RESEARCH DEGREES

Change the world with us

At UniSA we stop at nothing to make a difference.

By undertaking a UniSA project-based research degree, you will:

  • Work with industry, community and academic experts to tackle specific real world challenges
  • Be supported by exceptional researchers and state-of-the-art facilities at a university where 100% of our research is rated at or above world-class*
  • Embrace different cultures and the rich and varied ways of knowing and doing research
  • Develop the skills necessary to become an expert in your field.

Choose a project in your specialist area, including STEM, health, education, social work, Aboriginal knowledges, creative industries and more. 

The process is simple: apply for an established research project which has a confirmed topic, supervisory panel, scholarship and fee waiver, or develop your own project.

All Australian students receive a fee waiver, as do international students who apply for a project with an attached scholarship.

Planning to start your degree in 2026?

You can apply to Adelaide University directly. Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.

Why study a research degree at UniSA?

Step into the world and create tangible change. Work alongside industry and academic experts on critical challenges and develop vital solutions that have a global impact.

UniSA Video

 

Find a research project

If you’re interested in studying a research degree at UniSA, browse some of our currently available research projects. New projects are added regularly, so if you don’t see a project that interests you, please complete the Expression of Interest form, and you'll be notified when new projects are listed.

Applicant type

Study level

Financial support

Fields of Research

Industry sectors

Industry Partnered Projects

Closed projects

Create your own

Thinking of studying soon?

Hear from our researchers

UniSA Video

Distinguished Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington AO and Dean of Graduate Studies, Professor Sandra Orgeig explain what a project-based research degree really means.

UniSA Video

Professor Rachel Kennedy from the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science discusses opportunities to work closely with industry during your research degree.

UniSA Video

Professor Michael Samuel from the Centre for Cancer Biology shows where a UniSA research degree in health can take you.

Hear from our students

UniSA has a strong reputation for supporting, encouraging and enabling students, which helped me to take the leap to start a research degree. I have never lacked support or someone to turn to for guidance. I have an incredible team of supervisors, and all the academics here at UniSA are always willing to contribute their expertise and ideas. Exploring the experiences of LGBTI+ older adults in navigating aged care through my PhD research has been incredibly rewarding so far. It is UniSA’s culture of support and collegiality that makes me feel safe to step out of my comfort zone and into creating knowledge for the future.

Sarah McMullen-Roach

PhD Candidate in Public Health and Health Services
UniSA

Sarah McMullen-Roach
Sarah McMullen-Roach

Sarah McMullen-Roach

PhD Candidate in Public Health and Health Services
UniSA

My PhD allows me to do meaningful research, which could ultimately benefit people’s lives. I am working with research experts, including my supervisors, to enhance the understanding of brain health and neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease. UniSA’s collaborative environment, along with access to cutting-edge facilities, enables me to combine technology and healthcare in significant ways. My collaborations and friendships with fellow researchers have not only given me motivation and support but have also opened doors to new ideas and opportunities I might not have otherwise encountered.

Elio Arruzza

PhD Candidate in Medical Radiation Science
UniSA

Elio Arruzza
Elio Arruzza

Elio Arruzza

PhD Candidate in Medical Radiation Science
UniSA

I chose UniSA for its strong reputation in pharmaceutical research and its commitment to innovation. I was drawn to the opportunity to collaborate with experts in formulation science, microbiome research and nanotechnology. It’s the interdisciplinary nature of my research that makes my schedule interesting. I'm thankful for the opportunity to contribute to research that could one day improve the way we treat chronic diseases. UniSA provides world-class facilities and supportive supervision, creating a high-quality environment that allows me to pursue research that’s both fulfilling and impactful.

Amin Ariaee

PhD Candidate in Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
UniSA

Amin Ariaee
Amin Ariaee

Amin Ariaee

PhD Candidate in Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
UniSA

I chose to study my research degree at UniSA because of its strong reputation in minerals and resource engineering and the opportunity to work with experienced supervisors and industry partners. I enjoy the hands-on research and the chance to contribute to sustainable solutions in mining.  Through my research, I hope to support the shift towards a circular economy by advancing more efficient and eco-friendly extraction processes.  To anyone considering a research degree at UniSA—go for it! Be curious, stay open to learning, and take advantage of the supportive research environment. It’s a rewarding journey that will shape your career and make a real impact. 

Gertrude Acquah

PhD Candidate in Engineering
UniSA

Gertrude Acquah
Gertrude Acquah

Gertrude Acquah

PhD Candidate in Engineering
UniSA

Latest news about our PhD candidates

Research excellence at UniSA

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No.1 IN AUSTRALIA FOR RESEARCH IMPACT AND ENGAGEMENT

2018 ARC Engagement and Impact Assessment (EI), Combined Impact – Approach to Impact and Engagement on Assessed
Fields.

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100% OF OUR ASSESSED RESEARCH RATED AT OR ABOVE WORLD-CLASS

2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.

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#1 YOUNG UNIVERSITY IN AUSTRALIA FOR INDUSTRY INCOME

2024 THE Young University Rankings.

How to apply

Follow our step-by-step guide as you prepare your application to maximise your chance of success.

➜  Apply now

Contact us

For any queries about undertaking a research degree at the University of South Australia please contact the Research Degree Admissions team. We can provide you with further information about your area of research interest.

Research Degree Admissions
p: +61 8 8302 5880
e: research.degrees@unisa.edu.au

Location
Level 2, 101 Currie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Australia

Postal address
GPO Box 2471
Adelaide SA 5001
Australia

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