Swinburne University of Technology is now accepting applications for the 2025 Research Stipend Scholarships, open to both domestic and international students. These scholarships support doctoral candidates by providing a generous living stipend while they pursue high-quality research aligned with Swinburne’s strategic priorities.

Successful applicants will automatically receive a tuition fee scholarship—either an RTP Fees-Offset for domestic students or a Tuition Fee Scholarship for international students—covering up to four years of study.

Two types of scholarships are available: the Swinburne University Postgraduate Research Award (SUPRA) and the Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship (RTPS), each valued at $34,700 per year (2025 rate) for up to three years, with a potential 6-month extension.

To be eligible, applicants must meet Swinburne’s PhD or Professional Doctorate entry requirements, hold a First-Class Honours degree (or equivalent), and propose a project aligned with Swinburne’s research ecosystem.

Applications are welcome from prospective students, current candidates with less than two years of enrolment, or those who have received an offer but have not yet enrolled.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadlines:
  • Round 1: 31 March – 9 May 2025
  • Round 2: 25 August – 6 October 2025
• Result Announcements:
  • Round 1: 9 July 2025
  • Round 2: 3 December 2025
• Enrollment Deadlines:
  • Domestic (Round 1): 31 October 2025 | (Round 2): 27 February 2026
  • International (Round 1): 27 February 2026 | (Round 2): 30 June 2026
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Host Institution: Swinburne University of Technology
• Eligible Countries: All countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Future and current doctoral students
• Fields: All research fields aligned with Swinburne’s Research Strategy
• Study Level: PhD, Professional Doctorate
• Duration: 3-4 years
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Australia

Scholarship Benefits

Selected candidates will benefit from the following items:

• Annual stipend of AUD 34,700 (indexed for 2025) for up to 3.5 years
• Full tuition fee coverage (up to 4 years)
• Relocation allowance
• Paid leave of absence
• Thesis allowance

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Candidates must be domestic and international students
• Must meet Swinburne’s entry requirements for a PhD or Professional Doctorate
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours (or equivalent)
• Research proposal must align with Swinburne’s Research Strategy and Ecosystem
• Must not receive income exceeding 75% of the scholarship stipend from other sources for general living costs
• Must meet one of the following:
  • Applying for a PhD or Professional Doctorate
  • Currently enrolled in a Swinburne PhD/Professional Doctorate for less than 2 years
  • Received a Swinburne PhD/Professional Doctorate offer and not yet enrolled
• Must meet English language requirements
• Must demonstrate capability for high-quality independent research
• Enrolled PhD candidates will also complete a Graduate Certificate in Research and Innovation Management (GC-RESIM)
• PhD available in a wide range of fields, including Business, Engineering, ICT, Health, Law, and more
• Partnered and offshore PhD options available through Swinburne’s collaboration programs

Required Documents

Below are the required application documents:

• HDR Research Proposal template (signed by supervisor)
• Certified academic transcripts
• Proof of citizenship/ID
• Resume (with publications, if applicable)
• Evidence of prior research or publications
• Two referee reports (submitted directly to: HDRscholarships@swin.edu.au)

Selection Process and Criteria

The application assessment criteria are as follows:

• Scholarship and candidature eligibility
• Research project’s alignment with the university strategy
• Academic merit and qualifications
• Research/publication experience
• Work experience
• Supervisor team quality
• Referee reports

How to Apply?

• Check Scholarship Rounds:
  • Round 1: Opens 31 March 2025, closes 9 May 2025
  • Round 2: Opens 25 August 2025, closes 6 October 2025
• Contact a Supervisor:
  • Discuss your research idea with a potential supervisor at Swinburne
  • Complete the HDR Research Proposal template with their support
• Prepare Documents:
  • Completed HDR Research Proposal (signed by supervisor)
  • Certified academic transcripts and graduation evidence
  • Proof of citizenship/ID
  • Updated resume
  • Evidence of previous research/publications
• Submit Online Application:
  • Select Swinburne Research Scholarships under the scholarship section
  • Ensure all documents are attached before submitting
• Arrange Referee Reports:
  • Choose two referees
  • Ask them to email completed reports to HDRscholarships@swin.edu.au by the application deadline
• Application Outcomes:
  • Round 1 results from 9 July 2025
  • Round 2 results from 3 December 2025
• Enrolment Deadlines for Selected Students:
  • Domestic:
    • Round 1: By 31 October 2025
    • Round 2: By 27 February 2026
  • International:
    • Round 1: By 27 February 2026
    • Round 2: By 30 June 2026

 Note: Applicants are automatically considered for both SUPRA and RTPS. Incomplete applications or late referee reports may result in ineligibility.

Apply Now

Further details and information are available on the official website of Swinburne University.

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