To complete your research degree application, you will need a number of mandatory documents and responses as outlined below.
Selection criteria
Each project has a number of selection criteria that you will be required to address as part of the application. You can select ‘preview application form’ after you press ‘apply’ on the project listing to find out what selection criteria you will be required to address.
Cover letter
Your cover letter should be tailored to the project you are applying for and should specifically address your suitability for the project. This is your chance to tell us what’s great about you.
CV (resume)
A resume is an important tool in the application process when applying for a research project at UniSA. It summarises your key strengths, your educational background and qualifications, employment history and other important information that will help your application to stand out. Remember, your resume combined with your application form will be what the selection panel use to determine your suitability for the research project.
Key headings in your resume
The following suggested headings provide a summary of key information that should be included in your resume. Your resume is a formal document and there are many ways you can present the information. Personal information including, gender, date of birth, country of origin, marital status and photos are not required, and you are encouraged not to include this information on your resume.
The main focus should be on the following information:
Career Statement
You may choose to include a career statement that summarises your key skills and attributes. If you choose to include a career statement it is important to ensure that it is tailored to each position/project that you apply.
Education Qualifications
Include all your past tertiary education qualifications. You will also be required to list these in detail in the application form, as well as provide evidence for each qualification.
Employment History
Outline your employment history, and include details of your experience in these positions, particularly for those that will support the research project you are applying for i.e. Research assistant or tutoring experience.
Memberships/ professional associations
Include any memberships for professional bodies or research groups that would support your application.
Research publications
Outline your research publications in the most appropriate way for your discipline. You can use UniSA’s guide to referencing if you wish, but please note that this is not required. Please provide a link to each publication, or attach a copy at the end of your resume,
Research Grants
List any scholarships, grants or other funds that you have been awarded. Consider who provided the award, how much it was for, your role in securing the award, and when it was received.
Study History
For each undergraduate and postgraduate qualification that you have studied, please ensure that you have collated these essential mandatory documents/academic records:
- University academic mark sheet or transcript including details of courses/subjects undertaken and grades achieved. If your original transcript is not in English, you must upload both the original and an official certified English language translation;
- University grading scale (often contained on the back page of your transcript, e.g. A = 85% to 100%);
- University diploma supplement (if applicable); and
- Parchment/academic credential as evidence of conferral or completion date of your degree – this might be printed on your transcript.
Evidence of English language proficiency (for international applicants)
International applicants should include evidence of English language proficiency.
Your application cannot be assessed without appropriate evidence, and may not be considered if you have not provided the correct evidence.
There is no requirement to send certified copies or original documents when applying, except where you are providing certified translations. If these are needed, we will request them.
For more information, view the procedure for providing certified documents. Please ensure you have access to your original documents throughout the application process.
