Are you an aspiring researcher looking to pursue a Master’s or PhD in Australia? The University of Western Australia (UWA) invites both domestic and international students to apply for its prestigious Higher Degree by Research (HDR) scholarships for 2026.

These scholarships, supported by the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP), the University of Western Australia, and external funding bodies, assist exceptional students by covering tuition fees, living stipends, research costs, and relocation allowances. They’re awarded based on academic merit and research potential through a competitive selection process.

UWA offers two main application rounds each year, with a variety of HDR scholarship options available in all major disciplines. International applications for the 2026 intake open on July 1, 2025, and close on August 31, 2025. Successful candidates can begin their studies between February 2 and March 31, 2026. Applicants must submit a single application for both course admission and scholarship consideration via UWA’s HDR portal.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadlines:
  • International Students: August 31, 2025 (11:59 pm AWST)
  • Domestic Students: October 31, 2025 (11:59 pm AWST)
• Ranking Periods:
  • International: September 1 – October 12, 2025
  • Domestic: November 1 – December 5, 2025
• Offer Dates:
  • International: From October 20, 2025
  • Domestic: From December 8, 2025
• Commencement Date: February 2 – March 31, 2026
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Host Institution: University of Western Australia (UWA)
• Eligible Countries: All countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Master’s and PhD applicants with research potential
• Field: All disciplines
• Study Level: Higher Degree by Research (HDR)
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Australia

Scholarship Benefits

The HDR Scholarships will provide the following benefits for selected students:

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Living allowance: AUD 37,000 per annum (2025 rate)
• Relocation allowance for eligible students
• Research-related travel and expenses
• Access to student amenities and support services
• Automatic tuition offset for domestic students

Eligibility Criteria

Below are the eligibility criteria for 2025/26 HDR Scholarships:

• Must meet the academic entry requirements for a research degree at UWA
• Must demonstrate exceptional research potential
• International students must apply through the international HDR portal
• Domestic applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or NZ citizens
• UWA graduates may apply in either round
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply

How to Apply?

Step 1: Review the Advice for Applicants to understand eligibility and scholarship conditions.

Step 2: Choose your HDR course, identify a potential supervisor, and finalize your research proposal.

Step 3: Submit your application:

• International Applicants: Use the HDR application portal and apply for the 2026 International RTP Stipend and Tuition Fee Scholarships. Current international students can apply here.

Apply Now

• Domestic Applicants: Application details will be released before September 1, 2025.

Visit the UWA Scholarships Page for further details and information.

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