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Understanding the costs of a research degree is an important part of planning your study journey. At ACU, a range of government-funded and university-supported initiatives help reduce the cost of undertaking a Higher Degree by Research (HDR). This page outlines the fees you may be required to pay and the financial support available to eligible domestic and international research students.
Many HDR students at ACU are eligible for tuition fee support through government-funded or university-funded scholarship programs.
The Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) provides funding to universities across Australia to support domestic students undertaking a higher degree by research.
All eligible domestic students who are offered admission to a graduate research degree at ACU automatically receive an Australian Government Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship. This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees for the duration of your research degree.
Eligibility and scholarship conditions apply
All eligible international applicants are automatically considered for an ACU Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset Scholarship when they apply for a graduate research degree at ACU. This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees for the duration of your research degree.
These scholarships are awarded competitively and places are limited. Not all successful applicants will receive an award. If you are not awarded a fee offset scholarship, you will be required to pay international tuition fees for your degree.
See the international student fees page for current tuition rates.
Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students at Australian Catholic University are exempt from paying the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
This exemption helps reduce the cost of undertaking a research degree, allowing HDR candidates to focus on their research and academic goals.
International students are required to take out compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their student visa in Australia.
OSHC helps cover the cost of medical treatment, hospital care and some health services while you are living and studying in Australia.
Some graduate research scholarships include funding for a single OSHC policy, covering the scholarship recipient for the duration of their studies. If you are not awarded a scholarship with OSHC included, or if you need cover for dependants such as a partner or children accompanying you to Australia, you will be responsible for the additional cost.
It is important to ensure your OSHC remains valid for your entire stay in Australia and meets the requirements of your student visa.
ACU offers a range of scholarships for domestic and international HDR students. Scholarships may help cover tuition fees, living expenses, relocation costs and health insurance, allowing you to focus on your research and achieve your goals.
Find a scholarship