Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow Scheme - RMIT University
Source: https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers/vice-chancellors-indigenous-doctoral-fellowship-scheme
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:15
Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow Scheme - RMIT University
Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow Scheme
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Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow (VCIDF) Scheme
Home
/
Careers
/
Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow Scheme
The Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow (VCIDF) Scheme is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander higher degree research candidates seeking to establish themselves and evolve as researchers through a PhD.
Research with purpose, guided by Country and Communities
Applications for RMIT Vice Chancellor’s Indigenous Doctoral Fellow (VCIDF) Scheme is now
OPEN
Submit your PhD Application
or contact the VCIDF recruitment team at
VCIDF@rmit.edu.au
.
Expand all sections
Collapse all sections
About the VCIDF scheme
The RMIT Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow (VCIDF) scheme supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholars to lead research that shapes knowledge, communities, and institutions. It responds to national priorities to boost Indigenous participation, retention, and success in higher education, as outlined in the Universities Australia Indigenous Strategy and the Australian Universities Accord.
By investing in Indigenous-led research from the very start of the academic journey, RMIT's VCIDF scheme ensures fellows can set their own research agendas, advance Indigenous knowledges, and influence institutional culture. Aligned with RMIT’s ‘Grow Our Own’ strategy, the scheme provides structured early-career pathways, combining mentorship, professional development, and cohort-based support to tackle barriers like isolation, underrepresentation, and limited tailored guidance.
Through the VCIDF scheme, RMIT is helping meet national targets for Indigenous HDR enrolments and completions, while fostering long-term academic leadership and research excellence.
The scheme is offered under the ‘Special Measures’ provision of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 2010 and is open exclusively to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants.
Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage
is required once an offer is made.
This is the VCIDF PhD and Employment Lifecycle:
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a VCIDF applicants must meet the following requirements:
Special Condition: Mandatory/Essential
The Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow (VCIDF) Scheme is an identified opportunity under ‘Special Measures’ of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 2010. This means that only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.
Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage
is required at both time of application for the VCIDF role and PhD candidature.
Minimum requirements for admission to an RMIT University PhD program are:
A bachelor’s degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction* average in the final year;
OR
A master’s degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction* average or a master’s degree without a research component with at least a high distinction* average;
OR
Evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.
*At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.
For assistance on determining your eligibility, please contact the SGR Admissions and Scholarships team via email at
VCIDF@rmit.edu.au
.
Search projects and supervisors
Do you already know your preferred research area or topic?
Alternatively, if you haven’t identified a specific project, explore the
Available Research Projects list
to discover potential topics and supervisors.
Position Description
Download the
VCIDF Position Description (PDF 235KB)
to determine your suitability for the role based on defined Selection Criteria, duties and responsibilities.
Download the
Statement of Purpose (SoP) template (PDF 291KB)
The SoP template needs to be uploaded to the PhD application portal as one of the supporting documents.
Support for your application and application process
Our graduate research and recruitment specialists are here to guide you through every step of the process.
If you require support or have questions not answered in the
applicant guide
(DOCX 165 KB), please contact the recruitment team at
VCIDF@rmit.edu.au
.
Support for Indigenous staff and students
Indigenous Applicants
Ngarara Willim
RMIT’s commitment to Australian Indigenous cultures
Respect for Australian Indigenous Cultures
Application Process
There are two key processes you will follow (see diagram above).
Apply for the RMIT PhD Program
Admission to the RMIT PhD is a two-step process:
Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI
)
Submit your EOI through the RMIT application portal.
Once your eligibility is confirmed, successful candidates will be invited to submit a full application.
Step 2: Full Application
Complete your full PhD application in the same portal, following the invitation.
VCIDF Interviews and Shortlisting
Step 3: Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview with the VCIDF selection panel.
Step 4: Interview Outcome
If successful, you will be invited to apply for the advertised VCIDF position through Workday. This application includes:
Completing the Workday online form (including role-specific screening questions).
Preparing and uploading a brief cover letter and CV.
Uploading a document confirming your Aboriginality.
Candidates who are not successful for the VCIDF may still be considered for the
RMIT Indigenous HDR Scholarship (RIHS)
, which provides an alternative pathway.
Step 4a:
Candidates admitted into the PhD program.
Step 4b:
Successful VCIDF applicants progress to apply via Workday and will be issued an employment contract under the VCIDF.
More information and entitlements about the RIHS can be found
here
.
Key Dates
Key Dates
2026 VCIDF Scheme Opens for EOIs for PhD application portal
1 September 2025
EOI deadline. Last day to submit documents for EOI assessment
30 September 2025
Full Application Deadline. Last day to submit documents for Full applications in PhD application portal
11 November 2025
Interviews by VCIDF Selection Panel
From 24 November 2025
School of Graduate Research to provide Conditional Offer Letters for Admission into the PhD program
From 2 December 2025
Successful Prospective VCIDFs- Apply via HR application portal
3 December 2025
HR Application (Workday) application Closing Date
10 December 2025
Required documentation checklist
Expand all sections
Submit a scanned copy of a valid
certified
identification document with your photo (passport or equivalent).
Prospective candidates must apply using their full legal name (
as reflected in their passport
) or a valid identification document.
Your CV should clearly indicate the starting and end dates and country of all our education, work and research experiences. This can also include scholarships and awards, relevant employment, and publications/exhibitions/performances.
Publications where applicable should be included in your CV. You can only include publications that have been accepted, are in-press or have been published.
Supporting documents can include:
A copy of your CV/resume, Proof of acceptance or publication of peer reviewed article, or book/book chapter, copies of conference abstracts and the front pages (including contents page) for each publication.
Academic Transcripts
Provide scanned copies of your official academic transcripts for all completed qualifications.
Transcripts must display grades achieved during exam periods, along with dates corresponding to completed degrees.
Include an explanation of the scoring system (minimum and maximum grades), clearly indicating the passing threshold. This can be satisfied by providing the University with a grading scale from your institution(s).
Translation requirements
Academic records not written in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Preferred translations are those made by NAATI-qualified translators or official translation services.
Currently completing awards
If you are still completing a qualification, upload a provisional degree certificate or a document from your institution confirming your current status.
Once completed, you must submit your final transcript and any examiners’ reports (if applicable).
Research Masters (Ungraded)
If you have completed an ungraded Research Masters, upload examiners’ reports along with your academic transcript (if available).
Support documents must include
Certified copies of official academic transcripts showing all courses/units attempted, marks, and grades achieved.
Degree certificates/testamurs from the awarding institution for all completed qualifications.
An explanation of the grading schema, typically found on the back of your transcript, or a link to the university’s website providing this information.
Along with your research proposal, you will need to clearly indicate your proposed research title or area of interest. Please also specify the supervision team involved in your supervision team across both institutions.
Supporting documents required can include: Invitation to Apply, Research Proposal, Sponsorship/scholarship letter (where applicable).
Certified English Proficiency Certificate or other proof of English proficiency, if English is not your first language. Please not that "English as a first language" refers to being a citizen in a country that has English as their primary language. You can qualify as "English as a first language" if you are a citizen from any of the countries that are listed on our
recognised qualifications page
.
Note
: If your English proficiency certificate is not yet available, you may attach evidence of your commitment to present a valid test (proof that you booked the test). Failure to submit a valid certificate that complies with the minimum criteria may lead to rejection of your application.
All applicants must meet RMIT’s English language Proficiency (ELP) requirements. English tests must be valid at the point of commencement.
Supporting documents required can include evidence of meeting ELP requirements, if applicable (e.g. test report form, letter from institution confirming studies were completed in English).
Ways in which you can meet English language proficiency requirements
A
: Language Proficiency Test taken within the last 2 years, please view our
English language proficiency test page
for RMIT accepted tests.
To determine the English language proficiency test requirements for your research program at RMIT, please follow the steps below:
Visit the
Research Programs webpage
.
Scroll down to the
"Choose a study area"
section and select your relevant study area. This will direct you to a new page.
On the new page, scroll down to the
"Explore our [discipline] courses and disciplines"
section and click on the discipline you are applying for.
In the
"Choose a [discipline] course"
section, select
"International Students"
. If a pop-up appears saying “You're viewing program information for local students,” make sure to click
"Switch to international content."
Select the specific program you are applying for (e.g.
PhD (Architecture & Design)
). This will open the course information page.
On the right side of the screen, locate the
"EXPLORE"
navigation menu that follows you as you scroll. Click on
"Admissions"
to jump to the entry requirements section.
Within this section, click the fourth tab labeled
"English language requirements."
You will now see the specific English test score requirements accepted for your program.
B:
Successful completion of a postgraduate qualification from an accredited university or institution where:
i. English was the medium of instruction and assessment of study, and
ii. the final year of university study was completed during the five years immediately prior to the commencement of study at RMIT University.
(you must attach a letter from your university that clearly indicates that medium of instruction was in English)
C:
Successful completion of at least two years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) university study from an accredited university or institution where:
i. English was the medium of instruction and assessment of study, and
ii. the final year of university study was undertaken during the two years immediately prior to commencement at RMIT.
(you must attach a letter from your university that clearly indicates that medium of instruction was in English)
D:
Evidence of professional experience and/or academic publications in English, such as:
i. sustained work for two years immediately prior to commencement at RMIT in a country where English is an official language
ii. authorship or co-authorship of at least two English language peer-reviewed journal articles or a book chapter written and published in English within the three years prior to commencement at RMIT.
(you must attach copies of your published papers)
Statement of Purpose (SOP) (PDF 291KB)
Some of the documents that are sent during your application must be certified.
When you apply through a
RMIT-registered agent
, they will send certified documents to RMIT University directly- so they may work with you on certifying documents as part of your application.
Key documents that require certification
Grading scale (specifying the pass and/or grade required for the award of the qualification issued by institutions
Work reference letter issued by the employer
Discontinuation letter issued by the institutions
Language of instruction letter issued by the institutions
Passport, National ID Card or Driver’s License to prove your identity
Australian Passport, Australian Birth Certificate, Australian Citizenship Certificate or Australian Visa Grant Notice to prove your Australian citizenship or Australian residency status
Trusted people to certify copies
To submit a copy of a document, you need to get a trusted person to verify that the copy you’re providing is an accurate reflection of the original. They would do this by sighting the original document, checking that the copy aligns to the original, then certifying each page (this is important) of the documentation.
They should do this by making each page of the copy includes:
a statement or a stamp that shows the certifier has seen the original documents by using words like 'certified true copy of the original' or 'original sighted'
the date
the certifier's signature, full name, organisation stamp, and position title (unless the certifier is a RMIT-registered agent).
For documents submitted from outside Australia, the following people are trusted:
solicitor
commissioner for declarations
government official
public notary
university staff from your previous university (head of department, dean, registrar or other authorised delegate).
Documents certified by:
RMIT staff members or RMIT-registered agents
ARE
accepted
Postal managers or independent/catholic school principals are
NOT
accepted.
A letter of financial guarantee is only applicable if you are an international applicant being sponsored to come to RMIT to complete your research degree.
Comparison of RIHS and VCIDF Scheme
Program supported
Eligibility
Duration
Stipend
Additional
Tax status
RMIT Indigenous HDR Scholarship (RIHS)
PhD or Masters
Std PhD or Masters eligibility
PLUS
Indigenous eligibility
PhD 3.5 years FT
Masters 2yrs FT
$47,821 per annum pro rata (full-time study, 2025 rate)
RTP Fee Offset scholarship
relocation allowance (to a maximum of $1,540)
paid sick, maternity and parenting leave
Full-time tax exempt
Part-time not tax exempt
Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Doctoral Fellow (VCIDF) Scheme
PhD ONLY
Std PhD eligibility
PLUS
Indigenous eligibility
4yrs
Level A salary
RTP Fee Offset scholarship
Not tax exempt
Full-time or Part-time
Meet Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellows | RMIT University
Meet RMIT's Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Research Fellows from previous years as they share their experience with the University.
The 2024 Indigenous Pre-Doctoral Research Fellowships are open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander higher degree research candidates seeking to establish themselves and evolve as researchers through a PhD.
To find out more and register your interest visit: https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers/vice-chancellors-indigenous-doctoral-fellowship-scheme
Meet some of RMIT's Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Pre-Doctoral Fellows – Transcript
[On-screen text: Ms. Rebecca Hird Fletcher, Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow, STEM College]
Rebecca: My name is Rebecca Hird Fletcher. I'm a GuriNgai woman with strong Awabakal ties.
[On-screen text: Mrs. Michelle Gissara, Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow, Design and Social Context]
Michelle: Hi, my name is Michelle Gissara. I'm a proud Kardu Diminin, Kardu Yek Naninh Aboriginal woman and I'm a Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Research Fellow here at RMIT.
Rebecca: My research is around the needs and the voices of young First Nations children and young people who experience detention in southern Queensland.
Michelle: So what I'm looking at is image-based sexual abuse in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and gender diverse peoples. I applied for the fellowship because I really enjoyed doing my undergraduate here and doing my honours, and I just wanted to do further research into image-based abuse. I really love the flexibility here at RMIT. I'm able to focus on Indigenous research, obviously being an Indigenous person myself, but I can include Indigenous methodology, ways of knowing, being and doing within the research that I'm doing and by having that, it’s helping me as a researcher come into my own.
Rebecca: There are aspects of this role that I really love which was, number one, I get to do my PhD. RMIT has always had a reputation of being a progressive university and I'm wanting to use, or I am using, Indigenous research methods and methodology and wanted that to be embraced by the academy that I was going to do my PhD with. I get to experience teaching; I get to experience different aspects of university life as a research fellow and that kind of opens up that career pathway. There's a number of supports that I've found that have been really helpful. Ngarara Willim is an amazing space, and I love going in there just to kind of be and hang out with other Blackfellas and talk about what we're doing.
Michelle: They were one of the very first people that I talked to, even when I started at RMIT in general, and they helped me through the whole application process. They've been there since day dot. And just my supervisors, everyone that I have around me, other fellow PhD candidates as well. It's just good, fostering a sense of community.
Rebecca: So my advice to anyone who's thinking about applying is, firstly, just go for it, but really think about what you want to do, go with what your passion is and don't be afraid of putting that out there.
Michelle: Definitely give it a go. It was a very supportive process when I put my application forward, everyone was there to help you and help you along your journey.
[On-screen text: RMIT University logo, Discover more at rmit.edu.au]
[End transcript]
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Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow Scheme
SKIP TO CONTENT
Search field
Search
Search
RMIT Australia
RMIT Europe
RMIT Global
RMIT Vietnam
RMIT UP
RMIT Online
Students
Alumni
Staff
Library
RMIT Online
Courses
Courses by study area
Undergraduate courses
Postgraduate courses
Vocational studies
Pre-university studies
Online courses and degrees
Entry pathways
Single courses
Short courses and microcredentials
Courses for international students
Contact Study@RMIT
Study with us
How to apply
Fees
Scholarships
School leaver information
Student services
Student experience
Key dates
Indigenous students
Parents
Career advisers
Contact Study@RMIT
Frequently asked questions
Life at RMIT
Study experience
Student life
Support for students
Global opportunities
Industry connections
Contact Study@RMIT
About
News
Events
Maps
Careers
Contact us
Our strategy
Governance & management
Schools & colleges
Respect for Australian Indigenous cultures
Our locations and facilities
Our heritage
Regenerative Futures
Research
Our research
Impact
Research degrees
Facilities
Partnerships
Find researchers
Centres and collaborations
Contact
Partner
Recruit students and graduates
Workforce development
Collaborate with RMIT
Research partnerships
Facilities, equipment and services
Contact Industry Engagement
Giving to RMIT
International
Study in Australia
Apply to RMIT as an international student
Courses for international students
Contact Study@RMIT
Fees and scholarships for international students
International student services
Key dates and intake information for international students
Frequently asked questions
Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow (VCIDF) Scheme
Home
/
Careers
/
Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow Scheme
The Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow (VCIDF) Scheme is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander higher degree research candidates seeking to establish themselves and evolve as researchers through a PhD.
Research with purpose, guided by Country and Communities
Applications for RMIT Vice Chancellor’s Indigenous Doctoral Fellow (VCIDF) Scheme is now
OPEN
Submit your PhD Application
or contact the VCIDF recruitment team at
VCIDF@rmit.edu.au
.
Expand all sections
Collapse all sections
About the VCIDF scheme
The RMIT Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow (VCIDF) scheme supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholars to lead research that shapes knowledge, communities, and institutions. It responds to national priorities to boost Indigenous participation, retention, and success in higher education, as outlined in the Universities Australia Indigenous Strategy and the Australian Universities Accord.
By investing in Indigenous-led research from the very start of the academic journey, RMIT's VCIDF scheme ensures fellows can set their own research agendas, advance Indigenous knowledges, and influence institutional culture. Aligned with RMIT’s ‘Grow Our Own’ strategy, the scheme provides structured early-career pathways, combining mentorship, professional development, and cohort-based support to tackle barriers like isolation, underrepresentation, and limited tailored guidance.
Through the VCIDF scheme, RMIT is helping meet national targets for Indigenous HDR enrolments and completions, while fostering long-term academic leadership and research excellence.
The scheme is offered under the ‘Special Measures’ provision of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 2010 and is open exclusively to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants.
Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage
is required once an offer is made.
This is the VCIDF PhD and Employment Lifecycle:
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a VCIDF applicants must meet the following requirements:
Special Condition: Mandatory/Essential
The Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow (VCIDF) Scheme is an identified opportunity under ‘Special Measures’ of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 2010. This means that only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.
Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage
is required at both time of application for the VCIDF role and PhD candidature.
Minimum requirements for admission to an RMIT University PhD program are:
A bachelor’s degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction* average in the final year;
OR
A master’s degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction* average or a master’s degree without a research component with at least a high distinction* average;
OR
Evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.
*At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.
For assistance on determining your eligibility, please contact the SGR Admissions and Scholarships team via email at
VCIDF@rmit.edu.au
.
Search projects and supervisors
Do you already know your preferred research area or topic?
Alternatively, if you haven’t identified a specific project, explore the
Available Research Projects list
to discover potential topics and supervisors.
Position Description
Download the
VCIDF Position Description (PDF 235KB)
to determine your suitability for the role based on defined Selection Criteria, duties and responsibilities.
Download the
Statement of Purpose (SoP) template (PDF 291KB)
The SoP template needs to be uploaded to the PhD application portal as one of the supporting documents.
Support for your application and application process
Our graduate research and recruitment specialists are here to guide you through every step of the process.
If you require support or have questions not answered in the
applicant guide
(DOCX 165 KB), please contact the recruitment team at
VCIDF@rmit.edu.au
.
Support for Indigenous staff and students
Indigenous Applicants
Ngarara Willim
RMIT’s commitment to Australian Indigenous cultures
Respect for Australian Indigenous Cultures
Application Process
There are two key processes you will follow (see diagram above).
Apply for the RMIT PhD Program
Admission to the RMIT PhD is a two-step process:
Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI
)
Submit your EOI through the RMIT application portal.
Once your eligibility is confirmed, successful candidates will be invited to submit a full application.
Step 2: Full Application
Complete your full PhD application in the same portal, following the invitation.
VCIDF Interviews and Shortlisting
Step 3: Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview with the VCIDF selection panel.
Step 4: Interview Outcome
If successful, you will be invited to apply for the advertised VCIDF position through Workday. This application includes:
Completing the Workday online form (including role-specific screening questions).
Preparing and uploading a brief cover letter and CV.
Uploading a document confirming your Aboriginality.
Candidates who are not successful for the VCIDF may still be considered for the
RMIT Indigenous HDR Scholarship (RIHS)
, which provides an alternative pathway.
Step 4a:
Candidates admitted into the PhD program.
Step 4b:
Successful VCIDF applicants progress to apply via Workday and will be issued an employment contract under the VCIDF.
More information and entitlements about the RIHS can be found
here
.
Key Dates
Key Dates
2026 VCIDF Scheme Opens for EOIs for PhD application portal
1 September 2025
EOI deadline. Last day to submit documents for EOI assessment
30 September 2025
Full Application Deadline. Last day to submit documents for Full applications in PhD application portal
11 November 2025
Interviews by VCIDF Selection Panel
From 24 November 2025
School of Graduate Research to provide Conditional Offer Letters for Admission into the PhD program
From 2 December 2025
Successful Prospective VCIDFs- Apply via HR application portal
3 December 2025
HR Application (Workday) application Closing Date
10 December 2025
Required documentation checklist
Expand all sections
Submit a scanned copy of a valid
certified
identification document with your photo (passport or equivalent).
Prospective candidates must apply using their full legal name (
as reflected in their passport
) or a valid identification document.
Your CV should clearly indicate the starting and end dates and country of all our education, work and research experiences. This can also include scholarships and awards, relevant employment, and publications/exhibitions/performances.
Publications where applicable should be included in your CV. You can only include publications that have been accepted, are in-press or have been published.
Supporting documents can include:
A copy of your CV/resume, Proof of acceptance or publication of peer reviewed article, or book/book chapter, copies of conference abstracts and the front pages (including contents page) for each publication.
Academic Transcripts
Provide scanned copies of your official academic transcripts for all completed qualifications.
Transcripts must display grades achieved during exam periods, along with dates corresponding to completed degrees.
Include an explanation of the scoring system (minimum and maximum grades), clearly indicating the passing threshold. This can be satisfied by providing the University with a grading scale from your institution(s).
Translation requirements
Academic records not written in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Preferred translations are those made by NAATI-qualified translators or official translation services.
Currently completing awards
If you are still completing a qualification, upload a provisional degree certificate or a document from your institution confirming your current status.
Once completed, you must submit your final transcript and any examiners’ reports (if applicable).
Research Masters (Ungraded)
If you have completed an ungraded Research Masters, upload examiners’ reports along with your academic transcript (if available).
Support documents must include
Certified copies of official academic transcripts showing all courses/units attempted, marks, and grades achieved.
Degree certificates/testamurs from the awarding institution for all completed qualifications.
An explanation of the grading schema, typically found on the back of your transcript, or a link to the university’s website providing this information.
Along with your research proposal, you will need to clearly indicate your proposed research title or area of interest. Please also specify the supervision team involved in your supervision team across both institutions.
Supporting documents required can include: Invitation to Apply, Research Proposal, Sponsorship/scholarship letter (where applicable).
Certified English Proficiency Certificate or other proof of English proficiency, if English is not your first language. Please not that "English as a first language" refers to being a citizen in a country that has English as their primary language. You can qualify as "English as a first language" if you are a citizen from any of the countries that are listed on our
recognised qualifications page
.
Note
: If your English proficiency certificate is not yet available, you may attach evidence of your commitment to present a valid test (proof that you booked the test). Failure to submit a valid certificate that complies with the minimum criteria may lead to rejection of your application.
All applicants must meet RMIT’s English language Proficiency (ELP) requirements. English tests must be valid at the point of commencement.
Supporting documents required can include evidence of meeting ELP requirements, if applicable (e.g. test report form, letter from institution confirming studies were completed in English).
Ways in which you can meet English language proficiency requirements
A
: Language Proficiency Test taken within the last 2 years, please view our
English language proficiency test page
for RMIT accepted tests.
To determine the English language proficiency test requirements for your research program at RMIT, please follow the steps below:
Visit the
Research Programs webpage
.
Scroll down to the
"Choose a study area"
section and select your relevant study area. This will direct you to a new page.
On the new page, scroll down to the
"Explore our [discipline] courses and disciplines"
section and click on the discipline you are applying for.
In the
"Choose a [discipline] course"
section, select
"International Students"
. If a pop-up appears saying “You're viewing program information for local students,” make sure to click
"Switch to international content."
Select the specific program you are applying for (e.g.
PhD (Architecture & Design)
). This will open the course information page.
On the right side of the screen, locate the
"EXPLORE"
navigation menu that follows you as you scroll. Click on
"Admissions"
to jump to the entry requirements section.
Within this section, click the fourth tab labeled
"English language requirements."
You will now see the specific English test score requirements accepted for your program.
B:
Successful completion of a postgraduate qualification from an accredited university or institution where:
i. English was the medium of instruction and assessment of study, and
ii. the final year of university study was completed during the five years immediately prior to the commencement of study at RMIT University.
(you must attach a letter from your university that clearly indicates that medium of instruction was in English)
C:
Successful completion of at least two years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) university study from an accredited university or institution where:
i. English was the medium of instruction and assessment of study, and
ii. the final year of university study was undertaken during the two years immediately prior to commencement at RMIT.
(you must attach a letter from your university that clearly indicates that medium of instruction was in English)
D:
Evidence of professional experience and/or academic publications in English, such as:
i. sustained work for two years immediately prior to commencement at RMIT in a country where English is an official language
ii. authorship or co-authorship of at least two English language peer-reviewed journal articles or a book chapter written and published in English within the three years prior to commencement at RMIT.
(you must attach copies of your published papers)
Statement of Purpose (SOP) (PDF 291KB)
Some of the documents that are sent during your application must be certified.
When you apply through a
RMIT-registered agent
, they will send certified documents to RMIT University directly- so they may work with you on certifying documents as part of your application.
Key documents that require certification
Grading scale (specifying the pass and/or grade required for the award of the qualification issued by institutions
Work reference letter issued by the employer
Discontinuation letter issued by the institutions
Language of instruction letter issued by the institutions
Passport, National ID Card or Driver’s License to prove your identity
Australian Passport, Australian Birth Certificate, Australian Citizenship Certificate or Australian Visa Grant Notice to prove your Australian citizenship or Australian residency status
Trusted people to certify copies
To submit a copy of a document, you need to get a trusted person to verify that the copy you’re providing is an accurate reflection of the original. They would do this by sighting the original document, checking that the copy aligns to the original, then certifying each page (this is important) of the documentation.
They should do this by making each page of the copy includes:
a statement or a stamp that shows the certifier has seen the original documents by using words like 'certified true copy of the original' or 'original sighted'
the date
the certifier's signature, full name, organisation stamp, and position title (unless the certifier is a RMIT-registered agent).
For documents submitted from outside Australia, the following people are trusted:
solicitor
commissioner for declarations
government official
public notary
university staff from your previous university (head of department, dean, registrar or other authorised delegate).
Documents certified by:
RMIT staff members or RMIT-registered agents
ARE
accepted
Postal managers or independent/catholic school principals are
NOT
accepted.
A letter of financial guarantee is only applicable if you are an international applicant being sponsored to come to RMIT to complete your research degree.
Comparison of RIHS and VCIDF Scheme
Program supported
Eligibility
Duration
Stipend
Additional
Tax status
RMIT Indigenous HDR Scholarship (RIHS)
PhD or Masters
Std PhD or Masters eligibility
PLUS
Indigenous eligibility
PhD 3.5 years FT
Masters 2yrs FT
$47,821 per annum pro rata (full-time study, 2025 rate)
RTP Fee Offset scholarship
relocation allowance (to a maximum of $1,540)
paid sick, maternity and parenting leave
Full-time tax exempt
Part-time not tax exempt
Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Doctoral Fellow (VCIDF) Scheme
PhD ONLY
Std PhD eligibility
PLUS
Indigenous eligibility
4yrs
Level A salary
RTP Fee Offset scholarship
Not tax exempt
Full-time or Part-time
Meet Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellows | RMIT University
Meet RMIT's Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Research Fellows from previous years as they share their experience with the University.
The 2024 Indigenous Pre-Doctoral Research Fellowships are open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander higher degree research candidates seeking to establish themselves and evolve as researchers through a PhD.
To find out more and register your interest visit: https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers/vice-chancellors-indigenous-doctoral-fellowship-scheme
Meet some of RMIT's Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Pre-Doctoral Fellows – Transcript
[On-screen text: Ms. Rebecca Hird Fletcher, Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow, STEM College]
Rebecca: My name is Rebecca Hird Fletcher. I'm a GuriNgai woman with strong Awabakal ties.
[On-screen text: Mrs. Michelle Gissara, Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow, Design and Social Context]
Michelle: Hi, my name is Michelle Gissara. I'm a proud Kardu Diminin, Kardu Yek Naninh Aboriginal woman and I'm a Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Research Fellow here at RMIT.
Rebecca: My research is around the needs and the voices of young First Nations children and young people who experience detention in southern Queensland.
Michelle: So what I'm looking at is image-based sexual abuse in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and gender diverse peoples. I applied for the fellowship because I really enjoyed doing my undergraduate here and doing my honours, and I just wanted to do further research into image-based abuse. I really love the flexibility here at RMIT. I'm able to focus on Indigenous research, obviously being an Indigenous person myself, but I can include Indigenous methodology, ways of knowing, being and doing within the research that I'm doing and by having that, it’s helping me as a researcher come into my own.
Rebecca: There are aspects of this role that I really love which was, number one, I get to do my PhD. RMIT has always had a reputation of being a progressive university and I'm wanting to use, or I am using, Indigenous research methods and methodology and wanted that to be embraced by the academy that I was going to do my PhD with. I get to experience teaching; I get to experience different aspects of university life as a research fellow and that kind of opens up that career pathway. There's a number of supports that I've found that have been really helpful. Ngarara Willim is an amazing space, and I love going in there just to kind of be and hang out with other Blackfellas and talk about what we're doing.
Michelle: They were one of the very first people that I talked to, even when I started at RMIT in general, and they helped me through the whole application process. They've been there since day dot. And just my supervisors, everyone that I have around me, other fellow PhD candidates as well. It's just good, fostering a sense of community.
Rebecca: So my advice to anyone who's thinking about applying is, firstly, just go for it, but really think about what you want to do, go with what your passion is and don't be afraid of putting that out there.
Michelle: Definitely give it a go. It was a very supportive process when I put my application forward, everyone was there to help you and help you along your journey.
[On-screen text: RMIT University logo, Discover more at rmit.edu.au]
[End transcript]
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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
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