Free Research Proposal Template (Word + PDF)

Research Proposal Template

Our proven proposal template, built around one worked example. Free to use. Instant access.

Developed by Grad Coach's Doctoral-Qualified Team15 Million Downloads · Used by 500+ Universities

What it covers

This template covers what a proposal needs to get approved, refined from helping 10,000+ students get theirs through:

Introduction & background (including the research problem)

Literature review

Research design/methodology

Project plan, resource requirements and risk management

References

Appendix

The Google Doc can be copied to your Google Drive or downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), which you can also use in LaTeX.

Frequently asked questions

Which research proposals can this be used for?

Any formal academic research proposal, qualitative or quantitative. Check your own program’s requirements before you finalize your structure.

Is this for undergrad, Master or PhD-level work?

Any level of study. A doctoral proposal usually needs more depth in the methodology and literature sections, but the structure stays the same.

How long should my research proposal be?

The length of a research proposal varies by institution and subject, but as a ballpark, it’s usually between 1,500 and 3,000 words.

To be safe, it’s best to check with your university if they have any preferences or requirements in terms of minimum and maximum word count for the research proposal.

How detailed should the methodology of the proposal be?

You don’t need to go into the fine details of your methodology, but this section should be detailed enough to demonstrate that your research approach is feasible and will address your research questions effectively. Be sure to include your intended methods for data collection and analysis.

Can I include preliminary or pilot study data?

Generally, yes. This can strengthen your proposal by demonstrating the feasibility of your research. However, make sure that your pilot study is approved by your university before collecting any data.

Can I share this template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template in its original format (no editing allowed). If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, we kindly request that you reference this page as your source.

What format is the template (DOC, PDF, PPT, etc.)?

The research proposal template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

Do you have templates for the other chapters?

Yes, we do. You can find our full collection of templates here.

Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?

Yes, you’re welcome to get in touch with us to discuss our private coaching services.

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