Open to Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Students undertaking a PhD or Master by Research.
Inclusions
- Stipend: The 2026 full-time base stipend is valued at $48,000 per annum. The level of the base stipend will be reviewed annually, with no reductions during the standard duration of the scholarship. Payments are made fortnightly to a nominated Australian bank account and are tax-free for full-time students.
- Tuition fees: Paid automatically each semester for the duration of the scholarship (current value $28,000 per annum).
- Relocation allowance: Up to $2,000 for approved expenses to relocate to a UniSC campus.
2026 Applications close
31 December 2026 11:55pm
To complete an application you will need to create an account and login to the HDR scholarships portal.
Eligibility
- Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and provide certified Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity (COA) under the common seal of a community organisation or statutory declaration
- Be accepted for entry to a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program at UniSC
- Not hold an equivalent HDR qualification to that being applied for
- Maintain satisfactory progress as a higher degree by research candidate at the University of the Sunshine Coast
- Complete all selection criteria questions, including question 4 from the supervisor (document attached below)
Eligible programs
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Master by Research programs
Duration
The scholarship is awarded for 3 years, with the possibility of a 6-month extension in approved circumstances for doctoral programs, and 1.5 years with the possibility of a 6-month extension for master’s programs.
Stipend payments will cease upon submission of the thesis.
For continuing students, any period of study already undertaken prior to the commencement of the scholarship will reduce the duration of the award.
For full details, refer to the scholarship conditions.