The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is inviting applications for its International Stipend and Fee Research Scholarship (DPHD) for international students who will commence or continue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 2027.
The scholarship provides successful applicants with a tax-free stipend of AUD $39,000 per year as well as coverage of tuition fees for up to three years of full-time equivalent PhD study.
Applications are welcomed across all research areas, provided the proposed research aligns with one of UniSQ’s flagship research areas. The scholarship is designed to support high-achieving international researchers who demonstrate strong academic performance, research capability, and a well-developed research proposal.
About the UniSQ International PhD Scholarship
The International Stipend and Fee Research Scholarship is a competitive research scholarship for international students pursuing doctoral research at UniSQ.
The scholarship combines the stipend and tuition-fee components into one application. Applicants do not need to apply separately for the stipend and tuition-fee scholarship.
Successful scholars will have the opportunity to undertake doctoral research within UniSQ’s research environment while receiving financial support for their studies.
Applicants are encouraged to explore UniSQ’s available research thesis topics and identify potential supervisors whose expertise aligns with their proposed research.
Scholarship Benefits
The UniSQ scholarship provides substantial financial support throughout the doctoral programme.
AUD $39,000 Annual Stipend
Successful applicants will receive a stipend of:
AUD $39,000 per annum
This financial support is intended to assist scholars with living and study-related expenses while undertaking their PhD.
Full Tuition Fee Support
UniSQ will pay tuition fees for a maximum period of:
Three years of full-time equivalent study
The scholarship covers the applicable tuition fees during the supported period.
However, any period of study already undertaken towards the PhD will be deducted from the scholarship period.
Research Areas
Applications are welcomed across different areas of research, but proposed projects must align with UniSQ’s flagship research areas.
Applicants should discuss the flagship area that most closely matches their proposed research with their potential supervisor before submitting their application.
This alignment is important because applicants are assessed partly on the relationship between their proposed research and UniSQ’s research priorities.
Prospective applicants can also explore UniSQ’s current research thesis topics and connect with UniSQ experts to identify appropriate research opportunities and potential supervisory arrangements.
Industry Stream
The scholarship also provides an optional Industry Stream.
The Industry Stream is designed to create stronger connections between doctoral research and industry by requiring successful participants to complete a:
60-day industry internship
Applicants interested in this stream are responsible for identifying an appropriate industry partner, either independently or with support from their prospective supervisor.
The industry partner must complete a Letter of Support as part of the application.
If the scholarship is awarded under the Industry Stream, all required contractual agreements must be completed before the student begins the programme.
Continuing Student Requirements for the Industry Stream
Continuing students applying for the Industry Stream must meet additional timing requirements.
They must be:
- Within 18 months of commencing full-time study, or
- Within 36 months of commencing part-time study.
Applicants are advised to consult UniSQ’s Senior Coordinator for Commercialisation and Partnerships before applying to ensure that the proposed internship meets the university’s requirements.
Dedicated Opportunities for Women in STEMM and Students With Disabilities
In addition to the Industry Stream, the scholarship offering includes dedicated scholarships for:
- Women in STEMM
- Students with disabilities
This provides additional opportunities for applicants from groups specifically supported through UniSQ’s research scholarship offerings.
Applicants should review the relevant scholarship requirements when preparing their application.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the UniSQ International Stipend and Fee Research Scholarship, applicants must meet the university’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
Hold the Required Academic Qualification
Applicants must have completed a Bachelor Degree with First Class Honours, or an equivalent qualification.
Applicants should provide evidence of their academic qualifications and transcripts as part of the application.
Be Eligible for Full-Time PhD Study
Applicants must be eligible to enrol full-time and on-campus in the Doctor of Philosophy programme at UniSQ.
The scholarship is therefore intended for students who satisfy the university’s requirements for admission to its PhD programme.
Be an International Student
Applicants must be international students.
They must not be:
- Australian citizens
- New Zealand citizens
- Australian permanent residents
Commence or Continue Study in 2027
Applicants must either:
- Commence their PhD studies in 2027, or
- Continue their existing PhD studies in 2027.
Academic and Research Selection Criteria
Eligibility does not automatically guarantee a scholarship.
Applications are assessed using several selection criteria designed to identify applicants with strong academic and research potential.
Academic Achievement
The university considers applicants’ academic records, including:
- Honours classification or equivalent
- Performance in postgraduate study
- Academic prizes
- Academic awards
- Overall academic achievement
Applicants with a strong academic history are therefore likely to be more competitive.
Research Capability
Applicants are also assessed on evidence of their ability to conduct high-quality research.
Relevant evidence may include:
- Research publications in high-quality journals
- Conference presentations
- Research internship experience
- Creative works, where applicable
- Other evidence demonstrating research capability
Applicants should clearly demonstrate their previous research experience and achievements.
Research Project and Environment
The proposed PhD project is another important part of the assessment.
The university may consider:
- Alignment with UniSQ research priorities
- Relevance to the Australian research context
- External support for the proposed research
- Potential impact of the research
- Resources required to successfully complete the research
Applicants should therefore ensure that their research proposal is clear, realistic, relevant, and well aligned with UniSQ’s research strengths.
Supervisory Team
The proposed supervisory team is also considered.
Applicants are encouraged to work closely with prospective supervisors and demonstrate:
- The supervisors’ publication records
- Complementary research expertise
- Supervisor capacity
- Available resources to support the proposed research
Finding an appropriate supervisor before applying can therefore be an important part of preparing a competitive application.
PhD Admission Is a Separate Process
An important requirement is that applying for the scholarship and applying for admission to the PhD programme are separate processes.
Applicants must begin the application process for admission into the Doctor of Philosophy programme in order to be eligible for the scholarship.
Prospective students should therefore allow sufficient time to complete both processes.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare digital copies of the required supporting documents before beginning the scholarship application.
These include:
- Statement of Claim completed by the student and supervisor
- Curriculum vitae, including research publications and/or presentations
- Preliminary Research Thesis Topic Proposal
- Documentation confirming citizenship
- Testamurs and academic transcripts for all undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications
Applicants applying through the Industry Stream must also provide:
- Letter of Support completed by the industry partner
All documents should be prepared carefully and submitted according to UniSQ’s application requirements.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow the university’s application process.
Step 1: Identify Your Research Area
Review UniSQ’s flagship research areas and identify the area that most closely aligns with your proposed PhD research.
Step 2: Find a Potential Supervisor
Applicants should connect with a potential supervisor whose research expertise matches their proposed project.
Discussing the proposed research with the supervisor can help applicants refine their research direction and identify the appropriate UniSQ flagship area.
Step 3: Begin the PhD Admission Process
Applicants must start the separate application process for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy programme.
Step 4: Prepare the Scholarship Documents
Prepare the required academic records, CV, research proposal, Statement of Claim, citizenship documentation, and other supporting materials.
Step 5: Submit the Scholarship Application
The scholarship application must be submitted through the UniSQ Scholarship Application Management System before the closing date.
Application Portal: https://scholarships-apply.usq.edu.au/
Applicants who need assistance can consult the university’s Scholarship Online Application Manual.
Application Deadline
The closing date for the scholarship is:
27 September 2026
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and allow enough time to obtain supporting documents and complete the separate PhD admission process.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is particularly suitable for international students who:
- Have completed a Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours or equivalent
- Have strong academic achievements
- Have research experience or demonstrated research capability
- Have a clear and original PhD research idea
- Want to pursue doctoral research in Australia
- Can align their proposed research with a UniSQ flagship area
- Are able to enrol full-time and on-campus
- Plan to commence or continue their PhD studies in 2027
Researchers with publications, conference presentations, research internships, or other evidence of research capability may be particularly competitive.
Why Consider the UniSQ Scholarship?
Pursuing a PhD internationally can involve significant tuition and living costs. This scholarship can substantially reduce the financial burden by combining an annual stipend with tuition-fee support.
The AUD $39,000 annual stipend provides financial assistance throughout the supported scholarship period, while UniSQ covers tuition fees for up to three years of full-time equivalent study.
The opportunity also provides access to a research environment where doctoral candidates can work with experienced supervisors and engage with research projects aligned with UniSQ’s flagship areas.
The optional Industry Stream adds another dimension by providing an opportunity for eligible scholarship recipients to undertake a 60-day industry internship.
Important Considerations Before Applying
Applicants should not wait until the final days before the deadline to begin their applications.
Finding a suitable supervisor, developing a research proposal, obtaining academic documents, and completing the separate PhD admission process can require considerable preparation.
Applicants should also ensure that their proposed research is genuinely aligned with UniSQ’s research priorities and that they can clearly explain the expected contribution and impact of their project.
For the Industry Stream, applicants should begin discussions with a potential industry partner early enough to obtain the required Letter of Support and complete any necessary agreements.
Conclusion
The UniSQ International Stipend and Fee Research Scholarship 2027 is a significant opportunity for high-achieving international students seeking to undertake PhD research in Australia.
Successful applicants can receive AUD $39,000 per year and tuition-fee coverage for up to three years of full-time equivalent study. The scholarship welcomes research proposals across multiple areas, provided they align with UniSQ’s flagship research priorities.
In addition to the standard scholarship, applicants can explore the optional Industry Stream, which includes a mandatory 60-day industry internship, as well as dedicated opportunities for women in STEMM and students with disabilities.
With a deadline of 27 September 2026, prospective applicants should begin preparing their research proposal, identifying a potential supervisor, gathering supporting documents, and starting the separate PhD admission process well in advance.
Discover more opportunities on the OFY Webpage.
