent Full Time Study Load (EFTSL) 

(29) Transfer of candidature from another institution is subject to satisfying University requirements for intellectual property, ethics and compliance, and approval by the Dean or Director, HDR and Honours.

Additional Requirements for International Applicants 

(30) All international applicants must meet the Australian Government requirements for study in Australia. (Refer Department of Home Affairs Meeting the Australian study requirement)

Part D - Assessment and Approval of Applications 

(31) The review of candidate applications occurs after all required documents are received.

(32) All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants will be referred to the Director, Indigenous Research to assess external Indigenous community, industry, and cultural elements of the application, and to determine if additional merit should be given.

(33) Where applicants do not meet eligibility requirements, the GRS will inform the applicant, nominated supervisor, Director, HDR and Honours or equivalent. 

(34) Unsuccessful applicants can reapply where circumstances change and they believe they meet eligibility requirements.

(35) Applications initially assessed as eligible are sent to the appropriate School or Institute for their assessment and endorsement of the following aspects:

1. the thesis topic and the Supervision Panel 
2. that sufficient resources and expertise are available to support all aspects of candidature 
3. that a discussion between the applicant and their proposed Principal Supervisor has occurred and that the expectations of the candidature were determined to be realistic.  

(36) The School or Institute must be assured that the thesis project can be completed within three years full time equivalent (FTE) for a doctoral program and two years FTE for a master's program. 

(37) Applications must comply with the Foreign Arrangements and Foreign Interference Policy.  

(38) The Principal Supervisor must complete the Sanction Compliance Assessment Form (on the GRS Forms, Policies and Guidelines webpage) and other associated documentation for approval by the Dean, GS & RD. 

Assessment of Equivalency 

Master of Research 

(39) Applications based on professional experience must be endorsed by the Director, HDR and Honours or equivalent prior to approval by the Dean, GS & RD.

(40) For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants, under the guidance of the Director, Indigenous Research within the Division of Indigenous Leadership, will also have their external Indigenous community, industry, and cultural experiences considered for additional equivalency merit (see the WSU Indigenous Research Strategy Theme 3 SA 1).

All Other Programs 

(41) The application must provide evidence that demonstrates that the applicant has the capacity to undertake complex thinking, problem solving and critical analysis, and has a significant aptitude for research design and scholarly investigation. 

(42) Where equivalence is based on research experience, and/or leadership in the profession or industry, the applicant must provide certified evidence of the type of research activity, recency of work, level and quality of work, any industry awards, contribution and leadership in industry-based policy, and evidence that the skills and knowledge gained are of a comparable standard to the relevant Australian Qualifications Framework Level.  

Approval 

General 

(43) Recommendations and approvals of admissions occur in accordance with the Delegations of Authority Policy (Schedule AA and EE). 

(44) Admission to a HDR program does not guarantee the award of a HDR scholarship.

Master of Research 

(45) Once eligibility, availability of resources and supervisory capacity are confirmed for Master of Research applicants, admission must be endorsed by the Director, HDR and Honours or equivalent prior to approval by the Dean, GS & RD.

(46) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates may upgrade from the completion of the 1st year of the MRES to the PhD once all coursework is completed, and they have successfully completed their CoC (including upgrade justification presented to the panel). The relevant School Dean or Director, Research Institute (Director RI), and the Director, Indigenous Research from the Division of Indigenous Leadership must approve the transfer.

All Other Programs 

(47) The School Dean or Director RI, carries the delegation to approve an application for admission to a doctoral or Master of Philosophy program. In doing so, they must verify that: 

1. the proposed supervisors are sufficiently expert in the area of research, have the time and commitment to provide appropriate supervision, and are appointed in accordance with the Research Higher Degree Research Procedures - Supervision  
2. the accommodation, facilities, and other resources necessary for the candidate’s research program are available in the School or Institute, or able to be arranged by the School or Institute, in accordance with the Research Higher Degree by Research Procedures - Resources.
3. the application has been reviewed and endorsed by the Director, HDR and Honours or equivalent. 

(48) In making their decision on an application for admission based on prior publications, the School Dean or Director RI will consider the report of an internal assessor (not involved in the supervision of the candidate) or external assessor nominated by the relevant Faculty/Institute HDR Board. 

Part E - Advice of Outcome 

(49) Following approval of an application for admission, an offer letter will be sent to the applicant. The letter will include: 

1. the date of commencement and enrolment, and acceptance deadline, after which the offer will lapse 
2. information on the obligations and entitlements of candidates, including links to relevant policies 
3. for Dual Award candidates, relevant documents such as the Individual Candidature Agreement (refer HDR Procedures – Dual Awards Research Degrees)
4. information on all support services, orientation and induction and grievance processes 
5. any specific information for international candidates required by Standard 3 of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students.

(50) Requests to defer the commencement of study can only be approved by the Dean, GS & RD. 

(51) If the applicant wishes to change research topic or Principal supervisory during the application and admission process, a new application will be required. 

(52) Applicants who have not been made an offer of candidature will be advised in writing.

Part F - Withdrawal of an Application or Offer of Candidature 

(53) An offer of candidature may be withdrawn where: 

1. an applicant does not provide information requested to assess the application within ten working days of the request or by the deadline specified 
2. an applicant does not respond to an offer of candidature by the acceptance deadline 
3. the program is no longer available
4. supervision and resources for the proposed project are no longer available 
5. other conditions of the offer have not been met
6. the candidate does not register in the program by the relevant census date
7. it is determined that an application contains fraudulent or misleading information. 

(54) The Graduate Research School will decide on withdrawals of an application or offer of candidature in consultation with the School or Research Institute. 

(55) An alternative offer may be made at the discretion of the Dean, GS & RD or nominee.

Section 5 - GUIDELINES

(56) Academic Appeals Procedures apply where relevant. If the applicant believes that the University has not followed its published policies and procedures, they can refer to the Complaint Management Policy.

Forms

(57) GRS Forms, Policies and Guidelines webpage.

(58) HDR Knowledge Articles