Funding and Opportunities
In addition to Candidature Support Funds, SABEL offers a range of targeted initiatives to support your research and enhance your HDR experience.
These opportunities are designed to complement your core research activities and provide support at key stages of candidature.
All SABEL HDR candidates are eligible for Candidature Support Funds (up to $2,000 for MRes, $4,000 for MPhil, and $6,000 for doctoral degrees). These funds can be used to support activities such as conference participation, fieldwork, research materials, transcription, software, and other project-related costs.
CSF is administered at the School level and must be applied for and approved in advance. Candidates are encouraged to plan their use of CSF early in their candidature and align it with key stages of their research.
Full details on eligibility, allowable expenses, and how to apply, are available on SABEL’s Candidature Support Funds
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SABEL offers Doctoral Completion Grants to support PhD candidates in the final stages of their candidature.
These grants are explicitly designed to support focused writing and revision and assist candidates in reaching timely submission of high-quality research.
Grants are awarded on a competitive basis and are intended for candidates who are approaching submission and have a clear, achievable plan for completing their thesis within a defined timeframe.
Detailed information on eligibility, application processes, and timelines is available on SABEL’s Doctoral Completion Grants page.
The SABEL Doctoral Internship Program (SDIP) provides competitive funding to support doctoral candidates undertaking research internships with external organisations. Internships provide an opportunity to apply your research expertise in professional settings, develop transferable skills, build industry and community networks, and explore career pathways beyond the University.
Eligible internships must involve genuine research or research and development activities with an approved research end-user and meet the program requirements. Successful applicants receive a $10,000 Doctoral Internship Grant to support participation in the internship.
Information on eligibility, internship requirements, application procedures, and funding is available on the Doctoral Internship Program page.
Thesis writing bootcamps are short, intensive programs aimed at helping candidates build momentum in their writing and progress toward completion.
Boot camps typically include:
- Structured writing sessions
- Goal-setting and progress tracking
- Guidance on writing strategies and productivity
They are particularly valuable in the later stages of candidature, but can also support earlier writing development.
The inaugural SABEL Thesis Bootcamp will be held from 18–20 August 2026 at the Parramatta City Campus (1PSQ). Participants will work alongside fellow HDR candidates and receive guidance from Professor Inger Mewburn and Dr Jason Downs, while taking part in structured writing sessions, planning activities, and discussions designed to build momentum and overcome common barriers to thesis writing.
Future boot camps and writing support initiatives will be advertised through Faculty and School communications. Candidates are encouraged to discuss participation with their supervisor(s) and keep an eye on communications from their School's Director, HDR and Honours, and the SABEL HDR team for updates.
Writing retreats provide dedicated time and space for focused research and writing.
These retreats provide a structured and distraction-free environment and are designed to support sustained writing progress and encourage peer support and accountability.
Opportunities to participate in writing retreats are offered at various points throughout the year, with details circulated via email by your School’s Director, HDR and Honours, or the SABEL HDR team, so keep an eye on your inbox for updates.
In addition to Faculty-wide initiatives, Schools offer a range of HDR opportunities tailored to their disciplines.
These may include:
- Workshops and seminars
- Reading groups or research forums
- Internal presentation opportunities
- Discipline-specific training and development
You should regularly check your School’s webpages and communications from your School Director, HDR and Honours, for updates on available opportunities.
Not all opportunities will be relevant at every stage of your candidature. We encourage you to engage with those that best support your research, development, and progress.
If you are unsure which opportunities are most appropriate for you, speak with your supervisor(s) or your School’s Director, HDR and Honours.