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Application for admission

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration

Commencement: October 2026

The Gold Coast PhD in Business Administration is designed for academics, executives, consultants, institutional leaders, policymakers and accomplished professionals seeking to develop as scholar leaders. Applicants should complete every applicable section and attach all required supporting documents. Submission of an application does not guarantee admission. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview.

A

Section A

Personal Information

B

Section B

Programme Selection

Both routes follow the same curriculum, academic standards, assessment requirements and doctoral progression expectations.

The programme includes opportunities for international doctoral summer camps and academic engagements through the Global Immersions Programme. Would you be interested in participating?

C

Section C

Academic Qualifications

Please begin with your most recent qualification (highest to lowest).

Qualification One

Qualification Two

Qualification Three

Previous Research Experience

D

Section D

Professional Experience

List in order of most recent

E

Section E

Proposed Research

Briefly describe the organisational, economic, leadership, governance or public policy problem your research will address.

Explain why this issue deserves doctoral investigation and how the findings could contribute to scholarship, professional practice, institutional performance or public policy.

State the country, sector, industry, institution or population you intend to study.

Covering: title, background, statement of the problem, research aim and preliminary objectives, significance, proposed approach and expected contribution to knowledge and practice.

F

Section F

The Scholar Leader Statement

The Gold Coast PhD is committed to developing scholar leaders who combine intellectual depth with executive judgement, rigorous research with practical wisdom, and ethical conviction with the capacity to transform institutions.

In approximately 300 words, explain:

  1. Why you wish to pursue the Gold Coast PhD
  2. How your academic and professional experience has prepared you for doctoral study
  3. How you intend to use research to strengthen institutions, influence policy, advance scholarship or contribute to national development
G

Section G

Doctoral Readiness

H

Section H

Referees

Provide the details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability, professional experience, character and readiness for doctoral study.

Referee One

Referee Two

An automated email will be sent to the indicated referees with a link to sign an undertaking.

I

Section I

Supporting Documents

Please attach clear copies of the following.

J

Section J

Source of Information

K

Section K

Applicant's Declaration

I declare that the information provided in this application and the accompanying documents is complete and accurate. I understand that the University of Gold Coast may withdraw an offer of admission or terminate my enrolment if any information supplied is found to be false, misleading or materially incomplete.

I authorise the University to verify my academic qualifications, professional experience and references. I also consent to the lawful processing of my personal information for admissions, academic administration and related institutional purposes.

Submission of an application does not guarantee admission. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview.