The University of Canberra in Australia has announced a wide range of prestigious research scholarships for domestic and international students seeking to pursue Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs, including Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master’s by Research studies.
These scholarships are designed to support outstanding researchers across diverse disciplines, including business, law, public health, democracy studies, artificial intelligence, climate change, data science, Indigenous research, and many other academic fields. Successful applicants may receive generous stipends, tuition fee coverage, research funding, relocation support, health insurance, and additional benefits depending on the scholarship.
If you are planning to undertake advanced research studies in Australia, the University of Canberra offers multiple funding opportunities that can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with postgraduate research education.
About the University of Canberra Research Scholarships
The University of Canberra provides several faculty-managed and externally funded scholarships aimed at attracting exceptional research talent from Australia and around the world. These scholarships support students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, research potential, and commitment to contributing to knowledge creation in their chosen fields.
The available scholarships cover a variety of research areas and cater to different categories of applicants, including Indigenous Australians, domestic students, international students, and candidates pursuing specialized research projects.
Available University of Canberra Research Scholarships
1. Indigenous Australian Higher Degree by Research Stipend Scholarship
This scholarship supports Indigenous Australian students pursuing a Higher Degree by Research at the University of Canberra.
Benefits
- AUD $36,225 per annum tax-free stipend (2025 rate)
- Funding for up to:
- Four years for doctoral programs
- Two years for master’s research programs
- Additional research funding worth AUD $10,000
- Funding can be used for project-related expenses
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled or seeking enrollment in a Higher Degree by Research program at the University of Canberra
- Meet university admission requirements
- Identify as an Indigenous Australian
- Study full-time
2. W J Weeden Postgraduate Research Scholarship
Funded by the family of the late W J Weeden, this scholarship supports outstanding doctoral researchers.
Benefits
- AUD $36,225 per annum tax-free stipend
- Annual indexation
- Overseas Student Health Cover reimbursement for eligible international students
- Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship for international recipients
- Tuition fee coverage for international students
Duration
- 3.5 years
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Hold a Bachelor degree with First Class Honours or equivalent
- Be enrolled or intending to enroll in a Doctor of Philosophy program
- Be either:
- Australian citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- New Zealand citizens
- International students
3. Australian Research Training Program Fees Offset Scholarship
This scholarship assists eligible Higher Degree by Research students with tuition fees.
Benefits
- Tuition fee support
- Research Training Program Fee Offset coverage
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens
- Apply for or currently undertake:
- PhD
- Professional Doctorate
- Master’s by Research
International candidates who receive eligible stipend scholarships may also be considered automatically.
4. Organisational Creativity and Artificial Intelligence Doctor of Philosophy Stipend Scholarship
Offered by the Faculty of Business, Government and Law, this scholarship focuses on understanding how technology affects creativity, curiosity, and empowerment among consumers and organizations.
Benefits
- AUD $40,000 annual stipend
- Indexed annually
Duration
- 3.5 years
- Commencement: Semester 1, 2027
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Meet Doctor of Philosophy admission requirements
- Meet English language requirements
- Not previously hold a PhD
- Enroll full-time
- Commence in the year of the offer
Application Deadline
15 August 2026
Interested applicants must initially contact the CanBe Lab Director with:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Academic results
- One-page research proposal
5. Deliberative Democracy Doctor of Philosophy Scholarship
The University of Canberra’s Centre for Deliberative Democracy is offering a fully funded doctoral scholarship for research related to democratic participation, democratic resilience, political innovation, environmental politics, inclusion, gender studies, and digital democracy.
Benefits
- AUD $40,000 annual stipend
- Annual indexation
- Relocation allowance for international students
Duration
- 3.5 years
Research Areas
Potential topics include:
- Democratic resilience
- Deliberative reasoning
- Political participation
- Artificial intelligence and digital politics
- Environmental governance
- Identity and inclusion
- Feminist political research
- Democratic innovations
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Research proposal (up to 3 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Academic transcripts
- Writing sample
- Letter of recommendation
- Two referee contacts
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 10 August 2026
- Interviews: 14–18 September 2026
- Decision Notification: 21 September 2026
- Program Start: February 2027
Eligibility
Applicants must possess:
- Bachelor degree with First Class or Upper Second Class Honours, or
- Master’s degree with substantial research component, or
- Equivalent qualification recognized by the University
Both domestic and international applicants are eligible.
6. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Industry Doctor of Philosophy Scholarship Program
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Industry Doctor of Philosophy Program connects students with industry partners and Australia’s leading science agency to conduct impact-driven research.
Benefits
- AUD $45,000 annual scholarship package
- Up to AUD $13,000 annually for project expenses and development
Duration
- Four years
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens
- Meet university admission requirements
- Meet English language requirements
- Enroll full-time
- Not have previously completed a PhD
7. Data61 Doctor of Philosophy Scholarship
Data61 supports outstanding doctoral researchers in data science and related fields.
Benefits
- Research Training Program base stipend
- Additional top-up scholarship of AUD $10,000 annually
Duration
- 3.5 years
Eligibility
- Domestic students
- International students residing in Australia
- Overseas international students holding study visas
8. Geospatial Modelling of Dengue Co-Funded Stipend Doctor of Philosophy Scholarship
This scholarship supports research investigating the impact of climate change on dengue transmission in the Asia-Pacific region.
Benefits
- AUD $35,000 annual stipend
Duration
- Three years
Research Focus
- Public health
- Climate change
- Disease modelling
- Geospatial analysis
- Dengue transmission
9. Elite Editing Thesis Write-up Scholarship
Designed to support research students during the final stages of thesis completion.
Benefits
For students without another scholarship:
- AUD $6,000 total tax-free stipend
For students with another scholarship:
- AUD $3,600 total tax-free stipend
Eligibility
- Full-time Master’s or PhD students
- Australian and New Zealand universities
- Domestic and international students
Application Period
- Opens: 1 January annually
- Closes: 30 June annually
10. Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarships
These prestigious scholarships support Australian postgraduate students undertaking research or study in the United States.
Benefits
May include:
- Monthly living stipend
- Tuition assistance
- Return airfare
- Establishment allowance
- Dependent allowance
- Health and accident insurance
Duration
- Four to ten months for research placements
Application Period
- January to July annually
11. Fulbright Indigenous Scholarships
These scholarships support Indigenous scholars conducting research programs in the United States.
Benefits
- Monthly stipend
- Return airfare
- Establishment allowance
- Dependent allowance
- Health insurance
Duration
- Up to one academic year
12. Ramsay Centre Postgraduate Scholarships
The Ramsay Centre supports high-achieving Australians pursuing postgraduate studies at leading universities worldwide.
Benefits
- Funding support for overseas postgraduate study
- Access to world-class academic institutions
Application Timeline
- Opens: Early February annually
- Closes: Late March annually
Eligibility
- Australian citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- Applicants admitted to a postgraduate degree at a leading international university
Why These Scholarships Stand Out
The University of Canberra and its partner organizations offer some of Australia’s most competitive research scholarships. These opportunities provide:
- Fully funded doctoral education
- Generous annual stipends
- Tuition fee coverage
- Research project funding
- Health insurance support
- International relocation assistance
- Access to world-class research centers
- Collaboration with industry and government partners
- Opportunities for global research engagement
For aspiring researchers seeking advanced study opportunities in Australia, these scholarships provide a pathway to academic excellence, impactful research, and professional growth.
Application Deadlines
Key upcoming deadlines include:
- Deliberative Democracy PhD Scholarship – 10 August 2026
- Organisational Creativity and Artificial Intelligence PhD Scholarship – 15 August 2026
- Elite Editing Thesis Write-up Scholarship – 30 June annually
- Fulbright Scholarships – Applications open January to July annually
- Ramsay Centre Postgraduate Scholarships – Late March annually
Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their applications early and ensure all required documents are submitted before the relevant deadlines.
For more information about this opportunity, visit here.
Discover more Global Scholarhsip Opportunities on OFY here.
