Master of Research
Research
2025
You're considered an International student if you are:
Research
2025
LRST
AUD$ 44,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
You must check the entry requirements for the type of research degree you wish to apply for and make sure you are eligible.
Please noteFind out more about our fully-funded research degree scholarships to support your studies.
1UniSA’s Engineering research rated well above world-class – 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research
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.
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.
When you study a research degree with UniSA STEM, you are immersed in a flourishing technology hub of theoretical, applied and cross-disciplinary research. Our innovative degrees will provide you with advanced academic and professional research skills. The majority of research degrees are offered at Mawson Lakes Campus, however some aspects may be offered at the City East or City West Campuses.
We welcome applications – and have supervisory teams available – in mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, agricultural engineering, sustainable energy, nano-technology, nano composite, advanced manufacturing technology, supply chain management, manufacturing management, signal processing, wireless sensor networks, telecommunication networks, applied physics, biological motion processing, autonomous systems, systems engineering, engineering management, socio-technical systems, complex systems, autonomous systems, unmanned systems, and robotic systems, geotechnical, structural and other civil engineering specialisations, construction management, project management, geomatics, geospatial Information science; including remote sensing, and land surveying.
We welcome applications – and have supervisory teams available – in computer science, information technology, forensic computing, information management, applied mathematics, mathematical modelling, optimisation and operations research, statistics, biometrics, bioinformatics, biological image analysis, computational biology, mathematical biology, telecommunications, information theory, biodiversity, environmental science, ecology, conservation, biodiversity, soil science, and plant physiology, and environmental specialisations.
Another study option is Dual Awards where students study their program in partnership with another institution. Further information is available here. These include:
For more information about a research degree with us, please contact STEM-Research@unisa.edu.au
UniSA is No.1 in Australia's for research impact and engagement1.
The University of South Australia has a proud history of furthering education and research in the fields of science and technology to promote innovation locally, nationally and internationally.
Our environment is diverse and multi-cultural, with over 300 academic researchers and over 320 Master of Research students, located at our Mawson Lakes and City East campuses. Our Academic Units, research institutes and research centres work collaboratively in cross-disciplinary teams to produce outstanding learning outcomes and research results.
We offer a research environment with highly experienced and engaged supervisors, extensive connections to industry, government and communities, and a focus on addressing globally significant issues. We encourage you to connect with our researchers and find out the possibilities.
We are ranked #2 in Australia for industry research income2 and our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented.
Read more about our strengths in research and discover some of our achievements.
12018 ARC Engagement and Impact Assessment (EI), Combined Impact –Approach to Impact and Engagement on Assessed Fields.
22022 THE World University Rankings.
A Master of Research degree 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.
A research degree graduate of the University of South Australia:
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.
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.
These scholarships will cover your tuition fees and your overseas health cover, and provide and a stipend (living allowance).
These scholarships address local, national and international grand challenges, and encourage collaboration with industry and community partners.
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.