10 Exclusive PhD Scholarships for International Students in Australia

Pursuing a PhD signifies dedication, perseverance, and a thirst for knowledge. But what if financial constraints are hindering your pursuit of academic excellence? This is where PhD scholarships become a game-changer.

Scholarships remove the financial roadblocks on your path to a PhD. They nurture your academic progression by supporting your finances. Moreover, a scholarship can act as a stepping-stone towards your dreams, making them a reality.

Why Consider Australia for Higher Education?

The Land Down Under offers an amalgamation of high-quality education, multicultural environment, and research-focused courses. As an international student, Australia’s diverse scholarship programs can be your gateway to a PhD degree.

10 Exclusive Ph.D. Scholarships for International Students in Australia

1. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)

The RTP, funded by the Australian Government, is designed to support both domestic and international students undertaking Research Doctorate and Research Masters degrees.

• Admissions Requirements: To be admitted into the RTP, you must have a bachelor’s degree with first or upper-second-class honors, or an equivalent qualification.
• Eligibility: Both domestic and overseas students who are accepted to enroll in an accredited HDR course at an Australian university.
• Deadlines: Varies depending on the university.
• Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive.
• Tuition Fees Covered: Yes, the scholarship covers the tuition fees for up to three years for a Doctorate by research degree and two years for a research master’s degree.
• Available Scholarships: Varies by the university.
• Steps to Apply: Applicants must first be accepted into an HDR course of study. Following this, you should express your interest in the RTP while filling out the university application form.
• Application Link: You need to apply through the university’s website.
• Application Fee: None.
• Scholarship Amount: The scholarship provides a stipend of AUD$28,092 (2023 rate, indexed annually) per annum, tax-free for up to 3 years for a Ph.D.

2. The University of Sydney International Research Scholarships (USydIS)

USydIS aims to attract top-quality international postgraduate students to undertake research projects which will enhance the University’s research activities.

• Admissions Requirements: A potential candidate should have an unconditional offer of admission for full-time studies in a Ph.D. or master’s by research program at the University of Sydney.
• Eligibility: This scholarship is available for international students.
• Deadlines: There are two annual selection rounds, closing on 15th April and 15th October.
• Acceptance Rate: Competitive.
• Tuition Fees Covered: Yes.
• Available Scholarships: The number of scholarships varies every year.
• Steps to Apply: Apply for an unconditional offer of admission before applying for the scholarship.
• Application Link: Visit the University of Sydney website.
• Application Fee: None.
• Scholarship Amount: The scholarship covers tuition fees and living allowance for up to three years with a possibility of one semester’s extension for Ph.D. students.

3. Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRS)

MRS is dedicated to supporting high-achieving domestic and international students who wish to undertake graduate research degree programs at the University of Melbourne.

• Admissions Requirements: You should have applied for and met the entry requirements for a Master or Doctorate by research degree at the University of Melbourne, or be currently enrolled in a research degree at the University of Melbourne.
• Eligibility: Open for both Australian/domestic and international students.
• Deadlines: The University of Melbourne does not set closing dates for applications to this scholarship. It is open all year round.
• Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive.
• Tuition Fees Covered: Yes.
• Available Scholarships: Several scholarships are available.
• Steps to Apply: You must submit an online application for the scholarship and a course application to the University of Melbourne.
• Application Link: Visit the University of Melbourne website.
• Application Fee: None.
• Scholarship Amount: A living allowance of $31,200 per year pro-rata (2023 full-time study rate) for up to 2 years for students undertaking a Master by research degree or up to 3.5 years for students undertaking a Doctorate by research degree.

4. Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI)

The University of Adelaide offers ASI to attract high-quality overseas postgraduate students to areas of research strength in the University to support its research effort.

• Admissions Requirements: Applicant should have a University of Adelaide offer of admission (full offer or conditional offer) as a full-fee-paying international student.
• Eligibility: This scholarship is available for international students.
• Deadlines: There are two rounds of applications – May (Annual Round) and November (Mid-Year Round).
• Acceptance Rate: Very competitive.
• Tuition Fees Covered: Yes.
• Available Scholarships: Varies every year.
• Steps to Apply: Submit a formal application for Admission and a Scholarship via the online application system.
• Application Link: Visit the University of Adelaide website
• Application Fee: None.
• Scholarship Amount: The scholarship offers a living allowance, an annual tuition fee waiver, and health insurance.

5. Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarships (MQRES)

MQRES is a scholarship program that focuses on research priorities. It is geared towards enhancing the University’s research effort by attracting highly capable research students.

• Admissions Requirements: You must hold a research master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with first-class honors.
• Eligibility: Both domestic and international students can apply.
• Deadlines: Typically, applications are open from August to October.
• Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive.
• Tuition Fees Covered: Yes.
• Available Scholarships: Several scholarships are available.
• Steps to Apply: Apply through the Higher Degree Research Office (HDRO) of Macquarie University.
• Application Link: Visit the Macquarie University website.
• Application Fee: None.
• Scholarship Amount: The scholarship provides a living allowance stipend, a tuition fee offset, and an allowance for single overseas health cover

6. Monash University International Merit Scholarships

These scholarships are designed for outstanding international students who wish to pursue a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Monash University.

• Admissions Requirements: You must have received a full Monash course offer and have achieved a minimum 85% average in your previous studies.
• Eligibility: This scholarship is open to international students.
• Deadlines: Four rounds of applications each year.
• Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive.
• Tuition Fees Covered: Yes.
• Available Scholarships: 31 scholarships are available.
• Steps to Apply: Applicants must submit a separate application form for this scholarship after receiving a full Monash course offer.
• Application Link: Visit the Monash University website.
• Application Fee: None.
• Scholarship Amount: Up to $10,000 for a full-time study load, paid per year.

7. University of Western Australia International Fee Scholarships (UIFS)

The University of Western Australia provides fee-waiver scholarships to international students who can demonstrate high levels of academic achievement in their previous studies.

• Admissions Requirements: You must have applied and received an offer for a Ph.D. or a master’s by research program at the University of Western Australia.
• Eligibility: This scholarship is open to international students.
• Deadlines: Applications are accepted all year round.
• Acceptance Rate: Competitive.
• Tuition Fees Covered: Yes.
• Available Scholarships: Several scholarships are available.
• Steps to Apply: Apply through the University’s admission process, expressing interest in the scholarship.
• Application Link: Visit the University of Western Australia website.
• Application Fee: None.
• Scholarship Amount: This scholarship covers the tuition fees for up to four years for students undertaking a doctoral degree and up to two years for a research master’s degree.

8. University of South Australia Research Scholarships (USARS)

USARS offers funding to outstanding international students to undertake a research degree with the University of South Australia.

• Admissions Requirements: Applicants must have a University of South Australia supervisor willing to nominate them for consideration and outstanding academic records.
• Eligibility: This scholarship is open to international students.
• Deadlines: Applications are open all year round.
• Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive.
• Tuition Fees Covered: Yes.
• Available Scholarships: Several scholarships are available.
• Steps to Apply: Prospective applicants should contact the relevant Research Degrees Coordinator within the University of South Australia.
• Application Link: Visit the University of South Australia website.
• Application Fee: None.
• Scholarship Amount: It provides a living allowance for 3 years, with the possibility of a six-month extension.

9. Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (FIPRS)

FIPRS is specifically intended to support international students to undertake a research higher degree at Flinders University.

• Admissions Requirements: You must hold an equivalent of an Australian First Class Hons degree.
• Eligibility: This scholarship is open to international students.
• Deadlines: Applications are usually due in August for the following year of study.
• Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive.
• Tuition Fees Covered: Yes.
• Available Scholarships: Limited number of scholarships are available.
• Steps to Apply: Prospective applicants should submit an online application for admission and scholarship via the University’s application portal.
• Application Link: Visit the Flinders University website.
• Application Fee: None.
• Scholarship Amount: The scholarship covers international student tuition fees, a generous living allowance paid at the rate of $28,092 (2023 rate), and an establishment allowance of up to $1,485 to assist with relocation costs.

10. Australian Catholic University International Student Scholarships (ISS)

The ISS is granted to up to 20 international students starting undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree programs.

• Admissions Requirements: You must have an offer for a place in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program at the Australian Catholic University.
• Eligibility: This scholarship is open to international students.
• Deadlines: Varies, generally in July for Semester 2 and in November for Semester 1 of the following year.
• Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive.
• Tuition Fees Covered: Yes.
• Available Scholarships: 20 scholarships are available.
• Steps to Apply: Applicants must complete the application for admission to their course and then complete the online application for the scholarship.
• Application Link: Visit the Australian Catholic University website.
• Application Fee: None.
• Scholarship Amount: Half of the full-time tuition fees for the minimum duration of your course (inclusive of RPL/Credit).

Conclusion

Australia offers a plethora of opportunities for international students aspiring to pursue a PhD degree. The scholarships mentioned above are just a few of the many available. Remember, the key to successfully securing a scholarship lies in early preparation, diligent research, and crafting compelling applications.

FAQs

Can international students apply for all the mentioned scholarships?

Yes, all the scholarships mentioned above are open to international students.

Do all these scholarships cover tuition fees?

Yes, all the listed scholarships cover tuition fees to a certain extent. Some scholarships also offer a living allowance.

What is the general admissions requirement for these scholarships?

Admissions requirements vary by scholarship. However, a general prerequisite is a good academic record and an offer for a place in a course at the university.

How competitive are these scholarships?

These scholarships are highly competitive due to the high number of applicants and the attractive benefits they offer.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

Yes, you can apply for more than one scholarship as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each.