Australia; claimed by Britain in 1770, formed into the federation as we know it today in 1901.

Australia is famous for its beautiful nature, laidback attitude and home to 9 out of 10 of the deadliest creatures alive. For a country with a low density (only a little over 22 million people live in the whole of Australia) it has surprisingly many universities: over 46 universities in 6 states.

You can find 11 Universities in New South Wales alone and for relatively 'young' universities they are not to be missed in the international academic field.  Universities in NSW offer Master Programs in (clinical) Forensic Psychology (Charles Sturt University, UNSW, University of Western Sydney), combined MA/PhD programs (UNSW) or PhD programs (Charles Sturt University, UNSW, University of Sydney, University of Western Sydney). These universities might be different in their fields of research,  however they are similar in their welcoming, Australian attitude.

Who can you work with?

Charles Sturt University:

• Jane Goodman-Delahunty
• Tony Thompson

UNSW:

• Richard I. Kemp
• Richard A. Bryant
• Melanie Gleitzman
• Brett Hayes
• Anita McGregor
• Ben Newell

For information on all of the UNSW forensic researchers, click here.

USYD:

• Helen Patterson
• Pauline Howie

University of Western Sydney:

• Nigel W. Bond
• David Mutton
• Jeanna Sutton

Applying, when and how?

Different Universities have different application procedures times. Starting times for Master programs is usually only in the first semester (which starts in March in Australia). However, for PhD’s mid-year admissions may be possible allowing you to apply both in first and second semester (which starts in August).

Closing time for application submissions vary widely, from 6 months to just 1 month in advance, depending on where you are applying from (national of international student).

The following links will provide you with some guidance:

• Charles Sturt University:
• UNSW
• University of Sydney:
• University of Western Sydney

Potential supervisors:

A competent supervisor is the key to a successful PhD. Most universities expect you to contact a potential supervisor yourself and find out if they would be interested in supervising you. The best way is to have a look at university websites and find out which academic staff member does research/ is interested in the field that you would like to conduct a PhD in. It often only takes an email to determine if there are opportunities.  Always check websites for updated procedures concerning finding a supervisor and if in doubt you can always email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Grades, transcripts and IELTS

Similar to application times, different universities have different requirements concerning grades.  For clinical master degrees, most universities need university transcripts (an honours degree or an equivalent), relevant work or research experiences, publications and two academic references (sometimes they want work experience as well).

For PhD applications you need a first class honours or an equivalent  (university transcripts) and again relevant work or research experiences, publications and two academic references.

However because the applications requirements are so different for each university have a look at the following links:

• Charles Sturt University
• UNSW
• Usyd
• University of Western Sydney

Last words

Even though it might look like a tough process to get into a PhD or Master program in Australian Universities, it is worth it. It is an amazing country with excellent universities and academics, but most importantly the academics are really helpful. Once you have contacted a potential supervisor you will soon discover that most are willing to provide any assistance they can. A PhD or Master program can be expensive for international students. However, there is a wide variety of scholarships and similar funds available at each university which you can find at their websites.

You can also email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you would like more information about studying abroad.

Best wishes from Australia!

- Celine