Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship for International Students

CDU states it awards research scholarship support for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students on a competitive basis for international and domestic applicants. CDU says stipend scholarships of up to AU$35,489 rate) per annum are tax-free for full-time students and can cover living allowance. CDU also states that most scholarships include a tuition fee-waiver valued between $33,940 and $36,730 per annum rate) and relocation allowance.

HDR degrees covered by CDU at all CDU faculties and the Menzies School of Health Research include Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master’s by Research (MRes). CDU’s page frames the degrees as enabling students to plan and execute an original research project under a supervisory panel, culminating in a body of work aligned to the level (substantial supervised research leading to an original contribution for a PhD, and substantial supervised research or scholarship for an MRes).

CDU describes scholarships for international and domestic applicants as being awarded annually on a competitive basis. The page also sets out HDR admission entry eligibility for PhD and MRes, alongside application steps that include identifying a project and supervisor, developing a proposed research project outline, selecting financial support, and collating required documentation for the online application process.

Support duration is described for the HDR degrees themselves, with minimum and maximum durations listed for full-time and part-time study. CDU’s page also states that financial support for research degrees includes scholarships for living expenses (stipend) and a tuition fee offset, enabling full-time focus on the research project; no additional conditions or obligations after completion are stated in the provided text.

• To be eligible for entry to a PhD, the applicant should have completed either: a Bachelor Honours degree with first class or second class honours division A; or a Masters qualification which contains a substantial research component.
• To be eligible for entry to a MRes, the applicant should have completed either: a Bachelor Honours degree with first class or second class honours; or a Masters by Coursework or Extended Masters which contains a substantial research component.
• Research experience in the form of publications or creative outputs may be used to increase an honours score or honours equivalency; applicants are instructed to contact the HDR Team for further guidance.

• Stipend scholarships of up to AU$35,489 (2026 rate) per annum for full-time students, tax-free.
• Stipend can cover living allowance.
• Most scholarships include a tuition fee-waiver valued between $33,940 and $36,730 per annum (2026 rate).
• Relocation allowance (stated as included with most scholarships).

1. Step 1 (International): Check your eligibility for entry to a PhD or MRes as listed on CDU’s page.
2. Step 2 (International): Identify a project and supervisor, including providing written confirmation from a CDU supervisor that they are willing to supervise your proposed project.
3. Step 3 (International): Develop your Proposed research project outline, including a project title, general field of research, proposed principal supervisor, brief description, ethical considerations, resource implications, fieldwork/travel requirements, any intellectual property considerations, HDR internship ideas (if relevant), and other relevant issues.
4. Step 4 (International): Course fees and identify financial support for your research degrees, including scholarships for living expenses (stipend) and a tuition fee offset.
5. Step 5 (International): Collate the necessary documentation and attach required documents to the online application.
6. Apply online for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at CDU (the page provides an online application approach for domestic and international students).

• Certified copies of all post-secondary qualification documents such as transcripts of results, award certificates, grading systems, and English translations, if required.
• Research Project Outline (1500-1700 words or 3-4 pages).
• Proof of Citizenship.
• Detailed CV / Resume with a list of publications.
• Two referee reports completed via the Referee Report Form.
• Supervisor’s confirmation in writing (for example, email correspondence).
• Other supporting documentation, if applicable.