A wide range of externally funded scholarships are available to UNSW research candidates, including full scholarships, top up scholarships, and small grants for research costs and travel.
Application periods are at the discretion of the fund providers, hence different opportunities may be available at various times throughout the year.
For specific details on eligibility criteria, funding availability and application processes, please refer to the scholarship website provided below.
Scholarships to Support Living Expenses
Name |
Area |
Description |
Value |
Closing Date |
ABRS National Taxonomy Research Grant Program |
Biodiversity |
The National Taxonomy Research Grant Programme (NTRGP) focuses on support for training and/or recruitment of taxonomists, especially for research on critical taxonomic groups. The ABRS is offering applicants starting a PhD on an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) in 2017 the opportunity to top up the existing APA rate by $10 000 per year. The PhD research projects of applicants must be focused on taxonomy or systematics analysis and address the ABRS Research Priorities. At least $5 000 of the Top-Up must be used to supplement research costs, with up to $5 000 of the Top Up used to supplement living costs.For more information, visit ABRS National Taxonomy Research Grant Program. |
$10,000 per annum |
Closed |
Automated Kinematic Restorations of Sedimentary Basins (Geodynamics) PhD Scholarship |
Geophysics |
Understanding the kinematic processes around the formation of a sedimentary basin is central to quantifying the resource potential. Constructing a model representing the current state of a kinematic process is a time consuming and often subjective process. Here we seek to support projects of relevance industry that aim at automating this with a focus on the kinematic restoration. We are particularly interested in the development of methods for an extraction of geological features of relevance in an Australian context.This project is a joint collaboration between UNSW Sydney and CSIRO and has strong support for travel and equipment purchases. It is expected that the successful PhD candidate will be able to travel to Perth occasionally and communicate results to stakeholders in CSIRO.Eligibility criteria:
Selection Criteria
|
$27,082 per annum |
1 August 2018Applicants should send an email to Stuart Clark clearly specifying "HDR Scholarship Application in Geophysics" in the subject, and include the following documents:
Applicants will be processed on a rolling basis, therefore apply at your earliest opportunity. |
Black Dog Institute PhD Scholarship |
Psychology |
The Black Dog Institute (BDI) is offering at least one PhD scholarship to carry out innovative research on suicide prevention within a current, ongoing research trial known as ‘LifeSpan’. It is expected that the successful applicant(s) will enrol in Semester 1, 2018 through the School of Psychology, University of New South Wales. |
Full living allowance $27,082 per annum |
Please refer to the Black Dog Institute for dates and the application process. |
Capital Markets Cooperative Research Centre (CMCRC) PhD Scholarship Program |
Business, Health, Law |
The CMCRC PhD Program provides a range of PhD scholarships for high achieving students to conduct industry-based research projects in Finance, Health and Law Enforcement. Scholarships are valued at up to $50,000 per annum for three years. The scholarship is a living allowance and does not cover tuition fees.More information is available at CMCRC PhD Program. |
Up to $50,000 per annum |
Applications are accepted throughout the year |
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Postgraduate Scholarships |
Science, Engineering |
CSIRO's Postgraduate Scholarship Program provides opportunities in science and engineering for outstanding full-time postgraduate students who are undertaking research which will lead to the award of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). PhD students at CSIRO are supported by both a university supervisor and a CSIRO supervisor; allowing students to maintain and develop their university connections while being exposed to research in a working environment.CSIRO offers full and top-up Postgraduate Scholarships for periods of up to three years.For further information, visit CSIRO Postgraduate Scholarships. |
Full and/or top up scholarships may be available |
Please refer to CSIRO Postgraduate Scholarships for 2018 application dates |
Data 61 PhD Scholarship |
Engineering, Science |
As part of Australia’s leading digital research powerhouse, we inspire Data61 PhD students to contribute to a data rich community that informs, impacts and continually evolves.For more information, visit Data 61. |
Full living allowance $27,082 per annum (2018 rate)
Top up scholarship $10,000 per annum (in exceptional circumstances Data 61 can award up to $15,000 per annum) |
Application rounds are held two to four times each year, and candidates wishing to apply for a Data61 Scholarship should have already made contact with a Data61 supervisor to discuss a research project, and have written agreement from the Data61 researcher to supervise their PhD project.For more information, visit Data 61 Scholarship Program. |
Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Grains Industry Research Scholarship |
Agronomy, soils, climate studies, diseases, pests |
The Grains Industry Research Scholarships are available to undertake post graduate research in areas of priority for the GRDC and the Australian grains industry. To be eligible for a GRS, applicants must secure a base University scholarship such as the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship or equivalent. Successful applicants will receive a top up scholarship of up to 75% of their base scholarship in addition to an annual operating budget up to $10,000 (excluding GST).For more information, visit Grains Industry Research Scholarships. |
Top Up Scholarship of up to 75% of base scholarship, and annual operating budget of $10,000 |
Please refer to Grains Industry Research Scholarships for application dates |
June Opie Fellowship |
All disciplines |
The award, available to citizens and permanent residents of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, is designed as an incentive for students of high academic achievement who have a severe disability. It is intended for those who plan to undertake postgraduate study with a view to preparing themselves for a role in the professions, in politics, or more particularly, in university teaching and research and who have disability issues as a continuing interest. The award is made to enable the recipient to secure such assistance, by travel, by the preparation of computer software, or by other means as will facilitate effective study and preparation for the future.For more information, please visit the June Opie Fellowship. |
NZ $12,000 for 12 months |
19 September - 31 October 2018For information on the application process, please visit the June Opie Fellowship. |
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) PhD Top Up Scholarship |
Diabetes Research |
The JDRF PhD Top-up scholarship is designed to support and encourage PhD students pursuing research in the field of type 1 diabetes in line with JDRF's mission - to treat, prevent and cure type 1 diabetes and its complications. The Top-Up will provide successful candidates with additional funding up to $6,000 per year, on top of their PhD Scholarship stipend, full-time or part-time, contingent on satisfactory progress.For further information, visit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. |
Up to $6,000 per annum |
Closed |
Kristian Anderson Award |
Medicine |
The Merck-AGITG Kristian Anderson Award supports a clinician undertaking a higher degree (MD or Ph.D) researching an aspect of personalised medicine in the area of gastro-intestinal cancer.The award will provide one year’s funding at an equivalent level to NHMRC support for a higher degree ($36,700). This would be the first year of a planned three-year project – the grant aims to allow the clinician to be more competitive for funding agency support in later years.The award recipient will be announced at the 20th AGITG Annual Scientific Meeting Dinner on 1 November 2018. The recipient will be required to present on the status of the project at a future AGITG Annual Scientific Meeting.For more information, visit the Merck-AGITG Kristian Anderson Award, or email AGITG to register your interest. |
$36,700 per annum for one year. The grant aims to allow the clinician to be more competitive for funding agency support in later years |
3 August 2018 at 5pm AESTTo register your interest and request an application form, email AGITG. |
Lionel Murphy Endowment Postgraduate Scholarship |
Science, Law |
The Lionel Murphy Foundation Endowment offers postgraduate scholarships for the study of law and/or science, or other disciplines where there is opportunity for some common good in Australia or overseas. Scholarships are available to Australian citizens or permanent residents who have resided in Australia for 12 months. The scholarship comprises a living allowance of $40,000 per annum for one year.For more information, visit Lionel Murphy Postgraduate Scholarships. |
$40,000 per annum for one year |
30 November 2018 |
National PhD Positions in Groundwater |
Science, Engineering, Social Sciences |
The National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT) is seeking Expressions of Interest from the brightest minds from a wide range of science, engineering and social science disciplines to undertake a variety of groundwater PhDs across the country.For more information, visit National PhD Positions in Groundwater |
$27,082 per annum for full-time study; or $13,541 per annum taxable for part-time study (2018 rate) |
31 August 2018To download the Expression of Interest form, visit National PhD Positions in Groundwater |
NeuRA PhD Scholarships in Chronic Musculo-Skeletal Pain |
Science, Medicine |
NeuRA is committed to recruiting, training and retaining students, researchers and staff of the highest calibre, and is offering two PhD Scholarships in Chronic Musculo-Skeletal Pain.The project is based in Sydney across the University of New South Wales School of Medical Sciences and Neuroscience Research Australia.The scholarships are in the field of musculoskeletal pain and are focussed on understanding the role of brain plasticity in the transition to chronic pain. The PhD candidates will work under a National Health and Medical Research Council funded trial that uses a novel, long-lasting experimental pain model to explore the mechanisms that underpin pain severity and recovery in humans. It is hoped that this information will help to drive the evolution of more effective treatments for musculoskeletal pain in future. The PhD candidates will work as part of two large and vibrant research teams at NeuRA (Schabrun Group and Seminowicz Group) and will collaborate with national and international experts in the field.For more information, visit NeuRA. |
$27,082 per annum (2018 rate) |
30 September 2018Applicants should submit their CV, academic transcript and a covering letter, including full contact details of two referees (at least one academic), to Dr Siobhan Schabrun (s.schabrun@neura.edu.au). |
NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarships Scheme |
Health, Science, Medicine |
The NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarships scheme aims to support outstanding health and medical graduates early in their career so they can be trained to conduct research that is internationally competitive and develop a capacity for original independent research within Australia. A number of scholarships are available, including the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Research Postgraduate Scholarship, the Clinical Research Postgraduate Scholarship, the Dora Lush Biomedical Research Postgraduate Scholarship, and the Public Health and Health Services Postgraduate Research Scholarship.For further information, visit National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC). |
Standard rate $27,084 per annum (2018 rate) |
Closed.Further information at National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) |
Multiplex Construction PhD Top Up Scholarship |
Built Environment |
Investigate innovative ways of attracting social investment into the construction industry to maximise its positive social legacy.For more information, visit Multiplex Construction PhD Scholarship. |
Up to $35,000 per annum |
Closed.For detailed information on eligibility, selection criteria, and the application process, please visit Multiplex Construction PhD Scholarship. |
Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship |
All Faculties |
Whether your focus is strengthening Australia-Asia ties, technology and innovation, or enabling positive social change, Westpac are offering support for postgraduate study for talented individuals at Australia's leading universities.For more information, visit Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship. |
Up to $120,000 per student over two or three years |
5 September 2018For detailed information on eligibility, selection criteria, and the application process, please visit Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship. |
Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Agilent PhD Scholarship |
Health, Science, Medicine |
Investigate the underlying causes of atherosclerotic plaque rupture and work in the newly established Metabolomics Research Laboratory. For more information, visit the Victor Change Cardiac Research Institute. |
Up to $36,000 per annum |
To enquire about the application process, please email recruitment@victorchang.edu.au |
Short Term Scholarships and Grants
Name |
Area |
Description |
Value |
Closing Date |
Amelia Earhart Fellowship |
Aerospace Science, Aerospace Engineering |
To assist the future of women in aerospace sciences and engineering, Zonta International established the Amelia Earhart Fellowship in 1938 in honour of legendary pilot and Zontian, Amelia Earhart. Today, the Fellowship of US$10,000 is awarded annually to 35 talented women, pursuing Ph.D./doctoral degrees in aerospace-related sciences or aerospace-related engineering around the globe.Women of any nationality pursuing a Ph.D./doctoral degree, who demonstrate a superior academic record in the field of aerospace-related sciences or aerospace-related engineering, are eligible and encouraged to apply.For more information, visit Amelia Earhart Fellowship. |
US$10,000 |
15 November 2018 |
Australian Academy of Science Grants and Exchange Programs |
Science |
The Australian Academy of Science offers grants and funds exchange programs for higher degree research students undertaking science research.For more information, visit Australian Academy of Science. |
Various |
Various – please refer to the Australian Academy of Science |
Australian Federation of Graduate Women (AFGW) Fellowships for female PhD candidates in their second or third year |
All disciplinary areas |
AFGW Barbara Hale Fellowships are offered to women graduates who are Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia and are enrolled for a PhD degree by research in any Australian university. The funds are to be used for a specific project or purpose for PhD research in any field. For more information, visit AFGW Barbara Hale Fellowship.
The AFGW Georgina Sweet Fellowship is offered every second year to women graduates who are Australian citizens or permanent residents and are enrolled for a PhD degree by research. Applicants must be women graduates who are Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia and are enrolled for a PhD degree by research in any Australian university. The funds are to be used for a specific project or purpose for PhD research in any field. For more information, visit AFGW Georgina Sweet Fellowship. |
AFGW Barbara Hale Fellowship $7000 eachAFGW Fellowship $6000 each |
Closed |
Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) Postgraduate Awards |
Nuclear Science |
The Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) is an integral organisation for enhancing Australia’s capability in nuclear science and engineering by facilitating world-class research and education. to foster scientific advancement and promote an effective collaboration between AINSE members and ANSTO.For further information, visit AINSE Postgraduate Awards. |
Various |
Closed |
Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) |
Petroleum industry |
The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) is the peak national body representing Australia’s oil and gas exploration and production industry. APPEA offers two scholarships to students undertaking studies that benefit the petroleum industry.For more information, visit Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA). |
One-off grant of $3,000 or $10,000 |
August 2018 - please refer to APPEA Scholarships for further details |
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) / Reserve Bank of Australia Brian Gray Scholarship Program |
Insurance, Superannuation; Prudential Supervision |
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Reserve Bank of Australia have established the Brian Gray Scholarship program in memory of Brian Gray, who died on 24 August 2001 while serving as Executive General Manager of APRA’s Policy, Research and Consulting Division.The Brian Gray Scholarship program funds up to four scholarships annually to support Domestic students who intend to focus full time on their studies and research. As part of the scholarship, students will devote a substantial amount of time to an agreed research topic benefiting, where possible, from access to APRA expertise and data.For more information, visit APRA / Reserve Bank of Australia Brian Gray Scholarship Program. |
Up to $15,000 each |
Applications will re-open in 2018 |
Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM) Postgraduate Research Travel Award |
Microbiology |
The Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM) is a not-for-profit organisation, formed in 1959 as a learned society devoted to furthering the science of microbiology. This award is open to ASM members, allows for the reciprocal exchange of one student member each year to visit the National conference of the other society and to visit the research lab of a collaborating researcher in that country.The award is valued at up to AUS$3000 for travel to the NZMS annual general meeting, internal flights to the collaborating institution and accommodation costs for 14 days.For more information, visit Australian Society for Microbiology. |
Up to $3,000 for travel to the NZMS annual general meeting |
Closed |
Australian Wildlife Society University Student Grants |
All disciplinary areas |
The Australian Wildlife Society University Wildlife Research Grants are scholarships of $1,500 offered to honours or postgraduate students undertaking a research project of direct relevance to the conservation of Australian wildlife.Grants may be used for the purchase of equipment and consumables, travel expenses related to field research, or attendance of conferences at which you are presenting your work.For more information, visit the Australian Wildlife Society. |
$1,500 each |
Closed |
Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds Travel Grants and PhD Scholarships |
Medicine |
The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF) is a non-profit organization for the exclusive and direct promotion of basic research in biomedicine. BIF offers three scholarship programs for postgraduate research students, including a PhD Scholarship and Travel Grants.For further information, please refer to Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds. |
Various |
Various - please refer to Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds |
Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) |
Cardiovascular Health |
The CSANZ Research Scholarship is intended to provide support for CSANZ members who wish to pursue a career in cardiovascular research. Research Scholarships are open to all current financial CSANZ members at the time of applying. The Scholarships will be awarded only to applicants whose research is to be conducted in Australia or New Zealand.For more information, visit The Cardiac Society of Australia & New Zealand (CSANZ). |
Please refer to The Cardiac Society of Australia & New Zealand (CSANZ) |
Please refer to The Cardiac Society of Australia & New Zealand (CSANZ) |
Capstone Editing Grant for Professional Thesis Editing |
All disciplinary areas |
The grant provides free thesis editing for one Masters student and one PhD student per year. There is no limit on the amount of words in the thesis that we will edit (so long as the thesis meets the students’ departments’ word limit). It just needs to be a thesis written for a postgraduate degree for an Australian or New Zealand university. Applications are assessed based on both financial need and academic merit. |
Please refer to Capstone Editing |
Please refer to Capstone Editing |
Elite Editing Thesis Write-up Scholarship |
All disciplinary areas |
The Elite Editing Thesis Write-Up Scholarship provides financial assistance for one postgraduate student per year for a period of 12 weeks to free them from other forms of employment and allow them to concentrate solely on the task of writing their thesis.More information is available at The Elite Editing Thesis Write-up Scholarship. |
Please contact Elite Editing for details info@eliteediting.com.au |
Applications will re-open in 2018 |
Forktop Women's Innovation Scholarship |
All disciplinary areas |
The Forktip Women’s Innovation Scholarship provides financial support for women around the world to further their education and careers. The eligibility criteria have been created with this goal in mind and to ensure fairness for all scholarship applicants.The scholarship is designed to help with the tuition expenses of the winning student. It is expected that the winning students put the scholarship award towards furthering their education.For more information, visit the Forktop Women's Innovation Scholarship. |
$2,000 to contribute to tuition fees |
Please refer to Forktop Women's Innovation Scholarship. |
Lake Macquarie Environmental Research Grants |
Science |
The Lake Macquarie Environmental Research Grants program is design to support projects that will assist Council and other environmental managers to develop appropriate land use practices, plan remedial and preventative works as well as adjust management strategies. Grant funds are to cover consumables and costs incurred during field works. It can also cover laboratory works, computing, printing etc.For more information, visit Lake Macquarie Environmental Research Grants. |
Up to $8,000 each |
Closed |
Medibank International Conference and Fieldwork Grants (MICFG) |
All disciplinary areas |
Medibank International Conference and Fieldwork Grants (MICFG) are for international students undertaking a Postgraduate Research program.Grants of $2,000 are available each semester for students with an international component to their research or conference presentation.Grants are for the sole purpose of:
For more information, visit MICFG. |
$2,000 each |
Various - please refer to MICFG for further details. |
National Library Summer Scholarships |
History, literature, archives |
The National Library offers annual summer scholarships to support younger scholars undertaking postgraduate research who require special access to the Library’s collections. The scholarships are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents who have commenced PhD study and are under the age of thirty at 31 December in the year of their application. The scholarship includes an honorarium of $300 per week plus twin share accommodation with breakfast included, at University House at the Australian National University (ANU) for six weeks. A return economy class air fare from the scholarship holder's home within Australia will also be provided.For further information, visit National Library Summer Scholarships. |
Honorarium of $300 and twin share accommodation breakfast at ANU for six weeks, and a return airfare within Australia. |
30 September 2018 |
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) Scholarships |
Surgery |
The College offers a large number of scholarships, awards, lectures and prizes to support research and training regarding surgery and surgical standards.For more information, visit The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). |
Various |
Various - please refer to The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). |
RSPCA Australia Research Scholarships |
Animal Welfare |
Every year, RSPCA Australia offers three scholarships to encourage students to support animal welfare research.The RSPCA Australia Sybil Emslie Animal Law Scholarship is offered to law students and lawyers who engage in legal scholarship and practice dedicated to advancing animal welfare. The RSPCA Australia Alan White Scholarship is offered to students for the funding of original research aimed at improving the welfare of animals in Australia. The RSPCA Australia Scholarship for Humane Animal Production Research is for specific projects aimed at improving the welfare of production animals. For more information, visit RSPCA Australia Scholarships. |
One-off grants between $1,000 and $8,800 |
Applications for the Sybil Emslie Animal Law Scholarship and the Alan White Scholarship and Scholarship for Human Animal production Research will re-open in 2018 |
Sir Ninian Stephen/RG Menzies Scholarship in International Law |
Law |
The Menzies Foundation offers scholarships to future leaders who will represent the Menzies ethos of being the best you can be, no matter where you start: taking risks, inspiring others and being willing to work hard. In 2018, the Menzies Foundation will offer scholarships to postgraduate research students who are undertaking a research project seeking to help shape Australia’s response to increasingly complex global issues.
For further information, visit the Menzies Foundation. |
To be revised in 2018 |
Applications will re-open in 2018 |
Wentworth Group Science Program Scholarships |
Science |
The Wentworth Group has established a science leaders program to enhance the ability of post-graduate students, scientists, lawyers and economists to engage in public policy on the future of our land, water, coasts and biodiversity. The Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists offers scholarships for post-graduates (PhD candidates) to participate in the Wentworth Group Master Class held in March.For further information, visit Wentworth Group. |
Cost of the Wentworth Group Master Class |
Applications will re-open in early 2019 |