Admission of candidates

Are you wondering how Higher Degree by Research candidates are admitted to Charles Sturt University? This page outlines the steps prospective supervisors, and their School and Faculty, need to take.

Charles Sturt receives enquiries about our HDR programs via direct approaches to supervisors, enquiries to the Faculty Sub-Dean Graduate Studies, and enquiries to the Research and Admissions Offices. To formally commence the admissions process, the prospective candidate must submit a formal application for admission.

Once the candidate applies for admission, the Sub-Dean Graduate Studies works to identify suitable supervisors and they will be asked to complete an Admission Recommendation Form. It is important for prospective supervisors to meet with the prospective candidate and discuss their proposed research topic and get a feel for their abilities – you can do this in person or via Skype.

Considerations for supporting potential candidates

It is important for the prospective supervisors, the School and the Faculty to consider the following points.

  • The research topic proposed and does it align with the Charles Sturt University Research Narrative
  • Adequate supervision capacity is available (number of staff, leadership experience and subject expertise)
  • Resources and facilities required
  • Principal Supervisor's current supervisory workload and whether taking on a new HDR candidate may affect his/her ability to continue supervising others
  • Co-Supervisors - identifying which supervisors are available and how they will complement the supervisory team
  • Inexperienced Principal Supervisors and ensuring that other more experienced supervisors are available for mentoring
  • Acknowledging cultural differences
  • Anticipating any potential conflicting interests

Admissions forms

The prospective Principal Supervisor will complete an Admission Recommendation form. It must be authorised by the Head of School and the Faculty Sub-Dean Graduate Studies before it is submitted to the Director, Research.

You can download the following form depending on the candidate:

  1. PhD and Masters by Research
  2. Professional Doctorate by Research

The form captures the HDR candidate’s details, including:

  • Intended course
  • Study load and location
  • Previous education history
  • English proficiency
  • Required probationary conditions
  • Proposed research topic
  • Supervisors allocated

Approval process

  1. Once approved by the Director, Research, the Admissions Office will issue a formal Letter of Offer to the potential candidate.
  2. When the offer is accepted, the Office of Research Services and Graduate Studies is notified and in turn notifies the Principal Supervisor.
  3. The Principal Supervisor then liaises with the candidate to make commencement arrangements.