Program Description: 

Title: Charles Darwin University Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Scholarships 2026

Application Deadlines:

• International Applicants: 30 September 2025

• Domestic Applicants: 31 October 2025

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Charles Darwin University Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Scholarships 2026: Overview

Charles Darwin University (CDU), Australia, invites applications for its 2026 Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships for both domestic and international students. These competitive, fully funded scholarships are awarded to outstanding candidates to pursue Higher Degree by Research (HDR) studies at CDU, leading to a Master’s by Research or PhD degree.

Funded by the Australian Government, the RTP scholarships are designed to cover living costs while candidates undertake full-time research studies.

• Host University: Charles Darwin University (CDU), Australia
• Study Level: Master’s by Research | PhD
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded (Living stipend + other benefits)
• Start Date: Between 12 January and 27 March 2026

Charles Darwin University Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Scholarships 2026: Eligibility

• Domestic Applicants: Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens
• International Applicants: Citizens of any country outside Australia/New Zealand
• Must secure a CDU supervisor before applying
• Meet English proficiency requirements
• Have a strong academic background and demonstrated research potential
• Provide two academic referee reports and complete supporting documentation

Charles Darwin University Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Scholarships 2026: Benefits

• Stipend: AU$34,190 per annum (2025 rate) for full-time students (tax-free)

• Part-Time Stipend: AU$ 17,095 per annum (taxable)

• Duration:

  • 3 years for PhD

  • 2 years for a Master’s by Research

• Relocation Allowance: Up to AU$2,000 (domestic) or AU$2,500 (international)

• Other Benefits: Paid sick leave, maternity leave

Note: Applicants cannot receive additional income that exceeds 75% of the RTP stipend if that income is intended to support general living costs.

Application Requirements

A complete application must include:

• Confirmation of supervision from a CDU academic

• Two academic referee reports

• Proof of English proficiency

• Certified academic transcripts

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Research proposal and outputs (if applicable)

Selection Criteria

• Academic merit and qualifications
• Quality and relevance of proposed research
• Research experience and output
• Supervisor support
• Competitive ranking based on RTP Scholarship Ranking Guidelines

Restrictions

• Scholarships are awarded competitively and are not guaranteed

• Cannot hold another award providing general living costs exceeding 75% of the RTP stipend

• Start date must be within January–March 2026

Application Process

1. Find and secure a supervisor at CDU

2. Submit a complete application before the deadline via the CDU application portal

3. Wait for scholarship outcome announcements:

   • International: Mid-November 2025

   • Domestic: Mid-December 2025