Seek answers to your own questions, make an original contribution to knowledge and enhance your career prospects and future opportunities with a research degree, or Higher Degree by Research (HDR).
With 26 research fields ranked at world standard or above (Excellence in Research for Australia), you will easily find a research expert at UniSC to guide you on your journey to research excellence.
Explore HDR opportunities
With quality supervision, scholarship opportunities, project funding and skills development, an HDR at UniSC opens many doors to future opportunities.
How to apply
A step-by-step guide to applying for a higher degree by research program.
HDR scholarships
Explore scholarships to help you cover the costs of study and living.
Find a supervisor
Search UniSC's academics and industry experts to find a supervisor for your research.
Graduate Research at UniSC
We are passionate about helping you achieve your graduate research goals. Learn more about undertaking a higher degree by research at UniSC.
Support
UniSC provides assistance at every stage of research, in an environment conducive to research excellence.

HDR Industry Internship
An HDR Internship will elevate your employability and advance your career prospects.
Undertake an Industry Internship while you complete your PhD.

Graduate research development
We'll help you to build essential core competencies and the skills you need to successfully complete a research degree and graduate with a diverse skill set for broad employability.

Support grants
UniSC supports graduate research candidates by contributing funds towards the direct costs of research. The amount varies based on the area of study.
Library support
Dedicated Liaison Librarians support researchers through each phase of the research lifecycle.
Workspaces and equipment
Graduate research candidates receive access to a dedicated workspace and University computing equipment. All UniSC students receive a UniSC email address and have remote access to UniSC systems and software.
Student support and wellbeing
You'll find a range of services to support your wellbeing while you study including confidential counselling and disability services.
Activities, clubs and events
As a graduate research student you'll have opportunities to have fun and connect with others through clubs, events and associations such as the Postgraduate Student Association.
News

Study shows how body image bullying affects teenage girls' brains
16 JulUniversity of the Sunshine Coast researchers have shown, for the first time in Australia, what happens in the brain of adolescent girls when they see someone being subjected to body image-related cyberbullying (BRC)

New tool to help stop injuries in the workplace and on outdoor adventures
2 JulUniSC researchers will develop and evaluate a new tool to help workplaces spot risks early and learn from past incidents – aiming to help to stop injuries before they happen

Blood pressure: New study predicts how climate change will jeopardise blood supply
17 AprClimate change will impact the health of blood donors worldwide and increases in disease and natural disasters may trigger a rise in the need for blood, according to a new analysis published in The Lancet Planetary Health