Join our world-leading research teams in making it matter
As part of Griffith's expansive collaborative research community, you'll be studying alongside thought leaders and change makers on the forefront of discovery. We are dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today and producing outcomes with social impact, creating a brighter future for all. You'll help discover new global solutions on the world stage.
At Griffith, you'll gain all the advantages of studying at a research-intensive university that fosters industry, community, government, national and international research collaborations—offering you an immersive university experience.
Choose Griffith
Griffith is a world-class university with a reputation for research and teaching excellence.
A reputation for excellence
We’re one of only six Innovative Research Universities (IRUs)—we’ve been working on issues of critical local and global importance for 50 years.
World-leading research
Griffith is at the global forefront of research, exceeding world standards in more than 20 fields in the latest Excellence in Research for Australia results.
Connect and collaborate
Griffith researchers are well-connected and highly collaborative, with over 5,000 national partners and over 200 international research agreements.
Top 100 ranking
Our impact is felt worldwide. We've ranked in the top 100 globally for three consecutive years in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
How to apply
Work through these steps below to get started on your Griffith research study journey.
Choose your degree
Whether you're beginning your research study or continuing at a higher level, our degrees provide a unique opportunity to follow a specific interest in a particular research area. No matter your goals, we’ve got a research degree to suit you.
Find a research project and supervisor
You may be starting at the very beginning with a unique proposal, or you may be able to join an established Griffith research project. If considering your own proposal, you are best to firstly identify a potential supervisor who works in your area of interest.
Search our academic experts conducting research across all major academic disciplines.
Find a scholarship
Griffith research scholarships are available to support you and can cover tuition fees, overseas student health cover and living expenses paid as stipends. Your research project can also be funded through the Griffith Industry PhD Scholarship Scheme or as part of a project grant. Applications are assessed through a merit-based selection process, with scholarships awarded throughout the year. If you are successful, you can commence at the next available intake.
Industry PhD opportunity
An industry PhD provides the opportunity to become a researcher who transforms ideas into action. Kristin Magarry was awarded the competitive CSIRO Industry PhD Scholarship and is conducting her PhD in partnership with Hyper Theory, a Brisbane-based creative animation studio.
I feel very strongly that having the ability to make authentic connections with others and lead with kindness is essential to a person’s happiness and so, for me, this project is really about trying to build a kinder future for the next generation of kids.
Kristin Magarry - PhD candidateI'm lucky to be able to learn and work with a great team of industry and academic experts from multiple disciplines.
Key dates
Commencement intakes
Griffith offers you the choice of four intake dates a year. Please check the trimester start dates if your research program includes coursework.
2025 intake dates
- Intake 1: 24 February 2025
- Intake 2: 28 April 2025
- Intake 3: 7 July 2025
- Intake 4: 13 October 2025
Admission dates
You can submit your application for admission at any time. If approved, you will receive an offer for one of the next two research intakes or the next Trimester for coursework programs.
Application closing dates for each program are listed on Degree Finder, typically eight weeks before the intake. To start in the next intake, apply early enough to accept your offer and, if necessary, relocate to Queensland.
Scholarship Dates
Applications for scholarships for domestic applicants are currently open. If you wish to apply for a merit-based scholarship to commence in intakes 2 and 3 in 2025, you will need to lodge your application by 11.59 (AEST) 31 January 2025.
Both domestic and international applicants can apply for industry-linked, grant-linked and project specific scholarships to commence in intakes throughout the year.
PhDs and research degrees
Doctor of Philosophy
The PhD is Griffith’s premier research training degree. It is awarded for a thesis (or a series of published papers), drafted under supervision, which makes an original, significant, and extensive contribution to knowledge and understanding in your field of study.
Doctor of Philosophy (by prior publication)
This degree can offer you formal recognition for your work if you are an established researcher and do not already hold a doctoral level qualification.
Learn more about PhDs by prior publication
Doctor of Medicine / Doctor of Philosophy concurrent pathway
The PhD will allow you to complete the first two years of the Doctor of Medicine program before commencing two years of full time PhD work in clinical research.
Professional Doctorates
These are integrated degrees of professional and research work, and include doctoral level coursework associated with a thesis.
Master of Philosophy
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded for a thesis, drafted under supervision, which presents original research and demonstrates both knowledge of a research topic and discipline. It is shorter than a PhD and offered across all schools.
Specialist Masters by Research
These are specialist degrees which combine coursework with professional and/or artistic practice.
Graduate Diploma of Research Studies
The Graduate Diploma of Research Studies provides a Griffith pathway to a PhD or MPhil for applicants who do not possess the required qualifications for direct admission. These are offered in specific disciplines.
- Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies
- Graduate Diploma of Health Research
- Graduate Diploma of Law Research Studies
- Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Business
- Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Engineering
- Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Information Technology
- Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Science
Research study abroad
International students currently enrolled in a research degree in a university overseas may undertake a research project at Griffith University for one to three semesters, under the research study abroad program.
You’ll be able to study in any research area, provided supervision and resources are available. Credit gained at Griffith is transferred toward the degree at your home institution, with that institution’s agreement.
Joint PhD
A joint doctoral program allows you to undertake research at Griffith University and one of our partner universities.
Griffith offers a joint degree with the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Students undergo a five-year program commencing with one year of coursework training at UCAS, followed by a four-year research program at both UCAS and Griffith.
The GU-UCAS application round for Griffith University is currently closed.
PhDs and research degrees
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The highest level of education, the Doctor of Philosophy is our premier research degree. You’ll develop a thesis under supervision that makes an original and significant contribution to knowledge and understanding in your field of study.
Professional doctorate and research masters
A professional doctorate integrates professional and research work, including a supervised research project and an advanced program of study related to your practitioner settings and responsibilities.
Master of Philosophy
The Master of Philosophy is awarded for a thesis, drafted under supervision, that presents original research and demonstrates knowledge of a topic and discipline. It is shorter than a PhD and available across all disciplines.
What sets us apart
Hear from members of our vibrant and inclusive interdisciplinary research community and see why we’re ranked top 100 in the world for impact.
