Purpose of the Program
The GUPRS is designed to allow high-calibre HDR candidates at Griffith University to commit to their research full-time (or part-time if approved) by providing a substantial stipend. In other words: it’s not primarily about covering tuition fees (though other scholarships may do that); it’s about reducing financial burden so you can concentrate on your research.
Griffith University is committed to fostering research talent by supporting “candidates of exceptional research potential” via this scholarship scheme.
Program: Postgraduate Research Scholarship (GUPRS) 2025—
Coverage: Stipend (living allowance) for HDR candidates
Nationality: Domestic & International
Degree Level: Research Master’s / Doctoral (HDR)
Duration: Standard HDR tenure (with possible variations)
University: Griffith University, Australia
Host Country: Australia
Deadline: See Application Process section (continuous scholarship rounds)
Benefits of the Scholarship
Here’s what you’ll get if you’re awarded a GUPRS:
- A full-time stipend: AUD $34,752 per annum (2025 rate) for HDR candidates.
- Paid leave entitlements including recreation, sick, parental, cultural and partner leave.
- Flexibility to study part-time (if approved) so you don’t have to do full-time if your situation demands otherwise.
- Domestic candidates may be able to conduct much of their program remotely (depending on discipline and University approval).
- Flexibility to balance paid employment with your HDR study (within limits) so long as your research progress isn’t impacted.
- Duration aligns with the HDR program you’re enrolled in (for example: around 3-4 years for a PhD full-time).
- The University’s research training environment, supervision and infrastructure.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the GUPRS, you must meet certain conditions. Here are the key criteria:
Must-haves
- You must be commencing or already enrolled in an eligible HDR program (research master’s or doctoral) at Griffith University.
- You must not be receiving income from another source which supports your general living costs that provides benefit greater than 75% of the stipend rate. (Income unrelated to your HDR program or tied to the research program but not for living costs may not count.)
- You must not have previously completed a degree at the same or higher level as the HDR program you’re applying for.
- If you have prior HDR candidature (either at Griffith or another institution) the time you have completed must not exceed 12 months full-time equivalent.
Additional considerations
- For international applicants: some scholarships may require you to hold a suitable visa and meet English language and entry requirements into Griffith University.
- Your academic record and research potential will be assessed — e.g., your prior degree, honours if applicable, research outputs, supervisor support, fit with Griffith’s research environment.
- You should ensure you meet the University’s entry requirements for the HDR program you want and have a convincing research proposal / supervisor.
Check out: Hertz Fellowship 2026– Fully Funded PhD in STEM for U.S. Citizens & Residents
Fields of Study
One of the strong points of this scholarship is that the GUPRS does not confine applicants to very narrow research fields. You can apply across a broad range of disciplines available at Griffith University: sciences, engineering, health, social sciences, arts, business, education and more. So if your topic is unique or interdisciplinary, you still have a shot—provided you meet the other criteria and can demonstrate strong potential.
Coverage & Degree Level
Here’s how coverage and degree levels break down:
- Degree level: Research Master’s (e.g., Masters by Research) or Doctoral (PhD) HDR program at Griffith University.
- Coverage: The stipend of AUD $34,752 pa (2025 rate) is for full-time candidature. This allowance is for living costs; tuition fees may or may not be included (for tuition you may need a supplementary scholarship or fee-offset scheme).
- Duration: Full-time HDR candidates typically have around 3-4 years for a PhD; the stipend will cover that period (subject to progress, University approvals, etc.). Part-time enrolment is possible (which extends duration).
- Fields: Open to all research fields offered within Griffith’s HDR framework.
- Nationality: Domestic and international candidates are eligible, though some conditions (e.g., tuition fee coverage) may differ for international students.
Deadline
One of the helpful things about GUPRS is that it uses a continuous scholarship round model. That means applications are assessed throughout the year, though there are specific cut-off dates for each intake. For “first year candidates” (those applying within their first 12 months of candidature) the deadlines for the 2026 commencement were listed as:
- For commencement 1 January 2026 — closing date 2 September 2025
- For commencement 1 April 2026 — closing date 30 January 2026
However, since these dates may change each year, you should check the Griffith University “Key Dates” page when you plan to apply. The continuous nature means you don’t have to wait for a single annual deadline—good for flexibility.
Check out: University of Miami Stamps Scholarship – Fully Funded Undergraduate Award (USA)
Application Process
Here’s a step-by-step of how to apply for the GUPRS:
- Choose your HDR program at Griffith University (identify the research area, supervisor, campus, start date).
- Ensure you meet the HDR entry requirements (academic qualifications, English language, etc.).
- Gather required documents: research proposal, supervisor endorsement, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, any publications or previous research outputs, references.
- Apply for HDR candidature and scholarship together (new applicants) or if you’re already enrolled, follow the process for current research candidates.
- Submit your scholarship application via Griffith’s online system (through MyGriffith/My Program) by the stated closing date for your intake. Provide all supporting documents including supervisor report, research outline and completion plan.
- Ensure you have not exceeded the allowed prior HDR candidature (12 months FTE) if you are currently enrolled.
- Wait for outcome: applications are ranked on academic merit, research potential, and how suitable your research environment is at Griffith University.
- If offered the scholarship, accept via the university’s offer process, meet any conditions, commence your HDR program and maintain satisfactory progress.
Final Thoughts
If you’re about to take the leap into a research higher degree and you’re wondering how you’ll manage life while you work on something big, the GUPRS at Griffith University offers a strong lifeline. It makes the difference between juggling part-time work and trying to write a thesis at 2 a.m., versus dedicating your time to research, new ideas, impact.
The stipend is real, the flexibility is there, and the university setting is solid. The main job for you: show up with a strong proposal, show your potential, and make sure your logistics are sorted.
If this feels like your next step — go ahead and dive in. You’ve got the eligibility, you’ve got the ambition, and this could be the scholarship that helps you make it happen. Wishing you all the best with your application and your research journey.
Official program website: Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (GUPRS)