The Bachelor of Research (Engineering and Related Technologies) is a research-focused undergraduate degree designed for high-achieving students who want to go beyond standard engineering coursework and engage deeply with cutting-edge engineering challenges. Students are immersed in research groups and laboratories from early in their studies, working alongside experienced academics and researchers on real engineering problems spanning disciplines such as electronics, communications, mechatronics, renewable energy systems, environmental engineering, aerospace systems, civil infrastructure, and biomedical engineering. The degree integrates fundamental engineering principles with project-based research methodology, equipping graduates with both the technical rigour and the investigative mindset needed to innovate and lead in complex engineering environments.

This qualification sits at the intersection of a professional engineering degree and a research pathway, making it distinct from a standard Bachelor of Engineering (Honours). It typically requires students to maintain a high academic standard throughout the program, and many offerings are structured with an embedded honours component. Graduates are recognised as capable of conducting independent research, managing multidisciplinary projects, and contributing original knowledge to their engineering discipline. Employers who recruit from this cohort include government research agencies such as CSIRO and DSTG, leading technology companies, defence contractors, energy and resources firms, engineering consultancies, universities, and advanced manufacturing organisations across Australia.

Domestic applicants are typically assessed on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or equivalent state-based selection rank, with competitive programs often requiring an ATAR in the range of 85–99 depending on the institution and specialisation. Most programs require completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) with a strong background in Mathematics — typically at the level of Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics — and many also recommend or require Physics. Some universities require a scaled score in Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics Specialist ATAR subjects as a prerequisite. Students who do not initially qualify for direct entry into a research-focused engineering program may be able to gain entry through a standard Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and, if they achieve a high distinction average in their first year, apply for an internal transfer into the research stream.

International applicants must provide evidence of secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12, along with English language proficiency. Commonly accepted English language tests include IELTS (typically an overall score of 6.5–7.0 with no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT (around 79–94), or equivalent. Some institutions may also consider Pearson PTE Academic or Cambridge English qualifications. Postgraduate pathways and research-focused bachelor's degrees may additionally require a strong academic record in a related undergraduate field, with a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of 65% or higher in relevant maths and science subjects. There are generally no portfolio or work experience requirements for undergraduate entry, though demonstrated co-curricular achievements in STEM may strengthen an application for highly competitive programs.