ANU University Research Scholarships

Each year the Australian National University offers the University Research Scholarship to support high achieving HDR students who are conducting research aligned with the University’s strategic directions. ANU runs two annual central scholarship rounds that include the University Research Scholarship, RTP, and a few other centrally managed scholarships.

The scholarship is for domestic or international students enrolled in an accredited HDR course of study at the University. It covers all fields of study. Selection is available to prospective or continuing students, and continuation is based on academic performance.

Selection is based on academic merit. ANU Colleges convene a selection committee to score and rank all eligible Honours (H1) (or equivalent) applicants in a merit-based process. The committee considers academic record, research potential (including support from the prospective supervisor and research location), referee reports, English language competency, and comparison with other eligible applicants in the same scholarship round.

Payments are made for 3.5 years for PhD candidates or 1.5 years for MPhil candidates, with payments made fortnightly. Continuation is based on academic performance, and a 6 month extension is available. The information provided does not describe any obligation after support ends.

• Scholarship type: Academic
• Student type: Domestic, International
• Study level: Postgraduate research (HDR)
• Must be a domestic student or an international student enrolled in an accredited HDR course of study at the University
• Prior study requirement: has achieved a minimum of Honours (H1) or H1 equivalent
• Exclusion: NOT an Industry PhD Candidate receiving a full-time salary
• Selection type: available to a prospective or continuing student
• Ongoing eligibility: continuation based on academic performance
• Continuing student limitation: current candidates who have typically completed less than 1 year full-time equivalent must submit the 'Request for a current ANU student to be considered for a HDR scholarship' form
• Selection basis: academic merit

• Base stipend: $40,475 per annum (Full-time base stipend rate 2027)
• Payments: fortnightly
• Travel and Removal allowances for students relocating to Canberra to commence their research program
• Thesis allowance
• Dependant Child allowance for International students only
• Paid medical, maternity and parental leave

1. No separate application is required for this scholarship; eligible candidates are considered based on their application for admission.
2. When completing the admission application for a HDR program, select to be considered for Australia: ANU - Other Scholarship to be considered for all eligible scholarships.
3. International students applying for Round 1 (commencement of research program in the following year) must apply for admission by 31 August; Domestic students for Round 1 must apply for admission by 31 October.
4. For Round 1 eligibility, ensure the application is complete by the scholarship deadline, including all supporting documentation and referee reports.
5. Referee reports are triggered and sent to nominated referees when the program application is submitted; referees must submit reports prior to the scholarship deadline for the application to be considered complete.
6. Current candidates (typically completed less than 1 year full-time equivalent) must submit the 'Request for a current ANU student to be considered for a HDR scholarship' form to be considered.
7. The guidance recommends submitting the program application at least 2–3 weeks prior to the scholarship deadline to allow time for referee reports.

• Supporting documentation (included as part of a complete admission application for scholarship consideration)
• Referee reports
• For current ANU students who have typically completed less than 1 year full-time equivalent: 'Request for a current ANU student to be considered for a HDR scholarship' form