PhD scholarships in Australia have a special place in the heart of fully funded scholarships. These fully funded scholarships are typically allocated to research-based PhDs in Australia, making them a strong investment for those pursuing higher degrees. Most candidates choose Australia because of its advanced facilities, high-ranking universities, and excellent research opportunities. PhD applicants seeking to go to Australia actively search for keywords like PhD scholarships Australia, PhD scholarship Australia, fully funded PhD scholarships in Australia for international students, PhD scholarship in Australia, and Australian PhD scholarships, on search engines, indicating a high demand for Australian PhD scholarships. This blog will explore some of the most popular PhD scholarships in Australia.
Why PhD Scholarships in Australia?
Since fully funded PhD scholarships in Australia not only improve a student’s academic standing and resume but also fully cover living expenses and tuition, obtaining one is extremely competitive. Each year, both domestic and foreign applicants can apply for dozens of PhD scholarships. Australia is home to several highly regarded international universities and is ranked among the top nations in the world for the quality of its education and research. It is a well-liked location for doctoral studies because of these benefits. Additionally, numerous PhD scholarships, funded by the Australian government, universities, and industrial sectors, are available in a variety of study fields and research areas for different nationalities.
Governmental PhD Scholarships in Australia
Research Training Program (RTP)
The Australian government runs the Research Training Program (RTP). RTP provides block grants to Australian universities on a calendar-year basis. It supports overseas students undertaking research doctorates and master’s degrees (so they are also considered as fully funded master’s scholarships in Australia), known as higher degrees by research (HDRs). These fully funded PhD scholarships in Australia for international students will include 3 years of study fees and 1-year extension. The Australian government supports the PhD candidates and their families during this period. This support will also include health coverage. The objectives of the RTP scheme are:
- Providing flexible funding arrangements to support the training of international students undertaking HDRs at Australian universities.
- Delivering graduates with the skills required to build careers in academia and industry.
- Supporting collaboration between universities, industry, and other research end-users.
- Supporting overseas students undertaking HDR studies at Australian universities.
Students can be offered RTP Scholarships for one or more of the following:
- Tuition fees offset.
- Stipend for general living costs.
- Allowances related to the ancillary cost of research degrees.
These PhD scholarships in Australia are distributed to applicants from most Australian universities, including the University of Sydney, Australian National University (ANU), the University of Melbourne, UNSW Sydney, etc. RTP grant is administered by universities with their own application and selection process. Students need to contact their chosen provider directly to discuss how to apply for the RTP scheme. Be aware that each university may list this scholarship with a different title on its website. For instance, ANU and the University of Sydney name it as the Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) and the University of Sydney International Scholarship, respectively, with the following details:
ANU – AGRTP
The Australian National University ranks fourth in this country according to QS World University Rankings. The university has a strong track record of collaboration and industrial partnerships, making it one of the best research centers in the world. Scholarships are given to PhD candidates by the government of Australia. We suggest contacting or communicating with your prospective supervisor before applying for your field of study. Please visit this page if you would like to apply for this scholarship via the ANU application.
University of Sydney International Scholarship
As one of the world’s top 50 universities, the University of Sydney has the best research and teaching quality for those who want to pursue a PhD. This university offers a wide range of academic programs for PhD candidates worldwide. Since this university has a wide range of fields of study, the chance of getting a scholarship is relatively high. Australian government awards this scholarship to PhD students with a value of A$ 40,000 – A$ 42,000 (2025 rate). These costs will include both tuition fees and a stipend. If you would like to apply for this scholarship via the University of Sydney application, please visit this page. You can find out about the key deadlines here.
CSIRO’s Industry PhD (iPhD) Scholarship
A four-year industry-focused PhD project is co-developed by CSIRO, Australia’s top science agency, as well as a university, as part of the Australian Government’s National Industry PhD (iPhD) Program. Through the National iPhD Program, the Australian government does in fact provide industry-based scholarships for PhD researchers. They facilitate long-term cooperation between research organizations and industry and support a three-way partnership by educating new researchers in important fields. For example, you can build new and improve existing connections with universities and industry partners through the CSIRO’s iPhD Program to:
- upskill PhD students to develop capability in CSIRO priority areas and in areas of national need.
- build consortia aligned with CSIRO Research Units through iPhD projects.
- grow industry and university involvement with CSIRO exploratory research.
- provide PhD students with industry-focused training.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Scholarships
These fully funded PhD scholarships in Australia are funded by the Australian Government and administered through university applications. They are intended to support applicants who identify as Indigenous Australians, i.e., of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage. The scholarship is available to eligible students enrolling in an HDR program managed by the Graduate Research School. It includes an annual stipend of $50,000 and a research operating and travel allowance of $5,000 (2025 rate).
Earmarked Scholarships at University of Queensland
One of the most prestigious institutions that provides competitive PhD scholarships in Australia for international students is the University of Queensland. The high quality and innovativeness of research projects have made this university one of the top in the world. All international students can apply for PhD scholarships in Australia at this university. The Australian Government provides the Earmarked scholarships to assist PhD students. Earmarked PhD scholarship includes tuition fees and living expenses, which makes it a good opportunity for students. This scholarship is for projects aligned with recently awarded Category 1 Research Grants. Therefore, PhD students have the chance to contribute to large projects of national significance and work with leading researchers.
University PhD Scholarships in Australia
China Scholarship Council – University of Melbourne PhD Scholarship
The University of Melbourne globally ranks 13th and 44th in 2025 according to QS and a-index World University Rankings, respectively. It is one of the best universities in Australia and has one of the best research facilities in the world, which provides Chinese students with unique PhD scholarships in Australia. This issue has made many PhD applicants choose the University of Melbourne as their study destination. This university has the best student communities. The activity, competition, and enthusiasm among the students of this university are very high, and most people find their potential talents in the excellent environment.
Both the China Scholarship Council and the University of Melbourne provide these PhD scholarships in Australia only for citizens of the People’s Republic of China. The University of Melbourne and the China Scholarship Council will cover return airfares, a stipend of 22,800 AUD per year (2025 rate), and visa application fees. A supplemental living allowance of 15,700 AUD per year (2025 rate) goes along with the full tuition scholarship for up to four years.
Graduate Research Scholarship at University of Melbourne
Applying for this university is very easy. Because you will not need to fill out a separate form to apply for a full scholarship. When you apply for this university, your name will be automatically included in the list of Graduate Research Scholarship applicants. They will assess your education history, research background, GPA, English proficiency test scores, etc. As a winner, you will get 34,400 AUD per year (2023 rate) for up to 3.5 years. If you need to relocate, you will be given 3,000 AUD for relocation.
Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS)
Monash University is one of the best global universities. According to QS World University Rankings, this university ranked 58th in the world in 2022. Being one of the world’s top universities makes Monash University one of the most popular study and research destinations for PhD students. This university is continuing its activity in six separate locations in the state of Victoria. Students from all over the world can apply for MGS Scholarships from this university. As part of this fully funded PhD scholarship in Australia, you will receive 30,000 AUD per year (2023 rate), which covers living expenses and an additional 1,500 AUD relocation grant. All students from all over the world can apply for a scholarship from Monash University.
William T. Southcott Scholarship at University of South Australia
The University of South Australia’s high-quality research projects, best professors, and cutting-edge facilities hugely impact its ranking. All students worldwide can apply for the William T. Southcott Scholarship if they intend to continue studying in practical Engineering. This PhD scholarship in Australia is worth 36‚000 AUD per year (2025 rate), covering 3 to 3.5 years of study. This scholarship is for PhD studies in one of the following fields: Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering, Water Resources Management, Engineering Management, Autonomous Systems, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Information Engineering, and Systems Engineering.
Rosemary Johnston HDR Scholarship at UTS
This university is located in the heart of Sydney as one of the best global scientific centers. The University of Technology Sydney (UTS), as the name suggests, is one of the best technology universities in the world. UTS’s very high academic ranking attracts talented students from all over the world. The Rosemary Johnston HDR Scholarship is one of UTS’s fully funded scholarships for PhD students. It covers tuition fees and pays an annual stipend of 37,000 AUD (2025 rate) for up to 3.5 years. It will be offered to outstanding doctoral candidates in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences whose projects focus on children and young people, and who work with at least one supervisor in the Education disciplines.
Required Documents for Application Process
The most crucial thing you need to know is how to apply. You should be aware of the procedures you need to follow from the start to the point where your application is formally submitted. Applications for scholarships require multiple steps, and it is crucial for applicants to comprehend what each one involves. Writing an academic CV, creating a motivation letter, crafting a strong research proposal, obtaining recommendation letters, and approaching research supervisors to obtain their consent to support your application are some of these steps. Every step is crucial and has a big influence on your chances of winning a scholarship. Additionally, university degrees, academic transcripts, and English proficiency test results are all essential records.
Database of PhD Scholarships in Australia
Australian Capital Territory
- Australian National University (ANU): https://www.anu.edu.au/study/scholarships/find-a-scholarship
- University of Canberra: https://www.canberra.edu.au/future-students/study-at-uc/scholarships
New South Wales
- Australian Catholic University (ACU): https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/fees-and-scholarships
- Charles Sturt University: https://www.csu.edu.au/scholarships
- Macquarie University: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions-and-entry/scholarships
- Southern Cross University: https://www.scu.edu.au/scholarships/
- University of New England (UNE): https://www.une.edu.au/scholarships
- UNSW Sydney: https://research.unsw.edu.au/graduate-research-scholarships
- University of Newcastle: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/scholarships
- University of Sydney: https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/
- UTS: https://www.uts.edu.au/study/scholarships
- Western Sydney University: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/why-western/scholarships
- University of Wollongong (UOW): https://www.uow.edu.au/study/scholarships/
Northern Territory
- Charles Darwin University: https://www.cdu.edu.au/scholarships
Queensland
- Bond University: https://bond.edu.au/entry-to-bond/scholarships
- CQ University: https://www.cqu.edu.au/courses/future-students/scholarships
- Griffith University: https://www.griffith.edu.au/scholarships
- James Cook University (JCU): https://www.jcu.edu.au/scholarships
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT): https://www.qut.edu.au/study/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships
- University of Queensland (UQ): https://scholarships.uq.edu.au/
- University of Southern Queensland: https://www.unisq.edu.au/scholarships
- UniSC: https://www.usc.edu.au/study/scholarships
South Australia
- Flinders University: https://www.flinders.edu.au/scholarships?q=
- Torrens University Australia: https://www.torrens.edu.au/how-to-apply/fees-scholarships/scholarships
- University of Adelaide: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/scholarships/
- University of South Australia: https://i.unisa.edu.au/students/scholarships/
Tasmania
- University of Tasmania: https://www.utas.edu.au/study/scholarships-fees-and-costs
Victoria
- Deakin University: https://www.deakin.edu.au/study/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships
- Federation University of Australia: https://federation.edu.au/current-students/starting-at-federation/scholarships
- La Trobe University: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/study/scholarships
- Monash University: https://www.monash.edu/study/fees-scholarships/scholarships/find-a-scholarship
- RMIT University: https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/international-students/apply-to-rmit-international-students/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships
- Swinburne University of Technology: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/options/scholarships/
- University of Divinity: https://divinity.edu.au/scholarships-and-grants/
- University of Melbourne: https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/
- Victoria University (VU): https://www.vu.edu.au/study-at-vu/fees-scholarships/scholarships
Western Australia
- Curtin University: https://scholarships.curtin.edu.au/
- Edith Cowan University: https://www.ecu.edu.au/scholarships/overview
- Murdoch University: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/scholarships
- University of Notre Dame Australia: https://www.notredame.edu.au/current-students/opportunities/scholarships
- University of Western Australia: https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/fees-and-scholarships
Conclusion
Australia is a desirable location for international research students due to government scholarship programs like the RTP and National iPhD. University-specific PhD scholarships in Australia, like the Monash Graduate Scholarship and Rosemary Johnston HDR Scholarship at UTS, also play an important role in this attractiveness. You can learn about all the necessary information and apply for any PhD scholarships in Australia by carefully reading the university’s websites and admission requirements. To be considered for fully funded PhD programs in Australia, you must apply before the important deadlines. These PhD scholarships in Australia give PhD candidates access to excellent research and educational opportunities, ensuring a fulfilling and financially supported academic career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for PhD scholarships in Australia?
All international and domestic applicants from a wide range of fields and majors can apply for PhD scholarships in Australia.
Are PhD scholarships in Australia fully funded?
Yes, most PhD scholarships in Australia are fully funded, especially for commencing students. They are automatically considered upon applying to a PhD program.
How do international students apply for PhD scholarships in Australia?
Most students should contact a potential supervisor before applying. PhD scholarships like RTP are administered by universities, so applicants must check each university’s specific application process and deadlines.
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