University of Canberra Research Scholarships 2025 | Fully Funded PhD Opportunities for Domestic & International Students 

University of Canberra Research Scholarships 2025 | Fully Funded PhD Opportunities for Domestic & International Students: Overview

The University of Canberra (UC) offers a limited number of Research Scholarships to support highly qualified candidates undertaking a Higher Degree by Research (HDR). These scholarships are highly competitive—only about 10% of applicants receive an award. They provide generous stipends, tuition fee support, and professional research opportunities aligned with UC’s strategic priorities in Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainability.

Scholarships are offered under the:

• Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarships

• UC Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Stipend Scholarships

• Industry Co-funded Scholarships

• Faculty-managed & other research scholarships

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• Domestic students (Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens), OR

• International students admitted to a PhD program at UC.

Additional conditions:

• Must not have held an Australian-Government-funded research scholarship for more than 6 months.

• Current UC PhD candidates may apply if they:

  • Have completed less than 2 years (EFT) of candidature.

  • Have successfully achieved Confirmation of Candidature.

Priority Groups:

• Applicants with First-Class Honours or equivalent (e.g., Master’s with research component ≥25% and ≥80% result).

• Indigenous Australian PhD candidates.

• Applicants approved for the National Industry PhD Program (Industry Linked stream).

• At least 20% of awards go to First-Class Honours recipients and 20% to strong Master’s candidates.

Benefits

• Stipend: AUD $36,225 per year (2025 rate, tax-free) for living costs.

• Duration: Up to 3.5 years.

• Tuition Fee Sponsorship: Possible tuition coverage for international students.

• Backpay for International Students: Offshore students receive their stipend once they arrive in Canberra.

• Research Support: Access to UC’s research ecosystem, professional development, and possible industry partnerships.

Fellowship/Program Components

• RTP Stipend Scholarships (Government-funded) – main scheme for domestic & international PhD students.

• UC HDR Stipend Scholarships (University-funded) – available to both domestic & international applicants.

• Industry Co-funded Scholarships – research tied to UC’s strategic themes and external industry collaboration.

• Faculty-managed & Other Scholarships – additional discipline-specific opportunities.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• HDR Admission Application via the HDR Application Portal (PhD program entry).

• Research Scholarship Application (separate form, available after HDR admission application).

• Strong research proposal.

• Evidence of academic excellence (First-Class Honours or equivalent).

• Proof of research experience (publications, prior projects, relevant professional work).

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed on:

1. Academic merit (grades, qualifications).

2. Research experience (publications, past projects, recognition).

3. Strategic alignment with UC’s priority areas.

4. Quality of research proposal.

5. Belonging to priority groups (Indigenous Australians, First-Class Honours, industry-linked PhD).

Ranking is conducted by faculty review panels and finalized by the University Research Scholarship Committee.

Application Process

1. Apply for HDR Admission via the UC HDR Application Portal.

2. After admission, submit a Research Scholarship Application through the same portal.

3. Current UC PhD candidates must also apply via the portal.

4. Closing Dates: Check the UC Important Dates page for HDR scholarship deadlines.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the University of Canberra Research Scholarships 2025 | Fully Funded PhD Opportunities for Domestic & International Students