University Of Canberra 2026 Prestigious Fully Funded Research Opportunity -

About the University of Canberra Research Scholarships

Are you an ambitious international student aiming to pursue a fully funded research degree in Australia? The University of Canberra Research Scholarships 2026 present a unique opportunity to join one of Australia’s leading research institutions. These highly competitive scholarships offer full funding for a Higher Degree by Research (HDR), including PhD programs, and are available to both international and domestic candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and alignment with UC’s strategic priorities.

The University of Canberra (UC) offers a select number of University Research Scholarships each year to enable exceptional students from around the world to undertake full-time Higher Degree by Research (HDR) studies. These programs include PhD and professional doctoral programs designed to advance knowledge in areas aligned with UC’s research strengths.

These scholarships are extremely competitive, with less than 10% of applicants receiving awards in previous cycles. Candidates are selected based on their academic achievements, research experience (including peer-reviewed publications), quality and relevance of their research proposal, and strategic alignment with the university’s research priorities.

Eligible Fields

The University of Canberra supports research in a broad range of disciplines. However, preference is given to proposals that align with UC’s key research themes:

Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainability
Faculty-specific areas of research excellence (Applicants should consult individual faculty research pages for more details)

Fields across the sciences, social sciences, education, health, business, arts, and technology are all considered, provided the proposal aligns strategically with UC’s mission.

Eligibility Criteria

The University of Canberra Research Scholarships are open to a wide range of candidates, including:

International students from any country worldwide
Australian citizens and permanent residents
New Zealand citizens
Current UC PhD candidates who have confirmed their candidature and have been enrolled for less than two years
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
Candidates with First-Class Honours, or a Master’s degree with a minimum 25% research component and a score of at least 80%

Applicants under the National Industry PhD Program (Industry Linked Stream)

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on a holistic review by the UC Research Scholarship Committee. The following criteria are considered during the selection process:

Academic qualifications and performance
Quality and feasibility of the research proposal
Prior research experience, including published research
Alignment with UC’s strategic research themes and industry collaboration potential

Faculty recommendations and merit rankings

Eligible Countries

Students from all countries are eligible to apply, making this a truly global opportunity.

Required Documents

Applicants will need to provide the following during the application process:

A detailed research proposal aligned with UC’s strategic areas
Academic transcripts and certificates
Curriculum Vitae (CV) showcasing research experience
Evidence of prior research (e.g. publications, thesis)
Two academic references
Proof of English proficiency (for non-native speakers)

Benefits of the University of Canberra Research Scholarships

Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive scholarship package that includes:

An annual tax-free stipend of AUD $36,225 (2025 rate) for living expenses
Full tuition fee sponsorship for international students for the duration of the HDR program
Back-pay of the stipend for candidates who began their HDR offshore and are later approved to continue in Australia

Research support, supervision, and professional development opportunities from a globally recognized institution
Access to UC’s vibrant research community, facilities, and networks

Note: The scholarship is valid for up to 3.5 years for full-time candidates (standard duration of PhD programs in Australia)

How to Apply

Applying for the University of Canberra Research Scholarships involves a two-step process:

Apply for Admission to a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Program
- Use UC’s HDR Online Application Portal to submit your application for PhD admission.
Complete the Research Scholarship Application Form
- After submitting your HDR application, you will be given access to a separate Research Scholarship application form.
- Current UC PhD students can log into the portal directly to apply for the scholarship without resubmitting admission materials.

The Application Deadline is as follows:

September 30, 2025 — All scholarship applications and supporting documents must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for the 2026 intake.

Final Thoughts

The University of Canberra Research Scholarships 2026 offer a rare and prestigious opportunity for motivated researchers to receive full support in pursuing groundbreaking research in Australia. Whether you are beginning your academic career or looking to build on existing research experience, this scholarship provides not only funding but also a platform for academic excellence and real-world impact.

Start preparing your application today to join one of Australia’s top-tier research environments and transform your academic journey.