Macquarie University offers a variety of scholarships to support outstanding graduate researchers in their pursuit of advanced degrees. These scholarships are awarded competitively, providing financial assistance and support to eligible candidates across different study programs.

The following are the common scholarship types for international researchers:

• Commonwealth Funded Research Training Program (RTP) and International Research Training Program (iRTP): These scholarships, funded by the Commonwealth, are available for domestic and international students and provide support for research training, respectively.
• Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship (MQRES) and International Macquarie University Research Excellence (iMQRES): These scholarships, which aim to support exceptional research endeavors at Macquarie University, are open to domestic and international students.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline for Applicants outside of Australia: March 1, 2026
• Application Deadline for Applicants in Australia: April 30, 2026
• Result Announcement Dates: Upon assessment and selection.
• Funding Type: Fully-funded
• Host Institution: Macquarie University
• Eligible Countries: Domestic and international applicants
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Master of Research (MRes) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Field: All areas of research offered by Macquarie University
• Study Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral level
• Number of Opportunities: Varies depending on funding availability and scholarship rounds
• Host Country: Australia

Benefits and Financial Aid

Selected applicants will receive the following benefits:

• Scholarships may include tuition fee offsets, living allowances, top-up living allowances, fixed amounts, or one-time payments.
• The standard stipend rate for graduate researchers at Macquarie University is $38,500 per annum (full-time rate).
• Specific scholarship amounts vary and are subject to the terms outlined for each scholarship.

IRTP provides tuition coverage along with a stipend of $39700 per year.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Applicants should meet the minimum entry criteria for their chosen course of study.
• Academic merit and research experience are the primary criteria for assessment.
• Proposed research topics should align with the university’s research priorities.
• Specific eligibility criteria apply to scholarship types, such as research pathways and Indigenous research scholarships.

Eligibility Summary – Macquarie University iRTP/iMQRES (2026)

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand and not hold Australian permanent residency.
• Intend to reside in Sydney during their candidature.
• Plan to commence Master of Research or PhD in Session 2, 2026 ,as a full-time student.
• Meet admission and English language requirements for the chosen program.
• Have a valid visa permitting onshore study in Session 2, 2026.
• For PhD applicants (excluding Macquarie and MQBS applicants), must have completed their qualifying degree by the time of application.
• Have confirmed supervision from an eligible Macquarie researcher (mandatory for FOA, FMHHS, FSE; recommended for MQBS).

Ineligible applicants include those who:

• Are progressing within an existing Macquarie research program (e.g., MRes Year 1 to Year 2 or MRes to PhD).
• Commenced a Macquarie graduate research program before 1 January 2026.
• Receive a major scholarship or salary for the same program.
• Have already completed a research degree at the same or higher level in the same field.
• Submit incomplete applications or provide false/misleading information (these applications will be withdrawn and cannot be deferred to future rounds).

Award-holders may:

• Hold minor awards, allowances, or part-time work income within scholarship guidelines.
• Receive top-up funding up to 75% of Macquarie’s RTP stipend rate.
• Access additional funds for fieldwork, equipment, and other expenses.

Check the full details on eligibility on the university website.

To support eligibility assessment, applicants are encouraged to provide:

• Research thesis details (e.g., abstract, examiner reports, grade, and research percentage).
• Published research (preferably peer-reviewed).
• Refereed conference presentations.
• Relevant, substantial research experience in professional settings.

Selection Process

• Applicants are assessed and ranked based on academic merit, research experience, and alignment with university research priorities.
• Selection may also consider the strength of the supervisory team and specific eligibility criteria for each scholarship type.

How to Apply?

• New applicants must complete the combined course and scholarship application online.
• Academic referee reports should be arranged and submitted as per instructions.
• Applicants who are already enrolled or have received a valid offer for a higher degree research program must follow specific application procedures outlined by the university.
• Successful applicants will receive notification of entitlements at the time of the scholarship offer.

Apply Now

For further details about the scholarship, please visit Macquarie University’s official website.

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