Ready to get started?
Kaitlyn Porter, PhD scholarship recipient, is studying the role pharmacists can play in disasters, aiming to improve health outcomes during and after events.
There are a variety of scholarships you can apply for at any time throughout the year and some that can only be applied for during our annual scholarship round. Typically, scholarships are only available for students who can commit to full-time, internal enrolment.
QUT research scholarship
'The QUT scholarship has been essential in enabling me to pursue my research studies. The scholarship not only made access to higher education possible, but also allowed me to focus entirely on my research without the constant pressure of working to cover living expenses. I deeply appreciate QUT's commitment to initiatives like this, which promote social justice and create opportunities for students who might otherwise be excluded from higher education.'
Research scholarship student
2027 Annual Scholarship Round
Key dates for applicants
You can start working on an application now, however you should check our round opening and closing dates. If you submit an application before the round opens, you may be asked to resubmit your application.
If applying in the 2027 Annual Scholarship Round, submit your expression of interest (EOI) before the deadlines specified below.
All international students must meet QUT's English language eligibility requirements by the time they submit their scholarship application.
Open
1 April each year
Close
International applicants:
11.59pm AEST on 31 July each year
Domestic applicants:
11.59pm AEST on 31 August each year
Outcomes emailed
from 21 November each year
Scholarship start
January to July following the closure of the round
(successful applicants)
Applicants affected by world events
Current world events may make it difficult for some applicants to access the services needed to meet QUT’s eligibility requirements for submitting an EOI. To support applicants during this time, especially with tight deadlines, the university will consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis for the following requirements:
- English language eligibility:
- If you can’t access an English testing centre, you can still submit your EOI. However, you will need to include a PDF or Word document with your EOI explaining why you haven’t met the English requirement. If your application is supported for admission, you will still need to meet English or have acceptable evidence of English equivalence before receiving an unconditional offer.
- Applying through an agent:
- If you’re required to apply through an agent but can’t access their services, contact us via email hdr@qut.edu.au. In your email, explain why you can’t apply through an agent, and we will review your situation and let you know the next steps.
However, QUT may take into consideration a student's ability to travel to Australia and commence the course and scholarship by the end of July 2027. Consider this when preparing an application and discuss it further with your potential supervisor if need be.
How to apply
I want to apply for a research degree and a scholarship
Check your eligibility for the research degree you’re interested in and the scholarship you want to apply for.
You can indicate your interest in a QUT scholarship (including the annual scholarship round) when you apply for admission to a QUT research degree. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application. Follow the instructions in the ‘financial details’ section of the expression of interest.
Find a proposed supervisor and prepare your research proposal using the template for your research area, then you can start your research degree application.
I'm already enrolled in a research degree and want to apply for a scholarship
If you're already enrolled at QUT in a research degree, you can apply for a scholarship for your current degree if you have written support of your principal supervisor.
Selection criteria for our annual scholarship round
Scholarships are awarded to the most competitive applicants, based on each faculty's selection criteria (PDF file, 196.9 KB).
Scholarships offered
In the annual scholarship round, we offer three centrally-funded scholarships to support students who show exceptional potential in research.
Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend
A prestigious Australian federal government funded scholarship awarded by QUT to provide financial support to exceptional students.
Find out more about the RTP Stipend scholarshipQUT Postgraduate Research Award (QUTPRA)
Building research excellence by supporting students of exceptional research potential.
Find out more about the QUTPRA scholarshipIndigenous Postgraduate Research Award (IPRA)
For applicants of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. This scholarship is awarded throughout the year as well as during the annual scholarship round.
Find out more about the IPRA scholarship
How to get started
Follow these steps before you apply for a research degree.
1. Research degree options
Consider which research degree is right for you.
2. Check your eligibility
Check your eligibility for research degrees.
3. Find a supervisor
We recommend that you discuss your research interests with your proposed supervisor early in the application process.
You can search for a supervisor using our experts database.
Search for a supervisor4. Find a research topic
As part of your application, you must propose a research topic and develop a research proposal. You may ask a supervisor to help you identify or refine a research topic.
You can search our student topics database for available research projects or propose your own research topic.
Search for a research topic
Apply anytime with targeted scholarships
Throughout the year we advertise a range of targeted research scholarships suitable for different students, study areas and interests. Use the scholarship search to find a scholarship you’re eligible for, and how and when to apply.
FAQs
Will marks in my undergraduate degree or honours year impact my chance of gaining a Higher Degree Research (HDR) scholarship?
Higher degree research scholarships are highly sought after, competitive and are awarded on merit, so your marks are vitally important. You will be ranked based on a number of factors including your academic history.
What happens if my grades/outcomes are not available when I apply for a research scholarship?
If you have not completed your current qualification at time of application, you can still be considered in one of QUT's Scholarship Rounds. If you are made an offer of admission and scholarship, the offer will be conditional upon you satisfying the course entry requirements by the deadline provided.
Will my research scholarship be taxable?
QUT cannot advise on taxation matters. The Australian Taxation Office website (link to https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/income-deductions-offsets-and-records/income-you-must-declare/scholarships-prizes-and-awards/scholarship-payments) is where you can find a series of FAQs and receive a response as to the taxable status of your scholarship.
For joint PhD students, does my scholarship continue when I am located overseas (at the partner university)?
If you have been awarded a QUT scholarship, that scholarship will commence when you start researching at QUT and will cease once you leave the country.
However, if you are in receipt of a Tuition Fee Sponsorship, that will continue for the duration of your course, irrespective of where you are located.
Can I be considered in QUT's Annual Scholarship Round and submit evidence of meeting English language requirements (IELTS results etc) after my Expression of Interest?
To be considered in QUT's Annual Scholarship Round, you must meet Expression of Interest and application submission dates.
You must also have met and provided evidence of meeting the English language requirements when you submit your Expression of Interest.
Stay connected
Contact us
Get in touch if you've got any questions about our scholarship rounds.