ACU Indigenous Research (HDR) Stipend Scholarship

About

The ACU Indigenous Research (HDR) Stipend Scholarship supports Indigenous Australians to undertake higher degree research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in ways that benefit communities, industries and society.

Through dedicated financial support and access to ACU’s vibrant research environment, scholars can pursue research that reflects their passions, perspectives and aspirations while working alongside leading researchers and supervisors.

Whether your goal is to influence policy, deepen understanding, drive innovation or create positive outcomes for future generations, this scholarship provides the foundation to grow as a researcher and leader while making a meaningful contribution to your field and community.

Benefits

Successful applicants are awarded a comprehensive scholarship package that provides financial support throughout their research journey.

• Living allowance of AUD $53,608* per annum (full-time), paid as a fortnightly stipend.
• Research Training Program Fees Offset Scholarship providing full fee offset valued at approximately AUD $$34,728 per annum for the minimum duration of your degree.

*2026 value, indexed annually

Eligibility

Applications are open to indigenous applicants whose proposed research aligns with any of ACU's broad areas of expertise.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be an Indigenous domestic student enrolled in an accredited research higher degree at ACU.
• Not be receiving income from another source to support their general living costs while undertaking their course of study if that income is greater than 75 per cent of the student's Stipend rate. Income unrelated to the student's course of study or income received for the student's course of study, but not for the purposes of supporting general living costs, will not be taken into account. 

How to apply

Applications are open year-round.

Future students

Prospective students can apply as part of the application process for a research degree at ACU.

Visit the How to apply page for application instructions.

Current students

Current students can download the scholarship application form from the Student Portal, and submit it along with the required supporting documentation to the Graduate Research School:

Email: grad.research@acu.edu.au