Australia stands as a global leader in research and higher education, attracting talented PhD candidates from around the world. Pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a significant undertaking, and securing funding is often a critical step. Fortunately, Australia offers a wide array of scholarships specifically designed to support domestic and international PhD students.
This guide provides a detailed overview of prominent PhD scholarship opportunities available in Australia for the 2025 academic year and beyond. It covers major government initiatives like the Research Training Program (RTP), prestigious university-specific awards from leading institutions (including the Group of Eight), targeted international awards like the Australia Awards, and significant private foundation scholarships such as the Forrest Research Foundation Scholarships. The goal is to present an easy-to-read, actionable resource to help prospective PhD candidates navigate the complex scholarship landscape.
PhD scholarships vary considerably in eligibility criteria, funding value (stipend, fee offsets, allowances), application procedures, and deadlines. Thorough research and strategic applications tailored to your academic profile, research interests, and chosen university are essential for success.
PhD Scholarship Summary Table
For a quick overview, here is a summary of the key PhD scholarships discussed:
| Scholarship Name | Type/Provider | Target Audience | Key Benefit(s) | Application Type |
| Australian Government RTP | Australian Government (via Universities) | Domestic & International PhD Students | Fee Offset, Stipend (~$35k-38k+ p.a.), Allowances | Usually Auto/Separate* |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Australian Government (DFAT) | Citizens of participating developing countries | Full Tuition, Travel, Living Allowance, OSHC, etc. | Separate Online |
| UniMelb Graduate Research Scholarships | University of Melbourne | Domestic & International PhD Students | Fee Offset, Stipend (~$38.5k p.a.), Allowances | Auto/Separate* |
| Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS) | Monash University | Domestic & International PhD Students | Fee Offset, Stipend (~$36k p.a.), Allowances | Automatic |
| UNSW HDR Scholarships (UPA/TFS) | UNSW Sydney | Domestic & International PhD Students | Fee Offset (TFS/RTP), Stipend (UPA/RTP ~$38.4k p.a.) | Automatic |
| Uni Sydney RTP & University Scholarships | University of Sydney | Domestic & International PhD Students | Fee Offset, Stipend (~$35k-38k+ p.a.), Allowances | Separate Online |
| Deakin RTP / DUPR Scholarships | Deakin University | Domestic & International PhD Students | Fee Offset, Stipend (~$35k-38k+ p.a.), Allowances | Automatic |
| Macquarie Graduate Research Scholarships | Macquarie University | Domestic & International PhD/MRes Students | Fee Offset, Stipend (~$35k-38k+ p.a.) | Automatic |
| Forrest Research Foundation PhD Scholarships | Forrest Research Foundation (Private) | Domestic & International PhD (WA Unis) | Stipend, Accommodation, Travel, Fee Offset (> $270k) | Separate Online |
Note: Stipend values are indicative 2025 estimates (tax-free, indexed annually) and should be verified on official sites. Application types indicate the general process: ‘Auto’ means consideration is usually automatic with PhD admission application, ‘Separate’ means a distinct scholarship application is needed, ‘Auto/Separate*’ means it depends on the university (e.g., Sydney requires separate, Melbourne depends on student status). Always verify specific requirements and deadlines on the official scholarship/university website.
Major Government-Funded Scholarships
These scholarships represent the cornerstone of PhD funding in Australia, primarily administered through universities but funded by the government.
1. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
- Overview: The primary scheme supporting postgraduate research students (PhD and Research Masters) in Australia. It is funded by the Australian Government but administered individually by participating universities.
- Target Audience: High-achieving domestic and international students undertaking Higher Degrees by Research (HDR).
- Components & Value:
- RTP Fee Offset: Covers full tuition fees for the standard duration of the PhD (typically up to 4 years). Automatically granted to all admitted domestic HDR students. Awarded competitively by universities to high-calibre international students.
- RTP Stipend: Provides a tax-free living allowance. The base rate is set by the government annually, but universities often provide stipends at this rate or higher (e.g., expect rates around AUD 35,000−35,000 – 35,000−38,500+ p.a. for 2025, indexed annually).
- RTP Allowances: May cover ancillary costs such as relocation, thesis production, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students. Availability and value vary by university.
- Eligibility: Determined by individual universities based on government guidelines. Requires meeting PhD entry requirements, outstanding academic merit, and strong research potential. International students must meet English language proficiency standards.
- Application: Usually automatic consideration when applying for PhD admission at a participating university by the relevant scholarship deadline. However, some universities (like the University of Sydney) require a separate scholarship application form. Always check the specific university’s graduate research scholarship application procedures and deadlines.
- Key Point: Many university-named scholarships (e.g., Monash Graduate Scholarship, UNSW UPA) are often funded fully or partially through the RTP scheme or are equivalent awards offered concurrently.
- Source: Australian Department of Education website, Individual University Scholarship/Graduate Research websites.
2. Australia Awards Scholarships (for PhD)
•Overview: Prestigious, long-term awards administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), aimed at contributing to the development needs of Australia’s partner countries.
•Target Audience: Citizens of participating developing countries (primarily in the Indo-Pacific region) intending to undertake full-time PhD study aligned with their home country’s development priorities.
•Value/Benefits: Highly comprehensive support, including full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, fortnightly living expenses (CLE), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), an Introductory Academic Program (IAP), potential pre-course English support, and fieldwork allowances for research.
•Eligibility: Must be a citizen of a participating country, meet specific country/regional criteria (including academic and English requirements), demonstrate leadership potential, and commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship.
•Application: Apply online via the official Australia Awards/DFAT portal. Application processes, eligibility details, and deadlines vary significantly by country. It is crucial to check the specific country profile on the DFAT website.
•Deadlines: Typically open early each year and close around April/May for commencement in the following academic year (e.g., the 2025 intake application round closed on April 30, 2024). Check the DFAT website for the next application cycle (likely for the 2026 intake).
•Source: DFAT Australia Awards
University-Specific PhD Scholarships (Examples)
Australia’s universities offer numerous PhD scholarships, often leveraging RTP funds but also providing their own supplementary funding. Below are examples from leading institutions.
Group of Eight (Go8) University Examples:
1. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
•Overview: Supports high-achieving domestic and international students undertaking PhDs (and Research Masters).
•Value: Includes RTP Fee Offset (automatic for domestic, competitive for international) and a competitive stipend (Graduate Research Scholarship) covering living costs (rate likely ~$38,500 p.a. for 2025, indexed). Also includes relocation/thesis allowances and OSHC for international students.
•Eligibility: Meet PhD entry requirements; selection based on academic merit and research potential.
•Application: Automatic consideration for new students applying for PhD admission by the deadline (often Oct 31). Current/deferred students need to submit a separate online form by Oct 31.
•Source: University of Melbourne Scholarships
2. Monash University Graduate Scholarship (MGS)
•Overview: Supports domestic and international PhD (and Research Masters) students.
•Value: Provides a living stipend (indicated value AUD $36,063 p.a. for 2025, indexed). Fee offsets are typically provided via RTP (automatic for domestic, competitive for international). Relocation allowance may also be included.
•Eligibility: Based on academic record, research outputs, and prior research experience; meet PhD entry requirements.
•Application: Automatic consideration when applying for PhD admission via the Monash Applicant Portal. No separate scholarship application needed. Four application rounds per year (check website for specific International/Domestic deadlines in March, May, August, October).
•Source: Monash Graduate Scholarship
3. UNSW Higher Degree Research (HDR) Scholarships (UPA/TFS)
•Overview: Includes RTP-funded scholarships and UNSW-funded awards like the University Postgraduate Award (UPA) stipend and Tuition Fee Scholarship (TFS) for international students.
•Value: Combination of fee coverage (TFS for international, RTP for domestic) and a living stipend (UPA or RTP, rate likely ~$38,438 p.a. for 2025, indexed).
•Eligibility: Based on academic merit, research potential; meet PhD entry requirements.
•Application: Generally automatic consideration for main rounds when applying for PhD admission by the relevant deadlines (UNSW has several rounds per year).
•Source: UNSW HDR Scholarships
4. University of Sydney RTP and University Scholarships
•Overview: Offers RTP and equivalent University-funded scholarships for PhD students.
•Value: Includes fee offset (RTP for domestic, competitive for international) and a living stipend (RTP or University equivalent, rate aligned with government RTP, likely 35,000−35,000-35,000−38,500+ p.a. for 2025, indexed). May include OSHC, relocation support.
•Eligibility: Meet PhD entry requirements; competitive selection based on merit, potential, publications, experience.
•Application: Requires both PhD admission application and a separate scholarship application form submitted by specific round deadlines (check website for current International/Domestic deadlines).
•Source: University of Sydney RTP Scholarships
Other University Examples:
5. Deakin University RTP / DUPR Scholarships
Overview: Offers RTP and Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarships (DUPR).
•Value: Includes fee offset (RTP for domestic, competitive for international) and a living stipend (RTP or DUPR, rate aligned with government RTP, likely 35,000−35,000-35,000−38,500+ p.a. for 2025, indexed). May include OSHC, relocation allowance.
•Eligibility: Meet PhD entry requirements (typically H1/80%+); competitive selection.
•Application: Apply for PhD admission; scholarship consideration usually integrated. Specific application rounds exist (check website for current International/Domestic deadlines).
•Source: Deakin RTP/DUPR Scholarships
6. Macquarie University Graduate Research Scholarships
•Overview: Supports PhD and Master of Research (MRes) students.
•Value: Typically includes fee offset (RTP for domestic, competitive for international) and a living stipend (RTP or equivalent, rate aligned with government RTP, likely 35,000−35,000-35,000−38,500+ p.a. for 2025, indexed).
•Eligibility: Based on academic merit, research potential; meet PhD/MRes entry requirements.
•Application: Usually involves applying for degree admission. Check the Macquarie scholarship portal for specific processes and round deadlines (e.g., International Road to Research Scholarship, Domestic rounds).
•Source: Macquarie Graduate Research Scholarships
Private Foundation Scholarships
These prestigious awards are funded by philanthropic organisations.
1. Forrest Research Foundation PhD Scholarships
- Overview: Highly competitive scholarships for outstanding PhD researchers based at one of Western Australia’s five universities (UWA, Curtin, ECU, Murdoch, Notre Dame Fremantle).
- Target Audience: Exceptional international and domestic researchers enrolling in a PhD at a participating WA university.
- Value/Benefits: Extremely comprehensive package valued at over AUD $270,000 over four years, including a stipend (aligned with RTP), accommodation allowance at Forrest Hall, relocation/research travel allowance, and full tuition fee offset.
- Eligibility: Exceptional academic record, research potential, commitment to impact, meet university entry and English requirements.
- Application: Requires applying directly to the Forrest Research Foundation AND applying for PhD admission at the chosen WA university.
- Deadlines: Typically close around October/November for the following year’s intake (e.g., 2025 intake closed Oct 31, 2024). Check the Foundation website for future rounds.
- Source: Forrest Research Foundation
How to Find More PhD Scholarships
The scholarships above are significant examples, but countless others exist, often specific to research areas, faculties, or individual projects.
- University Scholarship Portals: Essential resource. Use the scholarship search tools on the websites of universities you are interested in (e.g., ANU, UQ, Adelaide, etc., in addition to those listed).
- Supervisor/Project-Specific Funding: Many PhD positions come with funding attached to a specific research project or supervisor. Browse university faculty/research centre websites for advertised PhD projects.
- Government Portals:
- Study Australia (studyaustralia.gov.au): Lists major scholarships.
- GrantConnect (grants.gov.au): Lists government grant opportunities, which sometimes include research funding applicable to PhDs.
- External Databases: Websites like FindAPhD, Scholarship Roar, etc., aggregate opportunities (always verify details on the official provider website).
- Discipline-Specific Funding Bodies: Look for funding from research councils, professional associations, or charities related to your field (e.g., NHMRC for health/medical research).
General PhD Scholarship Application Tips
- Start Very Early: PhD applications and scholarship rounds often have deadlines 6-12 months before commencement.
- Contact Potential Supervisors: Establishing contact with supervisors whose research aligns with yours is crucial before applying. They can advise on projects and funding opportunities.
- Develop a Strong Research Proposal: This is key for PhD admission and scholarship success. Work with potential supervisors to refine it.
- Highlight Research Experience/Potential: Emphasise publications, conference presentations, relevant work experience, and strong academic results (especially in research components).
- Tailor Applications: Address the specific criteria of both the PhD program and the scholarship.
- Prepare Documents: Transcripts, CV, research proposal, referee reports, proof of English proficiency – gather these well in advance.
- Choose Referees Wisely: Select academic referees who know your research capabilities well and provide them with ample time and information (CV, proposal draft).
- Proofread Meticulously: Ensure all application materials are polished and error-free.
Securing funding is a vital part of the PhD journey in Australia. The RTP scheme forms the backbone, supplemented by numerous university and private awards. By starting early, identifying suitable supervisors, crafting a compelling research proposal, and submitting polished applications to relevant scholarships, you can significantly enhance your prospects of obtaining full funding for your doctoral studies.
Good luck with your PhD applications and scholarship search!
References
- Australian Department of Education (RTP Information): https://www.education.gov.au/research-training-program
- DFAT Australia Awards: https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/australia-awards-scholarships
- University of Melbourne Scholarships: https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/
- Monash Graduate Scholarship: https://www.monash.edu/study/fees-scholarships/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/monash-graduate-scholarship-mgs
- UNSW HDR Scholarships: https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/hdr/scholarships
- University of Sydney RTP Scholarships: https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/australian-government-research-training-program.html
- Deakin RTP/DUPR Scholarships: https://www.deakin.edu.au/study/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/rtp-and-duprs
- Macquarie Graduate Research Scholarships: https://www.mq.edu.au/research/phd-and-research-degrees/how-to-apply/scholarship-opportunities
- Forrest Research Foundation: https://www.forrestresearch.org.au/