Vice-Chancellor's PhD Excellence Scholarship

About

The Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship recognises outstanding international researchers with the talent, ambition and potential to make a significant contribution to their field.

Designed for high-achieving PhD candidates, this prestigious scholarship provides the opportunity to pursue world-class research within ACU’s vibrant and supportive research community.

Working alongside leading academics, scholars can advance knowledge, address complex global challenges and contribute to research that creates meaningful impact for communities locally and internationally.

Whether your goal is to influence policy, drive innovation or expand the boundaries of discovery, the Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship provides the foundation to realise your potential as a future research leader.

Benefits

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

• Living allowance of AUD $34,315* per annum (full-time), paid as a fortnight stipend for up to 3.5 years
• Full tuition fee scholarship valued at approximately A$34,728 per annum for up to 3.5 years
• An RTP Allowance Scholarship offering a single Overseas Student Health Cover policy and relocation allowance of up to AUD $2,000 to support the costs of relocation from an overseas country to Australia for the purposes of commencing an HDR program at ACU.

*2026 value, indexed annually

Eligibility

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

To be eligible, you must:

• Be classified as an international student for tuition fee purposes.
• Be applying for or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Ministry at one of ACU's Australian campuses (online study is not eligible).
• Not be receiving another ACU scholarship or award at the same time.
• Meet the enrolment and academic progress requirements outlined in ACU's Higher Degree Research and Research Training Program Scholarship policies.

For full eligibility requirements and scholarship conditions, please refer to ACU's Research Training Program Scholarship Policy.

Selection criteria 

The Vice-Chancellor's PhD Excellence Scholarship is highly competitive and awarded to a limited number of outstanding international applicants each year.

To be considered, you must:

• Demonstrate excellent academic achievement in your previous studies.
• Propose a research project that aligns with ACU's research priorities or areas of research strength.
• Rank among the highest-performing applicants in the scholarship selection process.

Scholarship recipients are selected by the ODVCRE Scholarship Selection Committee in line with ACU's scholarship selection policies.

How to apply

Applications close: 1 October 2026, 11.59PM AEST

Applicants will be automatically considered for this scholarship as part of their application for a research degree at ACU.

Visit the How to apply page for application instructions.