Through our research and analysis, we engage with scholars and policymakers throughout Australia, the region and the world.
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At the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP), we offer two research degrees: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the Master of Philosophy (MPhil). Currently, nearly 400 students are enrolled in the PhD program, which spans three to four years and requires the completion of an 80,000 to 100,000-word thesis. In the first year, most students undertake preparatory coursework to lay a solid foundation for their research.
Throughout their studies, our research students work closely with an academic supervisor and a panel of advisors. We provide PhD and MPhil research supervision across a wide range of disciplines within the humanities and social sciences, ensuring a rich and diverse academic experience.
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Anthropology
Engage with world-class experts in social and cultural anthropology, focusing on ethnographic fieldwork and theoretical analysis within the Asia-Pacific region. Our research in this area explores themes such as identity, migration, social change, and the impact of global forces on local cultures.
Archaeology and Natural History
Discover the origins of cultural and environmental change in the Asia-Pacific through cutting-edge research. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and world-leading scholars, you’ll explore ancient human-environment interactions, the development of complex societies, and the region’s rich archaeological heritage.
Asian Studies
Examine the rich and complex history of Asia, and its growing global importance, through a broad range of disciplines and geographical expertise, giving you the most comprehensive range of research options on Asia in Australia, and arguably, the world.
Gender, Cultural and Media Studies
Explore the dynamic transformations of gender, sexuality, and cultural practices across Asia and the Pacific. This interdisciplinary research area connects anthropology, history, literature, and media studies to critically examine how global and regional forces shape identities and cultural expressions in these vibrant regions.
History
Uncover the deep historical currents that have shaped Asia and the Pacific, from the rise of ancient civilizations to encounters with the West and the challenges of the modern era. With a focus on regional histories and their global impact, you’ll gain insights into the forces that continue to shape our world.
International Relations
Delve into the pressing global challenges of our time, with a unique focus on the Asia-Pacific region. The College’s world-renowned scholars tackle issues like nuclear disarmament, global governance, conflict resolution, and the geopolitical shifts that define international politics today.
Languages and Linguistics
Engage with one of the world’s largest concentrations of linguists at ANU, specialising in the rich linguistic diversity of Asia and the Pacific. With expertise in documenting and revitalising more than 2,000 languages, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to preserving endangered languages and deepening our understanding of the connections between language and culture.
Pacific Studies
Join the leading academic hub for Pacific Studies in Australia, exploring the rich histories, cultures, and contemporary issues of the Pacific Islands and their diasporas. In this research area you'll examine regional challenges such as climate change, development, and cultural identity, providing a platform to engage with the Pacific’s global significance.
Peace, Conflict and Human Security
Investigate the human security issues shaping the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. From urbanization and migration to gender-based violence and health security, this research area addresses critical global challenges, equipping you with the knowledge to drive impactful change in an increasingly interconnected world.
Political Science
Engage with world-leading experts to analyse the diverse political systems of Asia and the Pacific. Research spans from China’s one-party state to the democracies of India and Indonesia, and the unique governance challenges of Pacific microstates, providing a deep understanding of the region’s political complexities.
Politics, Society and Culture
Examine the intersection of governance, conflict, culture, and social change in the Asia-Pacific. This research area addresses key issues such as women’s leadership, development challenges, and the cultural dynamics that influence regional stability and progress.
Regional Security, Strategy and Diplomacy
Understand the geostrategic complexity of the Asia-Pacific through research on power dynamics, strategic stability, and regional diplomacy. The College’s experts lead inquiries into critical issues such as maritime security, transnational threats, and great power competition, equipping you with insights into the region’s strategic challenges.
1. Self Assess
You need to have completed an undergraduate or master degree in a discipline relevant to your area of proposed research. For undergraduate degrees your result should be First Class Honours or Second Class Honours (First Division). If you have a master degree, rather than an honours degree, you will need to show that it had a research component. If you don't have a master or honours degree you may be able to apply on the basis of professional work experience. You will also need to have academic referees to support your application.
Most students who are successful in their application for admission to a research degree are in the top 5-10 per cent of their class in their previous degree.
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Fees & scholarships
Domestic
There are no tuition fees for students from Australia or New Zealand citizens enrolling in a higher degree by research for the first time. Their research training costs are met by the Australian government. You can apply for a Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) to cover your living expenses but there are only a limited number of scholarships available. The closing date for applications if you want to be considered for a scholarship is 31 October to commence by the following March. Occasionally, scholarships are available for mid-year entry by August.
International
International students are required to pay tuition fees. A very small number of scholarships is available to cover fees. There is also a very small number of scholarships to cover living expenses. Only the most outstanding international applicants will receive these scholarships. We strongly encourage you to investigate other funding options before submitting your application. The closing date for applications if you want to be considered for ANU scholarship is 31 August to commence by the following March.
2. Find a supervisor
One of the most important steps in making an application is to identify a potential supervisor. Your application will only be successful if there is an academic in the College who is willing to supervise your research project.
The best way to identify some potential supervisors is to search the ANU Researchers Database. You can search for researchers by name, discipline, country or other key word.
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You can also find out about potential supervisors, and their research interests, by browsing the websites of the Schools located in the College of Asia and the Pacific.
The CAP Student Centre may also be able to help you identify a potential supervisor if you have difficulty finding one.
3. Make contact
Once you have identified a potential supervisor (or perhaps two or three) you should make contact with them, well in advance of making your application..
Potential supervisors will expect you to send a 2-3 page outline of your proposed research, along with a Curriculum Vitae that includes details of your academic performance.
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The academic staff member will let you know if they are interested in discussing your proposal further and developing it into a full application. Normally there are several email exchanges, or telephone discussions, with a potential supervisor before a final application is submitted.
If the person you contact is not interested in your research they may be able to suggest other potential supervisors and will often forward your details to colleagues who may be closer to your area of research.
If you are having trouble making contact with your potential supervisor, please get in touch with the CAP Student Centre
4. Submit application
Applications for research degrees at ANU are made online. To view the list of research degrees available you may navigate to the ANU Programs and Courses website and filter programs by 'Research' and 'College of Asia and the Pacific'.
If you need any additional advice on completing your application please contact the CAP Student Centre .
Applications can be submitted at any time during the year, but if you want to be considered for a scholarship the closing dates are (31 August for international students or 31 October for domestic students). Scholarship recipients must commence by 31 March of the following year.
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Here are a couple of important pieces of information that will help you in filling the application form.
- For Academic Group select “College of Asia and the Pacific”
- For Program Code select the code which relates to the relevant School (see table below).
School of Culture, History & Language (CHL)
- 9050 PhD
- 8050 MPhil
Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs
- 9510 PhD
- 8510 MPhil