Research Scholarships

The University of Canberra offers a limited number of University Research Scholarships to support highly qualified candidates undertaking full-time study towards a Higher Degree by Research (HDR).

These scholarships are highly competitive, with fewer than 10% of applicants receiving an award in the previous round.

Selection is based on several factors including:

• Academic merit
• Strategic alignment
• The quality of the research proposal
• Research experience including publications
• University identified priority groups

Graduate Research manages the scholarship application process and the administration for the tenure of the scholarship.

The University Research Scholarship Committee is responsible for awarding the University Research Scholarships for Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarships and UC Higher Degree by Research Stipend Scholarships.

How to Apply?

• Potential PhD domestic and international candidates must apply through the HDR Application Portal.
  • You must first apply for HDR admission. Once your admission application is submitted, you will gain access to a separate scholarship application form. Both the HDR admission application and the scholarship application must be completed and submitted before the deadline to be considered for a HDR scholarship.
• Current PhD candidates* at the University of Canberra can also apply for a Research Scholarship. You must complete a Research Scholarship application via the HDR Application Portal.

* Preference will be given to PhD candidates who have successfully achieved Confirmation of Candidature and have completed no more than two years of candidature EFT.

Closing date

Refer to the Important UC dates page to review relevant dates. Please use the selection box to select Higher Degree by Research students.

What University Research Scholarships Are Available at UC?

The following University Research Scholarships may be available for commencement in line with semester start dates:

• Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarships
• UC Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Stipend Scholarships for both domestic and international applicants

University Research Scholarships Conditions

Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarships, funded by the federal government, and the University of Canberra Higher Degree by Research (UC HDR) Stipend Scholarship provide support to Higher Degree by Research students with exceptional research promise.

Please note that Scholarship Conditions of Award are reviewed annually. Some entitlements and conditions may change from year to year.

For detailed information and conditions of award please see the University;

• RTP Stipend Scholarship Conditions of Award (PDF))
• UC HDR Stipend Scholarship Conditions of Award (PDF)

Eligibility

• domestic student (Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen) or international student
• not have previously held an Australian-Government-funded research scholarship for more than 6 months.

Priority Groups

For the allocation of scholarships in the Semester 1, 2026 round, the following applicants will be given priority:

• Approved for admission to a PhD with:
  • An Australian First-Class Honours result, or
  • A qualification or Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) considered equivalent by the University (e.g., a Master by coursework that includes a research project comprising at least 25% of the course, with a result of at least 80%).
• Current PhD candidates who have:
  • Successfully achieved Confirmation of Candidature, and
  • Completed less than two years of candidature (EFTD) at the start of the semester.
• Applicants identified and approved for the National Industry PhD Program – Industry Linked stream.
• Indigenous Australian applicants approved for admission to a PhD.

Funding

Specific to Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarships and UC Higher Degree by Research Stipend Scholarships for domestic and international applicants.

• $36,225.00 per annum (2025 rate, tax-free) stipend to assist with living costs.
  • International recipients will not be paid their stipend scholarship until they are able to undertake their research onshore. The stipend will be back paid once they arrive at the University of Canberra, Bruce campus.
  • International candidates may also be awarded a tuition fee waiver to cover tuition fees.

Duration

• 3.5 years

Scholarship Application Ranking Process

1. Scholarship applications are assessed for completion and eligibility for admission to the PhD.
2. They are then forwarded onto to the appropriate faculties for academic staff to assess and rank applicants in an order of merit based on academic qualifications, strategic alignment, research proposal and research experience.
3. The University Research Scholarship Committee reviews the faculties’ ranking, and allocates the University Research Scholarships to the highest ranked applicants in Order of Merit.

For more information refer to the HDR Scholarship Application and Assessment Procedures.

Other Scholarships

Industry Co-funded Scholarships

The University has a range of industry co-funded scholarships for research projects with external organisations and end-users (industry, business, government, community):

• Industry co-funded industry scholarships may be available for those conducting research that aligns with the strategic theme of the University - Economic, Environmental and Social Sustainability

Contact your potential supervisor or Faculty HDR Administrator to find out if any scholarships are available in your research area.

Faculty-Managed and Other Research Scholarships

Information on specific research scholarships offered by faculties, the application process and closing dates can be found on Faculty-managed and Other Scholarships webpage.