Program Overview:
- Program: Scholarship (University Research Scholarships)
- Coverage: Fully Funded (stipend and possible tuition sponsorship)
- Nationality: Domestic & International
- Degree Level: PhD / Higher Degree by Research
- Duration: Up to 3.5 years
- University: University of Canberra
- Host Country: Australia
What’s the Purpose of This Program?
The aim here is straightforward: uplift highly qualified candidates into serious, full-time PhD research roles. The university supports both domestic and international applicants by offering stipends and possible tuition sponsorships. The selection process is rigorous, and it feels more like an alignment of your potential with the university’s strategic ambitions than just ticking boxes.
Who Is Eligible?
Here’s the gist—if you’re an Australian citizen, permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or an international student—you’re in. But there are a couple of smart filters:
- You must not have previously held an Australian Government–funded research scholarship for more than six months.
- You’ll also get extra brownie points if you fall into one of these groups:
- Admission to a PhD with an Australian First-Class Honours, or equivalent (like a research-intense Master’s with at least 25% research and a score of 80).
- Current University of Canberra PhD candidates who have confirmed their candidature and are under two years (EFT) into their journey.
- Participants in the National Industry PhD Program (Industry Linked stream).
- Indigenous Australian applicants admitted to a PhD.
In fact, at least 20% of scholarships go to first-class honours alumni, and another 20% to those Master’s with high marks in research. It’s competitive—but they’re intentional about where they put their support.
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What Are the Benefits?
Let’s talk goodies. The scholarship is solid, practical, and meant to let you focus on research—not stressing over rent or fees.
- AUD 36,225 per year, tax-free stipend (2025 rate) to help with living expenses.
- Tuition fee sponsorship for international students—meaning your course fees might be covered.
- If you’re starting offshore, your stipend will begin once you land and start on campus—but don’t worry, “back-paid” once you’re there.
- Duration of support: up to 3.5 years of full-time PhD research.
Fields of Study
It’s not limited to just one area. You’re generally free to pitch in any discipline, but there’s a special note around projects that tie into Economic, Environmental and Social Sustainability, especially under those co-funded industry scholarships. Dive into the faculty pages to see if your topic of interest aligns.
Application Process
Here’s how this works in a more laid-back, step-by-step way:
- Apply for HDR Admission via the university’s HDR Application Portal. Once you’re in, you’ll unlock the option to apply for this specific Research Scholarship.
- If you’re already a PhD candidate at UC and within two years, and have gone through Confirmation of Candidature, you can also apply via the same portal.
- Your application is first checked for eligibility and completion, then sent to your faculty for ranking based on merit—your academic record, research proposal, experience, strategic fit.
- Your file then goes to the University Research Scholarship Committee, who makes the final call based on that merit ranking.
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Deadlines
The official site doesn’t list the closing date outright, so you’ll need to check the Important UC Dates page for current and accurate closing dates—it changes.
But just so you’re not caught off-guard, related sources consistently mention September 30, 2025 as a key deadline—so it’s wise to zero in on that date.
So, Why Should You Bother?
Honestly, this is one of those scholarships that feels both practical and prestigious at the same time. A tax-free stipend that covers living, tuition support for internationals, campus support, a real investment in your research—that’s what makes it shine. If you have strong academic credentials and a compelling idea, this could be your ticket to 3.5 years of deep dive into your field, with your living costs actually taken care of.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up: the University of Canberra’s Research Scholarships for 2025 are a golden chance for PhD hopefuls everywhere—whether you’re local to Australia, from New Zealand, or overseas—to pursue full-time research without the financial burnout. Use that stipend, get your tuition sponsored, move in, and pour your energy into your thesis instead.
Official link: University of Canberra Research Scholarships
Go on, give it your best shot—you’ve got this, and this is a fantastic way to take your research ambitions forward with some real support behind you. Good luck!