International PhD Scholarships University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) 2027, Australia (Fully Funded)

The International PhD Scholarships University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) 2027 are awarded by the University of Southern Queensland in Australia. This fully funded PhD scholarship gives international students an annual stipend of AUD 39,000 plus full tuition fee coverage for up to three years of full-time equivalent doctoral study.

It is open to international students in research fields that match UniSQ flagship research priorities, with extra pathways for women in STEMM and students with disabilities. The package covers the stipend and tuition together, so no separate application is needed. The deadline is 27 September 2026. Read the sections below for eligibility, benefits and how to apply.

Successful applicants will receive substantial financial support throughout their doctoral studies.

The benefits include:

• AUD 39,000 annual stipend
• Full tuition fee coverage
• Funding for up to three years of full-time equivalent PhD study
• Opportunity to undertake doctoral research in Australia
• Access to UniSQ research facilities and academic resources
• Opportunity to participate in the optional Industry Stream
• Additional scholarship pathways for eligible women in STEMM
• Additional opportunities for students with disabilities

The stipend and tuition component are part of the same scholarship package. Applicants do not need to submit separate applications for the stipend and tuition scholarship.

If an applicant has already completed part of their PhD, the previous period of study may be deducted from the maximum scholarship duration.

The scholarship is available for students seeking admission to the:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Full-time doctoral research program
• Research projects aligned with UniSQ's research priorities

Applicants can propose research in a wide range of disciplines. However, the proposed project should demonstrate a clear connection with one of UniSQ's flagship research areas.

Potential areas may include:

• Engineering and technology
• Agricultural and environmental sciences
• Health and medical research
• Education
• Business and economics
• Information technology
• Data science
• Social sciences
• Psychology
• Science
• Sustainability
• Creative and applied research
• Other eligible research fields offered by UniSQ

Applicants should identify a suitable research topic and supervisor before submitting the scholarship application.

To be considered for the UniSQ International PhD Scholarships 2027, applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:

• Be an international student.
• Hold a Bachelor's degree with First Class Honours or an equivalent level of academic preparation.
• Meet the academic requirements for admission to the UniSQ Doctor of Philosophy program.
• Be eligible for full-time, on-campus PhD enrolment.
• Commence or continue eligible PhD study during 2027.
• Have a research proposal that aligns with UniSQ's research priorities.
• Demonstrate strong academic achievement and research potential.
• Meet the university's English language and other admission requirements.
• Secure or engage with an appropriate potential supervisor.
• Complete the separate PhD admission process before becoming eligible for the scholarship.

Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents are not eligible for this particular international scholarship category.

Applicants whose universities do not use the Australian First Class Honours classification should carefully demonstrate how their previous academic qualifications compare with the required standard.

How Applicants Are Assessed

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee a scholarship. UniSQ considers several aspects of an applicant's overall profile.

Academic Achievement

Applicants can strengthen their application through:

• Excellent academic results
• First Class Honours or equivalent qualifications
• Strong postgraduate performance
• Academic awards and prizes
• Other evidence of academic excellence

Research Capability

Research experience can also contribute to a competitive application. Applicants may demonstrate:

• Journal publications
• Conference presentations
• Research internships
• Previous research projects
• Relevant creative or research outputs

Research Project

The proposed research project should clearly explain:

• The research problem
• Research objectives
• Methodology
• Expected outcomes
• Significance of the research
• Alignment with UniSQ research priorities
• Potential impact
• Relevance to the Australian research context
• Required resources and research environment

Supervisor

The proposed supervisory team is also important. Applicants should identify supervisors who have:

• Relevant research expertise
• Strong publication records
• Capacity to supervise the project
• Appropriate research facilities and resources

Choosing a supervisor should therefore be treated as an important part of the scholarship application rather than simply an administrative requirement.

Industry Stream

Applicants may also consider the optional Industry Stream if their proposed research is suitable for industry collaboration.

The Industry Stream includes a compulsory 60-day industry internship. Applicants and/or supervisors are responsible for identifying an appropriate industry partner.

The industry partner must provide a formal Letter of Support. Co-funded projects and industry-funded stipend top-ups are considered desirable.

This pathway can be particularly useful for applicants working on applied or industry-relevant research. However, applicants should only select it when the industry partnership genuinely supports their research project.

The scholarship and PhD admission processes are connected but are not the same application. Applicants should follow the correct order.

Step 1: Choose a Research Direction

Identify a research topic that matches your academic background and interests. Review UniSQ research opportunities and thesis topics.

Step 2: Find a Potential Supervisor

Search for researchers whose expertise matches your proposed PhD project. Contact a suitable supervisor and discuss your research idea.

Step 3: Identify the Relevant Research Area

Determine which UniSQ flagship research area best matches your proposed project and make this alignment clear in your application.

Step 4: Start the PhD Admission Application

Begin the separate Doctor of Philosophy admission application. Scholarship applicants must also go through the university's PhD admission process.

Step 5: Prepare the Statement of Claim

Work with your potential supervisor to prepare the required Statement of Claim and other scholarship documents.

Step 6: Prepare the Research Proposal

Develop your Preliminary Research Thesis Topic/Research Proposal. Clearly explain the research question, methodology, significance, expected impact, and alignment with UniSQ priorities.

Step 7: Update Your Academic CV

Include relevant:

• Academic qualifications
• Publications
• Conference presentations
• Research experience
• Research internships
• Academic awards
• Other relevant achievements

Step 8: Prepare Supporting Documents

Applicants should prepare the required academic and identity documents, including:

• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates/testamurs
• Citizenship documentation
• Research documents
• Academic CV
• Other documents requested by UniSQ

Step 9: Prepare Industry Documents if Applicable

If applying through the Industry Stream, arrange the required industry partner Letter of Support and other relevant documentation.

Step 10: Submit the Scholarship Application

Complete and submit the scholarship application through the UniSQ Scholarship Application Management System before the deadline.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the UniSQ International Stipend and Fee Research Scholarship 2027 is:

September 27, 2026

Applicants should not wait until the final days to begin the process because finding a supervisor, preparing a research proposal, and starting the separate PhD admission application can take considerable time.

Why Apply for the UniSQ International PhD Scholarship?

This scholarship is an attractive option for international researchers because it combines a substantial annual living stipend with full tuition coverage.

The strongest applicants are likely to be those who can demonstrate more than excellent grades. A competitive application should present a well-developed research project, a suitable supervisory team, strong research experience, and clear alignment with UniSQ's research priorities.

For applicants interested in applied research, the Industry Stream may provide an additional opportunity to connect doctoral research with an external organization.