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Bachelor to MRes, then a PhD
A research master’s is often the safer first step when a bachelor record is not yet enough for a funded doctoral place.
Guides
How to apply for a PhD
Australia, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, and New Zealand. Find a supervisor first. The route and the packet change by country.
How to apply for a PhD in Australia
Find a supervisor first. Then choose a research master’s, or a direct PhD when the record already supports it.
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Direct PhD
A direct doctoral application is possible when the record already shows research training. Tuition is set by the university.
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Research proposal
The proposal is the document a potential supervisor actually reads. It should state a question, a method, and a limit.
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Academic CV
An academic CV lists research training, not a job-board summary. Coursework, a thesis, and any real outputs come first.
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The application packet
Universities ask for a set of documents, not a single CV. Missing one item is a common reason a file never reaches a supervisor.
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When a pathway may fail
A clear packet still fails when the record, the supervisor fit, or the evidence is not there.
How to apply for a PhD in the UK
A UK doctorate usually starts with a supervisor who will take the project. An MPhil is the common research master’s when the bachelor record is not yet enough.
01
Bachelor to MPhil, then a PhD
A research MPhil is often the safer first step when a bachelor record is not yet enough for a UK doctoral place.
02
Direct PhD
A direct doctorate is possible when the record already shows research training. A studentship, when one exists, is awarded separately.
03
Research proposal
The proposal is what a potential supervisor reads. It should state a question, a method, and a limit.
04
Academic CV
An academic CV lists research training, not a job-board summary.
05
The application packet
Universities ask for a set of documents. A missing reference or transcript is a common reason the file stalls.
06
When a pathway may fail
A clear packet still fails when the supervisor, the record, or the evidence is not there.
How to apply for a research degree in Hong Kong
Hong Kong research degrees are an MPhil or a PhD. Admission and a fellowship, when one exists, are separate decisions.
01
Bachelor to MPhil, then a PhD
An MPhil is the usual research master’s when a bachelor record is not yet enough for a doctorate.
02
Direct PhD
A direct PhD is possible when the record already shows research training. A fellowship is awarded separately from the place.
03
Research proposal
State a question, a method, and a limit a supervisor can judge.
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Academic CV
Lead with the thesis, the methods, and any real research outputs.
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The application packet
One missing transcript or referee is enough to stall the file.
06
When a pathway may fail
A clear packet still fails when the supervisor fit, the record, or the evidence is not there.
How to apply for a PhD in Singapore
Singapore faculties read the research record and the supervisor fit. A coursework bachelor with no thesis often needs a research master’s first.
01
Research master’s, then a PhD
A research master’s is the safer first step when a bachelor degree does not yet show a thesis.
02
Direct PhD
A direct PhD is realistic when the record already shows research training. A scholarship is a separate decision.
03
Research proposal
State the question, the method, and the limit.
04
Academic CV
List research training first. Internships do not substitute for a thesis.
05
The application packet
A missing transcript or referee is a common reason the file never reaches a supervisor.
06
When a pathway may fail
A clear packet still fails when the research record, the supervisor fit, or the evidence is not there.
How to apply for a PhD in Canada
Many departments expect a master’s before a PhD. Some admit a strong honours graduate directly. The department page says which.
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Master’s, then a PhD
In many departments a master’s is the expected step before a PhD.
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Direct PhD
Some departments admit a strong honours graduate directly. Many do not.
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Statement and research proposal
Write the document the form names: a statement of interest, or a proposal.
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Academic CV
A one-page job résumé leaves out the research record the department is grading.
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The application packet
A missing writing sample or transcript is enough to leave the file incomplete.
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When a pathway may fail
A clear packet still fails when the department’s rule, the supervisor fit, or the evidence is not there.
How to apply for a PhD in New Zealand
A New Zealand PhD is usually a thesis after a research honours year or a master’s. Enrolment normally waits until a supervisor will take the project.
01
Honours or master’s, then a PhD
Coursework alone is often not enough for doctoral entry.
02
Direct PhD
A direct PhD is possible when a research honours degree or a master’s thesis is already on the record.
03
Research proposal
State a question, a method, and a limit a supervisor can read.
04
Academic CV
Lead with the research degree, the thesis title, and the methods.
05
The application packet
The university asks for a set of documents before a supervisor can take the project on.
06
When a pathway may fail
A clear packet still fails when the research record, the supervisor, or the evidence is not there.