La Trobe Flexible Research Scholarship (FLEX) 2025 | $35,000 Support for Graduate Researchers with Disabilities

La Trobe Flexible Research Scholarship (FLEX) 2025: Overview

The La Trobe Flexible Research Scholarship (FLEX) is designed to support doctoral and research master’s students with disabilities by providing additional financial support, extended candidature, and tailored research assistance.

This scholarship is available to students who already hold a Research Training Program (RTP) stipend or a La Trobe University Graduate Research Scholarship (LTGRS). It ensures students with disabilities have equitable access to complete their research degrees with the necessary time, funding, and accommodations.

La Trobe Flexible Research Scholarship (FLEX) 2025: Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a graduate researcher currently receiving (or accepted for) an RTP or LTGRS stipend.

• Have a disability that is:

  • Permanent or likely to be permanent.

  • Attributable to intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, or psychiatric conditions.

  • Demonstrably impacting the pace of research study.

• Provide medical documentation or proof of participation in the NDIS.

• Meet academic standards (Masters by Research completion for PhD candidates, or Honours 2A equivalent for Masters applicants).

Benefits

• Stipend extension:

  • Up to 18 months for doctoral candidates.

  • Up to 8 months for research master’s candidates.

• Research allowance: Up to $3,000 per year for disability-related research costs (e.g., Auslan interpreters, personal attendant care).

• Extended candidature:

  • Additional 12 months for doctoral studies.

  • Additional 6 months for master’s research.

• Tuition fee coverage for extended candidature.

• Leave provisions: Up to 24 months leave of absence (visa conditions apply for international candidates).

• Paid as a $35,000 annual stipend, disbursed fortnightly.

Fellowship/Program Components

• Individually tailored support for research students with disabilities.

• Access to allowances for assistive services and equipment.

• Flexibility in leave and candidature duration.

• Covers multiple La Trobe University campuses: Melbourne, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Mildura, and Shepparton.

Application Requirements

• Proof of RTP or LTGRS stipend (or acceptance letter).

• Medical documentation of disability or NDIS participation.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating required research performance.

• Research proposal or evidence of research achievements (for PhD applicants).

Selection Criteria

• Priority to candidates conducting research at a La Trobe University campus.

• Strong academic background:

  • PhD applicants: completed a Masters by Research or equivalent.

  • Masters applicants: at least Honours 2A (High Second-Class Upper) or international equivalent.

• Demonstrated need for additional time and support due to disability-related impacts.

Application Process

1. Confirm eligibility (must hold or apply for RTP/LTGRS stipend).

2. Prepare supporting documents (medical evidence, academic records).

3. Submit FLEX application to La Trobe Graduate Research School.

4. Applications are assessed year-round, with priority given to campus-based research candidates.

Important Dates

• Opening Date: May 1, 2023

• Closing Date: December 31, 2025

• Status: Open (rolling applications)

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the La Trobe Flexible Research Scholarship (FLEX) 2025 | $35,000 Support for Graduate Researchers with Disabilities