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Scholarships and financial support

Financial support for research degrees ensures that you can direct your full academic attention to your research project. At UniSA, scholarships and other financial support are associated to the research project you are applying for, and they are awarded on a competitive basis. Please ensure you have read all the information about our application process and how to choose your research project before reading about scholarships.

There are three main types of scholarship at UniSA for new students, depending on what part of your research project they fund:

Tuition fee offset or waiver

This type of scholarship funds the cost of your program fees. All* domestic students are eligible for the Commonwealth Government Research Training Program fee offset, which means that you will not have to pay tuition fees for the duration of your candidature. This is 4 years or FTE for doctoral students or 2 years or FTE for Masters of Research students. International students may apply for a project which includes a tuition fee waiver, which covers the costs of the fees.

Living allowance or stipend

This type of scholarship provides students with a fortnightly stipend to assist with their living expenses. These are normally associated with certain projects and normally require students to hold a full-time load.

Top-up scholarship

This type of scholarship is normally awarded at local level to certain projects, research areas or Academic Units, and provide additional support to students on a living allowance or stipend.

In addition to the above, there are other scholarship opportunities for current students which are aimed at funding specific activities related to a project, such as conference travel, equipment, or tuition fee funding.

What scholarships are you interested in?

University-wide scholarships for new students.

Area-specific projects at UniSA for new students

Australian students

Phone: +61 8 8302 2376 Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

International students

Phone: +61 8 9627 4854 Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

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The Graduate School of Business Leadership Hosts Inaugural SBL Business Hub Seminar

The event, aimed at showcasing how the SBL can support and mentor small business enterprises, was attended by a diverse group of guests including alumni, entrepreneurs, business partners, the broader UNISA community and various other stakeholders.

Dr Colene Hind addresses a packed auditorium as she launches the SBL Business Hub seminar.

The SBL Business Hub is the brainchild of Professor Peet Venter, Dr Colene Hind and Dr Ireze van Wyk, who is partnering on the project from the College of Economics and Management Sciences.  This inter-college collaboration brings together a combined 40 years of teaching, research and industry experience in the fields of strategy, innovation, marketing and entrepreneurship.

To kick off this much-anticipated event, Professor Annemarie Davis, Professor of Strategic Management in the Department of Business Management at UNISA, gave an inspirational keynote address wherein she introduced the transformative work of the Inhlanyelo Hub , UNISA’s business incubator service. The Inhlayelo Hub harnesses the entrepreneurial aspirations of Unisa students, academics and alumni. It provides needs-based mentorship, funding support and smart on-site facilities and workspaces to its clients, thereby making conditions fertile for the birth of small business enterprises. The audience was enthralled by the success of projects such as the Drone Diva Programme, which trains young women in the skill of drone piloting, thereby giving them the technical skills and business acumen to take flight – in more ways than one! The keynote address was not only a demonstration of the success of UNISA’s Inhlayelo Hub. It was also a masterclass in the sourcing and efficient use of funding in a non-profit organisation.

The speakers’ diversity in expertise of the speakers ensured that the seminar catered for the various interests of the audience. This was evidenced by the numbers that filled up all the breakaway sessions with which people were spoiled for choice. The speakers included Magriet Engelbrecht who presented the Enneagram. This personality test can help a budding entrepreneur to understand their personality type and those of their team members. This knowledge can help to manage group dynamics, a characteristic of small businesses which is often overlooked but which can lead to the downfall of a fledgling business. Les Wiggill gave a riveting talk on the age-old – but no less relevant – skill of selling and sales. In an informative talk aimed at removing the anxiety caused by common mistakes in small business financial management, Tusani Mnyandu gave a talk on tax and accountancy matters. A popular session was that of Yoke van Dam, a behavioural change specialist who gave a robust and interactive masterclass on self-promotion and networking in the era of social media and artificial intelligence. These were but some of the exciting speakers that demonstrated the SBL Business Hub’s commitment to the empowerment and mentorship of small businesses.

Some of the information and tools showcased at the seminar.

The seminar attendees came from all corners of the SBL community and presented ideal conditions for robust networking and the exchange of ideas to take place. Kimberly, a UNISA alumnus, took time out of her busy schedule as a primary school teacher in the East Rand to attend the event as motivation to one day start her own small business.  Another attendee, a DBL candidate at the SBL who is also an entrepreneur and owns a petrol service station, had an overall positive experience at the SBL Business Hub event. On an impactful note, she indicated encouraging her 18-year-old daughter to apply and sign up for the Drone Divas programme. Ntshepi, an HR consultant who attended Magriet Engelbrecht’s presentation on the Enneagram, left feeling confident that the presentation would significantly enhance her interactions in the human capital space she operates in. Finally, Mr Sibanyoni, an insurance broker running a small business that deals in short-term insurance, medical aid schemes and life insurance, participated in Yoke van Dam’s paired exercises with much enthusiasm as he discovered innovative ways of self-promotion and networking, skills which would give him a distinct advantage in the highly competitive insurance industry.

Legitimacy is one of the conditions upon which social license to operate is granted to an organisation and refers to how an organisation adds value to society (Steyn & De Beer, 2012a:43). Judging by the robust and engaging discussions which took place at the seminar, it is safe to say that through the SBL Business Hub, small businesses now have access to expertise, resources and mentorship that not only can help start and grow small businesses but can also ensure sustainability in the long run. There is no more significant evidence of the SBL’s legitimacy than the ability to impact the environment within which it operates positively.

*Compiled by Thami Kaunda, Communications Specialist, UNISA SBL

If you would like to receive information about future events and other initiatives hosted by the SBL Business Hub, feel free to complete their Small Business Needs Survey by using the below QR code.

Publish date: 2024/08/22

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• Apply now Enquire now

Study at UniSA

Accounting and Finance Business Management and HRM Marketing Property Tourism, Sports and Events

Architecture Communication Contemporary Art Creative Industries Design Film, Television and Visual Effects Journalism Urban and Regional Planning

Biomedical Science Health Science Human Movement, Sport, Clinical Exercise Physiology Laboratory Medicine Medical Radiation Science Nursing or Midwifery Nutrition and Food Sciences Occupational Therapy Pharmacy Physiotherapy Podiatry Speech Pathology

• Law & Criminal Justice

Aboriginal and Australian Studies Arts Human Services Languages Psychology Social Work

Aviation Construction Management Defence Engineering Environmental Science Information Technology Mathematics Science

• Teaching & Education
• What can I study
• Entry pathways
• Find an education agent
• Sponsorships

Living in Adelaide

• UniSA Online

Scholarships

• Postgraduate study
• Research degrees
• Executive Education
• Regional students
• Aboriginal students
• Discover our research Partner with us
• Research projects

How to apply

• Check your eligibility
• Research scholarships
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• Cooperative Research Centres
• Research studies & volunteers
• Research experts
• Industry & collaboration
• Mawson Lakes
• Mount Gambier
• Psychology Clinic
• Health Clinics
• Disability Hub
• Wirringka Student Services
• Museums and galleries
• Industry & partnerships
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About UniSA

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• Vice Chancellor
• Achievements
• Mission, values, vision
• Strategic action plan
• Staff directory
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You're viewing degree information for International students

You're considered an International student if you are:

• NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
• NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)

Doctor of Education

Degree Level Research

Degree info for International students

Campus Magill

Duration 4 year(s) full-time

Mode On-campus/Online

Program Code MPEU

Fees AUD$ 34,400 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

International Admission by Country See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code 036294F

Program level Doctorate by research

Entry requirements

You must check the entry requirements for the type of research degree you wish to apply for and make sure you are eligible.

• If you are an international applicant you also need to check that you meet the English language requirements.
• Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee entry into a research degree.

Degree overview

• Develop the ability to design and complete research relevant to your workplace and practice.
• Benefit from our extensive national and in the broad field of educational practice.
• Produce new and useful professional knowledge and practice(s).
• Learn from visiting scholars and artists.
• Create research projects around your professional interests.
• Work in a dynamic research environment.
• Work under the guidance of experienced and highly qualified research supervisors where our education research is rated above world-class 1 .
• UniSA's education degrees are number one in South Australia 2 and World top 100 in Education 3 .
• UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities 4 , we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

1 Results for Specialist Studies in Education - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2 2022 QS Subject Rankings  3 2023 THE Subject Rankings 4 UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

What is a research degree?

A research degree is an advanced program of study allowing you to investigate a topic relevant to your field. Under the supervision of world-class researchers, you will learn and apply advanced research methodologies to produce new knowledge and provide solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges. Completing a research degree means becoming an expert in your field. It’s your opportunity to take a topic that interests you, explore it in depth, tackle intellectual, creative and practical challenges, and communicate your findings.

Depending on your area of interest, you can study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Professional Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy (by Portfolio of Publications) or Master of Research.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (up to four years full-time equivalent) provides you with advanced training and education, and the capacity to conduct research independently at a high level of originality and quality.

By the end of your program, you will be capable of independently designing and executing original research that generates new knowledge.

Professional Doctorate

A rigorous program of advanced study and research, designed specifically to meet the needs of industry, end-users and professional groups. Professional doctorates usually consist of a blend of coursework and research (three to four years full-time equivalent), encouraging close cooperation across university, industry and the profession, as well as providing a framework for integrated professional expertise and scholarly inquiry.

Doctor of Philosophy (by Portfolio of Publications)

Allows formal recognition of established researchers and/or scholars who do not already hold a PhD qualification, and who have produced research of international standing in their field with an ongoing record of academic publication (work).

Master of Research

A Master of Research (two years full-time equivalent) enables you to analyse your thesis topic at an advanced level, and apply research methodology and techniques to contribute new knowledge in your field, under appropriate supervision.

Please note, a master by coursework (such as an MBA) involves enrolling in selected courses and participating in lectures and tutorials (online or on campus). It is different to a master of research.

Find out more about our  research projects .

Why do a research degree?

UniSA research is inspired by the challenges and opportunities of today. In the 2018 Australian Research Council Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluation of Australian universities, all of our assessed research was rated at world class or above. We are vibrant, outward-facing and responsive. We partner with industry, government and communities to seek answers to questions that arise in the real world. 

Learn more about our research .

The transformed PhD

UniSA intends to deliver industry and end-user informed research that supports employer-relevant curriculum. To achieve this, and to produce entrepreneurial and business-aware graduates, we have developed the transformed PhD.

We have added a structured component to research degrees including enhanced skill development, supervisory panels and a technology-enabled oral defence of the thesis. Through these activities you will develop a set of professional, transferable skills relevant to our knowledge-based enterprise economy.

The aim of the transformed PhD is to increase your employment prospects in any career path. You will possess the knowledge, expertise and confidence to meet the emerging needs of academia, industry, government and the community.

Four good reasons to do a research degree

• Challenge yourself. You will need to work hard, be dedicated and think analytically at a high level. You will tackle completely new research and different research methods, or extend research already undertaken.
• Increase your career opportunities. A research degree provides evidence of independent thought and the ability to manage a research project in a given timeframe. Your research could allow you to develop a new specialisation, academic field or career. A research degree at UniSA will also allow you to develop a skillset which sets you apart, putting you at the centre of your professional development.
• Make your ideas public. Your research findings may be published, presented at conferences, provide a commercial return and have a positive impact on society.
• Contribute to society. Discover new methods, understandings and techniques, and solve a real-world problem.

What can I research?

This professional doctorate is designed for professional educators and practitioners and includes a blend of coursework and research.

The coursework component builds on your professional expertise as a practitioner in the broad field of education by exposing you to contemporary and challenging ideas in your field. The research component aims to direct and inform change in educational practices of the particular industry, workplace or institution.

Our research is facilitated by a range of different research concentrations, including:

• The Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion (CRESI):  is one of the largest research concentrations in the world that is focused on contributing to new knowledge about issues related to educational and social inclusion.
• Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (CITE):  a global knowledge hub – the centre brings together academics specialising in Islamic civilisation, psychology, ethics, leadership, management, sociology, finance and education.
• Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L): focuses on the complex relationship between human and artificial cognition, how it changes society, knowledge processes, and teaching and learning.

You may also choose to study an alternate subject matter that does not fit within these research concentrations. To do this you must find a suitable supervisory team who specialises in the subject area.

Find a research area

To find a research area, you'll need to match your qualifications and interests to the  research projects  offered at UniSA. These have been developed by teams of academics who will supervise you during your research degree.

Scholarships and projects

A scholarship allows you to focus on your research without needing to do paid work. At UniSA, you can explore high achiever scholarships, vacation research scholarships, as well as Vice Chancellor and President’s scholarships.

We also offer thematically-based scholarships. These scholarships will not only address local, national and international grand challenges, they will also ensure you work across the University, with industry, and with community partners.

Learn more about available scholarships .

Graduate outcomes

There are seven identified graduate qualities and outcomes that result from doing a research degree at UniSA. Importantly, these competencies are transferable to the workplace, whether academic or professional. In brief, a research degree graduate of the University of South Australia:

• understands, can contribute to and critique current research-based knowledge in their field
• is prepared for lifelong learning in pursuit of ongoing personal development and excellence
• is an effective problem solver and researcher
• can work both autonomously and collaboratively as a researcher
• is committed to ethical action and social responsibility
• communicates research knowledge effectively
• demonstrates international perspectives in research

Read about our  research degree graduate qualities  in more detail.

Degree structure

1. If candidates are first enrolled in second half of Year 1, then the order in which they complete the first two courses will be reversed.

2. EDUC 8027 'Research Methodology' builds on knowledge and skills developed in Masters level programs. Exemption of up to 3 units may be granted to candidates who have undertaken a Masters by research or who have extensive research experience.

3. It is important that, while the program is presented as courses, the total demand of the program is understood to equate to that of PhD students. The cumulative word count expected for assessment purposes is 75-80,000 words.

You will be required to complete papers and tasks for assessment as part of this degree's coursework component; you will also present a 75,000-80,000 word portfolio for examination.

Your portfolio will consist of:

• introduction
• three supervised small-scale research study reports
• a thesis (meta-analysis) that incorporates a major analysis of the projects completed (approximately 15,000 – 20,000 words)

The research study reports (2 x 10,000 words and 1 x 35,000 words) will demonstrate your capacity to:

• formulate researchable questions
• develop a proposal for three interconnected studies that use an appropriate methodology and meet the standards for research at the University of South Australia
• critically analyse data
• report on that data, and
• use the research to generate new knowledge about professional educational practices

Why Doctor of Education

UniSA provides a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment where you are encouraged to explore your own ideas under the supervision of some of Australia’s leading researchers. 

We will also ensure you graduate with transferable career skills that complement your research experience and enhance your global capability when you complete the Transformed PhD  program. 

Career outcomes

Your career.

A professional doctorate will give you a competitive edge in the workplace.

You may choose to pursue a career in academia, or in research with a research institution or university. Alternatively, you may choose to work in your chosen specialisation.

Advanced research experience may also be the gateway to the Australian Public Service or leading NGOs.

Before applying, you will need to do some investigation. Our step-by-step guide will take you through the process of preparing your application to maximise your chances of success.

Please check the  research degrees calendar for all key dates.

Eligibility

Check to see if you meet the entry requirements for the type of research degree you wish to apply for.

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more .

More scholarships

Research Training Program international (RTPi) and University Presidents Scholarship

These scholarships will cover your tuition fees and your overseas health cover, and provide and a stipend (living allowance).

Learn more arrow-small-right

Research Themes PhD Scholarships

These scholarships address local, national and international grand challenges, and encourage collaboration with industry and community partners.

Australia’s University of Enterprise

Study at South Australia’s No. 1 university for graduate careers* and unlock your full potential.

*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

Magill campus is on stunning grounds, with huge eucalyptus trees bordering open grassy spaces. The campus has a gym for student use and is a short walk from restaurants, takeaway shops and other conveniences.

Keep up with the latest at Magill campus on Facebook .

Student accommodation

We offer advice and assistance to help you find long or short-term accommodation in Adelaide.

Find out more

For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/Research/Degrees/

You are eligible for a range of scholarships and grants as a current research student. For example, the prestigious Vice Chancellor and President’s Scholarship, Maurice de Rohan International Travel Scholarships or one of UniSA’s International Travel Grants. See Scholarships and Prizes for more information.

The world’s 5th most liveable city, Adelaide is welcoming and multicultural. It is an ideal home away from home.

International students

UniSA welcomes students from around the world. Discover what you can study, how to apply, and our support services.

Accommodation

We offer advice and assistance to help you find long- or short-term accommodation in Adelaide.

Australian students

Phone: +61 8 8302 2376 Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

Phone: +61 8 9627 4854 Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

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Master's & doctoral degrees

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Applications for admission to  master's and doctoral degrees  for the 2025 academic year to be open from  2 September to 22 November 2024  ( some exceptions apply ). 

You are encouraged to apply for admission as soon as possible, as qualifications will be removed from the application list once all available spaces for the 2025 academic year have been filled.

Final-year honours, postgraduate diploma and master’s degree students are advised to make use of the opportunity to submit their applications before the closing date if they plan to further their studies in 2025.

Who must apply ( some exceptions apply )?

• Everyone wanting to start a new qualification must apply for admission , including first-time Unisa applicants, Unisa students wanting to apply for a new qualification, students in their final year of a qualification wanting to start a master's or doctoral qualification, and previously registered master's and doctoral students who did not register for the 2024 academic year and now wish to continue with their studies.
• You may only apply for one qualification at master's and doctoral level. It is imperative, therefore, that you ensure that you meet the minimum admission requirements for your qualification of choice before applying for admission. Should you submit a second application, please note that it will replace your first application.
• If you are applying for admission to a Graduate School of Business Leadership (GSBL) qualification, please apply for a Unisa student number (unless you previously studied at Unisa towards a formal qualification) and complete the online application process.
• All master's and doctoral applications and enquiries must be submitted online. For any master's or doctoral enquiries, please send an e-mail to [email protected] . GSBL students must direct their enquiries to the relevant e-mail address: [email protected] / [email protected]  or [email protected]  

You may apply for the following qualifications outside the prescribed application dates:

Last modified: 2024/07/26