The University of South Australia (UniSA) offers several competitive, university-wide scholarships for international students who wish to pursue a PhD or Master of Research degree. These scholarships are designed to support outstanding applicants with strong academic credentials and proven research potential, helping them pursue world-class research in Australia.
UniSA is home to a dynamic research community, industry-connected supervisors, and world-class facilities. For international students, these scholarships provide a pathway to advanced training, innovation, and impactful career opportunities.
1. Research Training Program international (RTPi) Scholarships at University of South Australia
The Research Training Program international (RTPi) Scholarships are funded by the Australian Government and awarded based on academic merit and research capability. These scholarships support highly qualified international students undertaking research degrees.
Benefits & Conditions
Before accepting an RTPi offer, applicants must read the official Scholarship Benefits and Conditions. These rules apply to all international students who receive a scholarship offer.
Key details include:
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Access to the Research Degrees and RTP Scholarships Policy
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Conditions related to academic performance, progress, and thesis submission
Value
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Living stipend: At least AUD $32,500 per year (2023 rate), paid fortnightly
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Duration: Up to 3 years for PhD / 2 years for Master of Research
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Fee waiver: Covers the same duration as the stipend
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OSHC: Overseas Student Health Cover (Singles Cover) included for student visa holders
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Thesis allowance: Available as per scholarship rules
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through a research project that has an assigned scholarship.
UniSA provides a complete step-by-step application guide to assist applicants.
Enquiries
General questions may be answered in the RTP FAQs.
For additional support, applicants may contact UniSA directly.
2. Enterprise Research Scholarship (ERS)
The Enterprise Research Scholarship (ERS) is funded by UniSA and its partners. These scholarships also include a stipend and a tuition fee offset for high- achieving international research students.
Benefits & Conditions
ERS recipients must read the Scholarship Benefits and Conditions, applicable to all international scholarship awardees. The same policies for Research Degrees and RTP may also apply.
Value
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Living stipend: Minimum AUD $32,500 per year (2023 rate), paid fortnightly
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Fee waiver:
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Up to 4 years for PhD
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Up to 2 years for Master of Research
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OSHC: Included for visa-requiring students
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Thesis allowance: Available
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through a research project that lists the ERS scholarship.
Enquiries
More details can be found in the RTP FAQs.
For unresolved questions, applicants can contact UniSA.
3. International Research Tuition Scholarship (IRTS)
The International Research Tuition Scholarship (IRTS) is awarded to high-quality international students who already have an external source of living stipend funding (e.g., sponsorship or external scholarship).
This scholarship focuses strictly on tuition fee support.
Value
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Full tuition fee waiver for:
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Up to 4 years for PhD
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Up to 2 years for Master of Research
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OSHC NOT included — students must arrange their own health insurance, as required for the student visa.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be commencing international research degree students
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Demonstrate high academic quality and research capability
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Be supported by a strong supervisory panel, ideally including an end-user adviser
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Be enrolled in a research-rich environment
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Have a fully externally funded living stipend administered via UniSA or a partner organisation
How to Apply
Students funded by an external scholarship or sponsor may apply for any available listed project.
Some applicants may need to design a project with a UniSA supervisor if required by their funding provider.
If applicants face difficulties finding a supervisor or navigating requirements, they are encouraged to contact UniSA directly for assistance.
Why Choose UniSA for a Research Degree?
UniSA offers:
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A vibrant, international research ecosystem
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Industry-linked supervisors and real-world impact
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State-of-the-art labs, resources, and academic support
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A diverse community of scholars working on global challenges
With strong scholarship options and flexible support systems, UniSA remains one of Australia’s most attractive destinations for international research training.
To know more about such opportunities, click here.
