Graduate Research Scholarship Package

About 

The Graduate Research Scholarship Package supports exceptional domestic and international Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates who are committed to advancing knowledge, addressing complex challenges and making a positive impact in their fields.

Through comprehensive financial support, this prestigious scholarship enables researchers to focus on conducting high-quality research, collaborating with leading experts, and contributing to new discoveries that benefit communities in Australia and around the world.

Benefits

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

Domestic candidates

• Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship (Stipend) of AUD $34,315* per annum (full-time)
• Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship (Fee offset) valued at approximately AUD $34,728 per annum 

International candidates

• ACU Research Training Program Scholarship (Stipend) of AUD $34,315* per annum (full-time)
• ACU Research Training Program Scholarship (Fee offset) valued at approximately AUD $34,728 per annum
• 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 all applicants whose proposed research aligns with any of ACU's broad areas of expertise.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a domestic or overseas student enrolled in an accredited research higher degree at ACU.

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

Selection criteria

These scholarships are awarded through a competitive, merit-based selection process.

Priority is given to applicants who:

• Propose a research project that aligns with ACU's research priorities or areas of research strength.
• Have a research project that can be well supported by ACU's research environment, including appropriate supervision and infrastructure.
• Identify as an Indigenous Australian.
• Are applying for a doctoral degree and have achieved outstanding academic results, such as first-class honours or an equivalent level of academic achievement.
• Have not previously undertaken doctoral-level study.

Scholarship recipients are selected by the Stipend Scholarship Assessment Panel in line with ACU's scholarship selection policies.

How to apply

Applications open twice per annum in April and October.

Round 1 (April)

• Application deadline: Wednesday 1 April 2026, 11:59 PM (AEDT)
• Domestic commencement: First workday of August
• International commencement: First day of Research Term D in October

Round 2 (October)

• Application deadline: Thursday 1 October 2026, 11:59 PM (AEST)
• Domestic commencement: First workday in February of the following year
• International commencement: First day of Research Term C in July of the following year

View study periods

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