Trying to find a PhD scholarship in Australia that is fully covered, and the scholarship also gives a living allowance in addition to payment for tuition? The Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (FIPRS) 2025, also known as the Flinders University PhD scholarship for international students, is the one that might just fit your needs. The FIPRS offers to international students, with an annual stipend of AUD $35,010 (tax-free), a tuition fee waiver for up to 3.5 years, and relocation assistance, among the most competitive scholarships for research in Australia.
Below, you’ll find every detail—from scholarship benefits and eligibility criteria to application tips.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Opening Date | 23 May 2025 |
| Closing Date | 18 August 2025 (Australian Central Standard Time) |
| Scholarship Value | Tuition + AUD $35,010 per year stipend |
| Duration | Up to 3.5 years (Research Doctorate) |
| Student Type | International (all nationalities except New Zealand) |
| Level of Study | Higher Degrees by Research (PhD or Master of Arts by Research) |
| Selection Basis | Academic merit & research potential |
| Number Available | Limited—extremely competitive |
Why Choose the FIPRS? Top Benefits Explained
- Full Tuition Coverage
- need to worry about expensive international fees – FIPRS covers 100% of your research degree tuition at Flinders University.
- Generous Stipend
- Get paid AUD $35,010 per year (2025 rate), in installments every two weeks, which makes it possible for you to concentrate on your research without monetary issues.
- Relocation Allowance
- Going to Adelaide? FIPRS also provides an amount of up to AUD $1,485 to cover the travel and housing costs and make your trip to one of the most affordable cities for students in Australia more comfortable.
- World–Class Research Environment
- Flinders University is on the world map for its research in medicine, engineering, social innovation and environmental sciences. If you are looking for a bustling and supportive academic ecosystem, here you go.
- Automatic Consideration for AGRTPS
- All international applicants for the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship (AGRTPS) are automatically assessed for FIPRS, which means you have twice the probability of getting the
Who Is Eligible? Key Requirements
To be eligible for the Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarship, you have to:
- Be an international applicant (citizens of any country except New Zealand) who does not have Australian permanent residency.
- Start full-time study in Australia in 2026 (for the first time) or have enrolled in late 2025 and postponed your scholarship application.
- Select a Flinders research concentration—areas where the university is strong and has local funding.
- Comply with PhD admission requirements, including English-language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or comparable test).
- Get a research supervisor at Flinders prior to submitting your scholarship application.
- Show your outstanding research potential, usually through peer-reviewed publications, high GPA, or research training of considerable depth.
Application Timeline & Checklist
1. Secure a Research Supervisor (May – July 2025)
Communicate with professionals of the same discipline, provide a concise CV and a research proposal and ask for a supervisor’s confirmation via email.
2. Prepare Your Top Five Publications
- Submit only five peer-reviewed papers, and they must not be older than 5 years.
- List each publication’s highlights in a cover sheet.
- Publications in English are highly recommended.
3. Collect Academic Documents
- University transcripts in English that have been certified.
- Updated curriculum vitae with the full list of publications.
4. Draft a 500-Word Research Proposal
Draft the topic, assumption, method, and contribution of your study.
5. Obtain Two Academic Referee Reports
Send confidential forms to the people that will support you in your research. Ensure the legitimization of reports to Flinders by August 18th, 2025.
6. Complete Online Admission via StudyLink
Create an account, get a Flinders Student ID and submit your Higher Degree by Research application.
7. Activate Your Flinders Authentication Name (FAN)
After activating, log into the Student System → My Scholarships tab and select “International RHD Scholarship Group 2025”.
8. Submit Your Scholarship Application
Upload all PDFs (named Surname_DocumentType) and answer mandatory questions. Incomplete submissions are rejected.
Selection Criteria: How Applications Are Ranked
The Scholarships Committee scores each candidate against Flinders’ Guidelines for Ranking Postgraduate Research Scholarship Applications:
- Academic Merit (GPA, class rank, degree tier)
- Research Potential (quality & quantity of publications—max 25 points)
- Research Training (honours thesis, lab experience)
- Alignment with Research Concentrations (strategic fit)
- Supervisor Endorsement (quality of supervisory environment)
Note: Historically, an applicant with no publication record has been less competitive, so if you can, try to improve your profile with conference papers or journal articles.
Writing a Winning Research Proposal: Proven Tips
- Define a Clear Gap: Begin with a brief survey of the literature pinpointing the omissions.
- Align with Flinders Strengths: Refer to particular labs or research groups to indicate compatibility.
- Methodology Matters: Be thorough about how you are going to collect and analyze the data, the method you will use, and whether the plan is feasible.
- Highlight Impact: Explain economic, social, or environmental benefits.
- Stay Within 500 Words: Brevity reflects clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is FIPRS a Commonwealth-Sponsored Scholarship?
No. For visa purposes, FIPRS is not classified as Commonwealth sponsored.
Can I apply if I began a PhD last year?
Possibly. If you enrolled late and couldn’t apply previously—or withdrew within six months—you may still be eligible.
What happens if my referees miss the deadline?
Late referee reports typically disqualify your application. Remind referees well in advance.
Can the scholarship be extended?
FIPRS covers up to 3.5 years (PhD). Extensions are rare and granted only for exceptional delays beyond your control.
Is part-time study allowed?
No. FIPRS recipients must study full-time on campus.
Final Thoughts: Take Action Before 18 August 2025
The Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (FIPRS) is a golden opportunity to pursue a PhD in Australia without any tuition fees and also get a highly competitive living allowance. Since the number of awards is very limited, it is imperative that you prepare thoroughly and start early.
In order for the students to have a smooth journey and secure a place in this highly competitive programme, here is what they are advised to do:
- Reach out to the supervisors and get their support.
- Update your publications and CV.
- Write an engaging research proposal that is in line with a Flinders research concentration.
- Drop your application before the 18 August 2025 deadline.
Upon meeting the eligibility criteria and showcasing a solid research portfolio, you may find yourself carrying out exceptional research work in beautiful and bustling Adelaide, receiving financial aid from one of the most continuously generous and prestigious international scholarships in Australia.
The next step—are you ready? Go to Flinders University’s official scholarship portal and submit your online application now. I wish you good luck as you journey to become a Flinders scholar.
Official Call: https://www.flinders.edu.au/scholarships/flinders-university-international-research-scholarship