If you’re a researcher living with a disability, trying to find a scholarship that gets it — that recognises the extra time, the extra cost, the extra planning — then the La Trobe University Flexible Research Scholarship (FLEX) 2025 is one to pay attention to. This isn’t just a “normal” research support scholarship. It’s designed specifically with graduate research students with disabilities in mind — and that difference shows in the extra allowances, extra time, and extra care built into the award.
Coverage: Fully funded stipend + extra support for students with disabilities
Nationality: International & Domestic
Degree level: Research Master’s & PhD (Higher Degree by Research)
Duration: Up to standard candidature + extensions as required
University: La Trobe University, Australia
Deadline: 31 December 2025 (open year-round)
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know: purpose, benefits, eligibility, fields of study, deadlines, and how to apply. If you’re juggling research ambition and disability – this one is worth your time.
Purpose of the Program
The FLEX scholarship is part of La Trobe’s commitment to increasing access and success for students with disabilities who wish to undertake higher degrees by research. Rather than expecting you to fit a standard timeline, this scholarship acknowledges that extra time, support or flexibility might be needed. It’s tailored to those who already hold or have accepted one of La Trobe’s main research scholarships (or an equivalent stipend) and who have a disability that affects their functional capacity in meaningful ways.
Put another way: This is for those whose disability affects their pace or the way they conduct research; it recognises that by adjusting the standard framework rather than expecting you to adjust entirely to it. That’s a powerful commitment.
Benefits of the Scholarship
What makes FLEX different? A lot of what you get is additional to typical HDR (Higher Degree by Research) support. Here are some of the key benefits.
- A research support allowance of up to AUD $3,000 per annum, to cover research-related costs tied to having a disability (for example, Auslan interpreters, personal attendant care for conferences).
- Extension of your candidature period: for doctoral candidates, up to an additional 12 months (FTE); for research master’s candidates, up to 6 months (FTE). International students are subject to visa conditions.
- Extension of your stipend: for PhD candidates, up to an extra 18 months (FTE) over the standard stipend period; for research master’s candidates, up to 8 months (FTE).
- Tuition fee coverage for the extended period (for the time beyond the standard candidature).
- Additional leave of absence aggregation: up to a total of 24 months of leave (subject to visa conditions and approvals for international candidates).
In short, you’re not just getting a standard stipend; you’re getting a tailored funding package that acknowledges the extra demands you may face, academically or personally.
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Eligibility Criteria
Before you get too excited, let’s check that you meet the criteria. This scholarship is generous, but also quite specific. Here’s what you must have:
Mandatory eligibility
- You must currently hold a Research Training Program (RTP) stipend or a La Trobe Graduate Research Scholarship (LTGRS) stipend, or have accepted an offer to receive one.
- You must have a disability that is attributable to one or more intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory or physical impairments; or to one or more impairments attributable to a psychiatric condition.
- The impairment(s) must be, or likely to be, permanent.
- The impairment(s) must result in substantially reduced functional capacity in one or more of the following activities:
- communication
- social interaction
- learning
- mobility
- self-care
- self-management
- It must be demonstrated (for example, via medical evidence or participation in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia where applicable).
- It must be clear that because of the disability, you require additional time beyond standard candidature provisions to complete your HDR.
Preferred / selection criteria
While the above are eligibility requirements, the university prioritises candidates who:
- Will be undertaking their research at a La Trobe University campus.
- For doctoral applicants: have already completed a Masters by Research (or equivalent) with a high standard (e.g., equivalent to La Trobe’s 70+ grade).
- For research master’s applicants: have attained the equivalent of at least a high honours 2A grade degree in Australia, or equivalent overseas.
Fields of study
There are no strict restrictions on the field of study: any discipline available for HDR at La Trobe University is eligible. That said, your research topic must be approved and aligned with the university’s HDR framework.
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Coverage & Degree Level
- Degree levels: Research Master’s (Master by Research) and Doctoral degrees (PhD/higher doctorate).
- Coverage: The stipend is an extension of existing RTP or LTGRS scholarship. The exact stipend rate is around AUD $36,000 per annum for full-time (2026 full-time rate) for doctoral candidates at La Trobe.
- Duration: Standard candidature period + the extended period allowed under this scholarship (see benefits).
- Fields: All fields covered under HDR at La Trobe University (sciences, engineering, health, social sciences, humanities etc.).
- Nationality: Both Domestic (Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, New Zealand citizen) and International candidates may apply (though note visa/leave of absence conditions for international students).
- Host university: La Trobe University, Australia – campuses include Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton.
Deadline
One of the advantages of this scholarship is that applications are open all year round (or until the closing date) for eligible candidates. The closing date listed is 31 December 2025. While you have time, it’s wise not to leave it to the last minute – preparation is key.
Application Process
Preparing your application carefully will increase your chances. Here’s a breakdown of how you apply.
- Check eligibility — make sure you hold (or have accepted) an RTP or LTGRS stipend, and you meet the disability criteria.
- Obtain medical evidence — you’ll need documentation showing the nature, permanence and functional impact of the disability (for example medical reports, evidence of NDIS participation).
- Download the confidential statement form — La Trobe requires applicants to download the “LTFLEX Scholarship Confidential Statement Form”.
- Complete the form & impact statement — you’ll be asked to describe your disability, how it affects your research candidature (pace, functioning etc), and what adjustments you require.
- Email the form and supporting documentation — send your form and evidence to the specified email: BGR@latrobe.edu.au (or the current contact indicated by La Trobe).
- Application timing — as this is “open all year”, you can apply once you meet the criteria. But earlier is always better.
- Campus and candidature confirmation — confirm with La Trobe University your research scope, supervisor, campus, that your RTP or LTGRS stipend is in place, and that your research commencement and candidature plan align with the extended timeline.
- Await selection — La Trobe will assess the applications, prioritising candidates based on the disability impact, research readiness and alignment with campus HDR candidature.
Final thoughts
If you’re a motivated researcher who happens to live with a disability, it can sometimes feel like the academic system expects you to overcome everything at the standard pace. The FLEX scholarship from La Trobe University bucks that trend. It says: “We recognise you might need a little more time, a little more support, and that’s okay. We’ll give you that space to excel.”
Whether you’re finishing up a Master’s and aiming for a PhD, or already enrolled and finding your pace slowed because of accessibility issues, this scholarship offers something meaningful: freedom to focus on research, rather than just racing a clock.
If your research passion is strong, your disability isn’t a deterrent but a part of your story, and you’re looking for a truly supportive HDR environment — then I’d encourage you to explore the La Trobe Flexible Research Scholarship (FLEX) 2025. Gather your application, and give yourself that shot you deserve.
All the best — go for it.
Official program website: La Trobe Flexible Research Scholarship (FLEX) – Candidates with Disabilities