Tips for international research students
Applying to undertake research in a foreign country can be daunting, but international students can access specialised support through the Higher Degree Research Office at Macquarie University.
Apart from providing support for both domestic and international students, the Higher Degree Research Office administers an extensive scholarship scheme as well as research applications and admissions.
For international students in particular, there are a number of issues to consider before applying to undertake higher degree research including language requirements, cultural differences, affordability of studying and living in Australia, as well as the availability of scholarships.
Language requirements
Research students are required to possess a high level of spoken and written English. Applicants from countries where English is not the primary spoken language need to provide proof of English proficiency for admission.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. An overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of six is required in each of the components (out of a possible nine).
"While 6.5 is the minimum overall score, ideally international students will have an IELTS of seven to get a scholarship," explains Anne Thoeming, Director of the Higher Degree Research Office.
"After enrolment, the most successful students will be practising English on a daily basis not just within their research grouping, but at every available opportunity, as it will really assist in the thesis preparation process and in improving English fluency. Supervisors also really appreciate this extra effort!"
Cultural differences
According to Thoeming, some international students will take time to understand the culture of communication and contact with their supervisor.
"Some international students come from a different context where, compared to Australians, they may not be used to challenging or asking difficult questions," says Thoeming. "The student has to quickly work out local communication practices and use available resources to find out what will help them to work best with their supervisors during the period of research study."
Affordability and social support
Before applying to undertake a higher research degree international students need to think about whether they can afford to live in Australia for three and a half years if they are not on a scholarship.
"Research students tend to be older and some will want to bring their family with them and they need to think about issues of affordability and also what sort of social support systems are available," says Thoeming.
Scholarships
Macquarie University boasts an innovative scholarship scheme for international higher degree research students with more than 50 per cent of students receiving funding. International students are able to apply for a wide variety of scholarships that cover tuition fees and in some cases they also receive a stipend to cover living expenses.
"Students are put onto scholarships through a merit based process, and it is very competitive," says Thoeming. "We recommend that they apply for scholarships when they apply for enrolment at Macquarie."
Some of the scholarships on offer for international students include:
- Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarships
- Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarships
- Departmental and Divisional Scholarships
For further information visit the Higher Degree Research Office www.research.mq.edu.au/students/home