About the opportunity
The Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers stipend scholarships to support domestic and international candidates undertaking an accredited Research Doctorate or Research Masters degree. Funded directly by ACU and administered in accordance with the ACU Research Training Program Scholarship Policy, these competitive scholarships are awarded based on a merit-based selection process for candidates with strong academic credentials and research potential whose proposed research aligns with ACU’s areas of expertise.
Funding and benefits
- Stipend scholarship of AUD $34,315 per annum (full-time, 2026 value, indexed annually)
- Full fee offset valued at approximately AUD $34,728 per annum
- A single Overseas Student Health Care Policy and relocation allowance of up to AUD $2,000 for international applicants
Who can apply?
- Open to domestic students and overseas students enrolled or enrolling in an accredited research higher degree (Research Doctorate or Research Masters) at ACU
- Proposed research must align with any of ACU's broad areas of expertise
- Candidates must possess strong academic credentials and research potential for merit-based selection
Required documents
- Scholarship application form (for current students via the Student Portal)
- Required supporting documentation as specified in the application instructions
When to apply
- Applications open twice per annum in April and October
- Round 1 Deadline: Wednesday 1 April 2026, 11:59 PM (AEDT)
- Round 2 Deadline: Thursday 1 October 2026, 11:59 PM (AEST)
How to apply
- Prospective students can apply as part of the application process for a research degree at ACU by visiting the How to apply page
- Current students can download the scholarship application form from the Student Portal and submit it along with required supporting documentation to the Graduate Research School via email at grad.research@acu.edu.au
Additional information
- Round 1 domestic commencement takes place on the first workday of August, and international commencement takes place on the first day of Research Term D in October.
- Round 2 domestic commencement takes place on the first workday in February of the following year, and international commencement takes place on the first day of Research Term C in July of the following year.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Prospective or current research students with strong academic credentials and research potential.
- Candidates whose proposed research aligns with the specific areas of expertise at Australian Catholic University.
- International students seeking a comprehensive package that includes fee offsets and health insurance.
What should you think carefully about?
- The scholarship is highly competitive and merit-based, requiring a clear alignment with ACU's research priorities.
- You should verify the specific commencement dates for your chosen research term to ensure your availability.
- The relocation allowance is capped at AUD $2,000, so you should budget accordingly for your move to Australia.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This scholarship is ideal for researchers aiming to complete a doctorate or master's degree with full financial support. It allows you to focus entirely on your research project while benefiting from a stable stipend and academic fee coverage.
Our take
Highly qualified researchers with a project that fits ACU's expertise should apply; it is less suitable for those whose research interests fall outside the university's core focus areas.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
