A transformative, fully-funded opportunity for research degrees is waiting for you in Australia! Leading institutions are offering over 1,500 scholarships for the 2027 cohort of international students to pursue Master by Research (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. This is your chance to “study for free” with comprehensive packages that cover tuition, provide a living stipend, and support your research. If you are an outstanding graduate student ready to contribute to global research, now is the time to prepare your application. The first major deadlines are as early as February 16, 2026.
Top Australian University Scholarships 2026 – Key Details
Here’s a quick overview of the upcoming major scholarship rounds:
| University | Next Major International Scholarship Deadline in 2026 | Key Scholarship Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Australian National University (ANU) | 15 April 2026 (Round 2) | ANU University Research Scholarships, RTP-based HDR funding |
| University of Sydney (USYD) | 27 February 2026 (Research Period 3 & 4) | RTP International Scholarship, USYD International Scholarship (USYDIS) |
| Monash University | 31 March 2026 (International Round) | Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS), RTP stipend route |
| UNSW Sydney | 17 April 2026 (July Release Round) | HDR Scholarship Rounds, Tuition Fee Scholarships |
| University of Queensland (UQ) | 23 March 2026 (Final Deadline – EOI due 16 Feb) | UQ Graduate School Scholarship (UQGSS), RTP-style funding |
| University of Melbourne (UoM) | 15 May 2026 (Example: Round 3 timeline) | Graduate Research Scholarships, Melbourne Research Scholarship |
| University of Western Australia (UWA) | Project-specific deadlines (Major 2026 round closed) | Project-funded PhD scholarships, International HDR awards |
About Fully Funded Research Degrees in Australia
In Australia, postgraduate research degrees are often synonymous with comprehensive, fully-funded scholarship packages. This is made possible through the government’s Research Training Program (RTP) scheme and university-specific endowments, which are designed to attract the world’s brightest research talent.
This is not a discount; it is a professional research career launchpad. As a scholarship holder, you are recognized and funded as a key contributor to the university’s research output. You will work alongside leading academics, have access to world-class facilities, and join a global community of scholars.
Scholarship Eligibility & Core Requirements
While specific criteria vary by university and program, the core requirements are generally:
- Academic Excellence: An outstanding academic record in a relevant undergraduate (for Master’s) or Master’s (for PhD) degree, typically equivalent to a First Class Honours or high Distinction average.
- Research Potential: Demonstrated through a strong research proposal, prior research experience, publications, or relevant professional work.
- University Admission: You must have applied for and received an offer of admission (or be in the process) to an eligible Master by Research or PhD program.
- English Language Proficiency: Meeting the high English requirements for research degrees (e.g., IELTS 6.5-7.0 overall, with no band below 6.0-6.5).
What These Scholarship Packages Cover (The “Study for Free” Model)
These are full-cost scholarships designed to let you focus entirely on your research:
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Complete coverage of international student tuition fees for the standard duration of your degree (typically 2 years for Master’s, 3-4 years for PhD).
- Generous Living Stipend: A tax-free annual stipend (typically AUD $32,000 to $37,000 in 2026) to cover all living costs, including accommodation, food, and transport.
- Relocation & Travel Allowance: A one-off grant to help you move to Australia and sometimes funding for fieldwork or conference travel.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory health insurance for international students.
- Research Support Funds: Additional funds for thesis printing, lab consumables, or specialized software.
How to Apply for These Scholarships (Step-by-Step)
The process is competitive and requires careful planning. Securing a supervisor is the most critical step.
- Find a Supervisor & Develop a Research Proposal (Start NOW):
- Research the faculty and research strengths of your target universities.
- Identify and contact potential academic supervisors whose work aligns with your interests.
- Develop a compelling, original research proposal with their guidance.
- Apply for Program Admission:
- Submit your formal application for the Master by Research or PhD program through the university’s admissions portal. You often cannot apply for the scholarship separately; you are automatically considered upon program application.
- Prepare a Stellar Application:
- Academic Transcripts & CV: Showcase your excellence.
- Research Proposal: This is your most important document.
- Letters of Recommendation: Strong references from academics who know your research potential.
- Proof of English Proficiency.
- Submit Before the Deadline:
- Adhere strictly to the university’s scholarship round deadline. Late applications are almost never considered.
🔥 Pro Tip: Do not wait for the deadline to start. The entire process, from finding a supervisor to refining your proposal, can take 6-12 months. Your first email to a potential supervisor should be professional, demonstrate you have read their work, and include a draft research idea.
Application Deadlines
Deadlines are strict and vary:
- Earliest: University of Queensland – EOI due February 16, 2026; Final application March 23, 2026.
- Other Key Dates: See the table above. Always check the specific university’s Graduate Research School website for the exact deadline for your chosen intake.
Official University Websites
For precise details, eligibility, and application portals, visit the graduate research pages of each university:
- ANU: anu.edu.au/study/scholarships
- University of Sydney: sydney.edu.au/scholarships
- Monash: monash.edu/study/scholarships
- UNSW: research.unsw.edu.au/scholarships
- UQ: graduate-school.uq.edu.au/scholarships
- UniMelb: scholarships.unimelb.edu.au
- UWA: uwa.edu.au/study/scholarships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?
A: Usually, no. For most major research scholarships, you are automatically considered when you apply for admission to an eligible Master by Research or PhD program. Ensure you indicate your wish to be considered for scholarships in the application form.
Q2: What is the RTP?
A: The Research Training Program (RTP) is a prestigious Australian Government funding scheme. Universities use RTP grants to offer tuition fee offsets and living stipends. When a scholarship is “RTP-based” or “RTP-funded,” it means it is part of this top-tier national program.
Q3: Is the living stipend enough to live on in Australia?
A: Yes. The stipend (approx. AUD $32,000-$37,000 p.a.) is designed as a liveable wage for a single student. It is sufficient to cover comfortable student accommodation, food, transport, and basic leisure in cities like Sydney or Melbourne, especially when combined with the tuition waiver.
Q4: How competitive are these scholarships?
A: Extremely competitive. They are awarded to the candidates with the highest academic rankings and most promising research proposals. A strong alignment with a willing supervisor and a demonstrated capacity for independent research are key differentiators.
Q5: Can I work part-time while on this scholarship?
A: Yes. International students on a student visa can typically work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester. However, the scholarship stipend is intended to allow you to focus full-time on your research, and your visa conditions and scholarship terms may have specific rules.
