Graduate Studies in East Asian Studies

Application Procedures and Requirements

Information, Application and Referee Forms are available from the web at Coursework Applications or Research Applications . Applications can only be accepted when made on the ANU Application Form.

All applicants should submit the following materials according to the instructions on the application forms:

• A completed Application Form
• A curriculum vitae setting out the applicant's previous educational and work experience
• A statement of the duties carried out by applicant in the course of their current or recent employment
• Certified copies of academic transcripts for all tertiary courses attended by the applicant, giving details of all subjects undertaken and of the grades obtained in each subject.
• Where applicable, the result of an English language test (see English Language Requirements)
• All applicants are encouraged to attach copies of any research reports or theses they have written

Candidates wishing to apply for research only awards (Master of Philosophy [M.Phil] and PhD) are required to provide details of previous research experience and a research proposal (of approximately 1,000 words) outlining the proposed topic of study, methodology and the type of sources to be employed. In addition to the information requested above M.Phil and PhD candidates are also required to provide:

• Names and addresses of three referees qualified to speak with first-hand knowledge of the applicant's academic ability. Applicants should provide each referee with copies of the Referee's Report Forms. Special care must be taken to ensure that both these forms are sent in. It is essential that each referee provide both the assessment form and the narrative comments on the applicant. The applicant should request referees to submit these promptly. Referees should not wait for a request from the University before submitting the reports.

Send the completed application form and other documents to:

Overseas applicants should allow at least six months for the processing of their applications by the University, the completion of visa formalities and any English tests which might be needed. However, entry with shorter notice is sometimes possible. A series of Selection Committees reviews all applications and advises on candidates' suitability for admission. If an application is successful the Registrar will send the applicant an Offer of Admission. On receipt of the Offer of Admission, overseas students need to send the Graduate Program the following materials:

• Evidence of sponsorship or ability to pay fees
• Where applicable, evidence of a satisfactory English language test score

Once these materials are received the Registrar will then issue an Overseas Acceptance Advice Form to enable the applicant to obtain a student visa. Further information for international students can be obtained by following this link.

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students should contact the nearest Australian Diplomatic Mission for information on the passport and visa requirements applicable in their individual case. In support of a request for a student visa the applicant must show the Australian Diplomatic Mission a Confirmation of Enrolment (Student Visa) Form signed by the nominated officer of the Australian National University. On receipt of this form and a satisfactory medical report, the Australian Diplomatic Mission will issue a visa.

Medical examinations must be completed by an approved doctor using forms provided by the Australian Diplomatic Mission. It can take several weeks for the results of the medical examination to be made available, so applicants should initiate the process as soon as they have received confirmation of acceptance into their course.

Language Requirements

Applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds who have not previously undertaken university study in English will be asked to demonstrate their language competence in either a TOEFL or IELTS test. The university requires a TOEFL score of at least 570 (old scale) or 230 (new scale) together with a TWE (Test of Written English) score of 4.5, or an IELTS score of 6.5, together scores of at least 6.0 in all components of the test. Applicants who do not meet these criteria may take a preparatory course in English in Canberra (eg. ANUTECH sponsored courses) before beginning their studies. The minimum requirement for entry into a language 'bridging course' of this kind is a TOEFL score of 500 or an IELTS value of 6.0.

Scholarships -- PhD, M.Phil

The Australian National University and the Australian government offer scholarships for PhD and M.Phil study for students from any country. However, competition is very strong, and overseas applicants should make every effort to identify alternative funding sources early in their application process. [note: students from various Southeast Asian countries as well as those from the People's Republic of China are eligible for scholarships provided by AusAID ]. Applicants who are Australian citizens or permanent residents can apply for an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA).

Grading Systems in the Australian National University

At the beginning of each coursework unit lecturers inform students of the tests, papers, examinations, projects and activities to be considered in determining their grade. The sum of the numerical scores given for each of these components of the unit constitutes the student's raw score. This is translated into a mark on a scale of 0 to 100. In many cases the lecturer will design the scoring system to be additive to a maximum of 100, while in other cases the scores for individual items will be weighted to indicate different emphasis given to the activity. Marks are related to grades according to the following scheme:

Note: A High Distinction (HD) may be considered the equivalent of an A+ in the North American system and that of some other countries. This grade is only awarded to work of the highest academic calibre. A Distinction (D) is also considered a grade of significant merit.