Research Scholarships


Research Scholarships

Western Sydney University supports higher degree research candidates with a range of scholarship opportunities. Research scholarships are released periodically, and each type of scholarship has specific application dates, eligibility criteria and conditions.

The information below outlines the requirements for our scholarship releases. You are invited to submit an application for any scholarship where you meet the eligibility criteria.

Our scholarship releases are open at various times throughout the year, we recommend checking this page regularly.

The frequently asked questions below include important information about how to apply. We receive a very high volume of applications and scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. Incomplete applications or applications that do not meet the requirements may not be considered.

You can refer to our project scholarships page for information about other scholarship opportunities offered throughout the year.

Research Scholarships  

Western Sydney University Scholarship Release (Q1 2024 commencement)

Applications open:

1st August 2023

Assessment periods:

Applications received by:

  • Sunday 17th September, 2023

will be assessed for scholarships to commence:

  • Monday 8th January, 2024 (Quarter 1 - 2024)

Outcomes will be advised by:

  • Friday 27th October, 2023

*Applications received after 17th September (including incomplete applications) will not be considered in this release round.

Scholarship commencement:

Scholarship recipients must be able to commence their program on the date detailed above.

For existing candidates, the scholarship will commence on the relevant date detailed above and any outstanding fees will be required to be paid up to this date.

Program eligibility:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  • Professional Doctorate (DCA, DCR or EdD)
  • Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Who can apply?

Domestic and international applicants that can be onshore in Australia at the scholarship commencement date.

Scholarship inclusions:

Scholarships include a stipend of $31,500 (AUD) per annum for three (3) years.

For domestic students, tuition fees are covered by the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP).

For international students, a tuition fee waiver will be awarded.

Scholarship exclusions:

For international students, scholarships do not include an Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC)(opens in new window) insurance policy. This cost must be covered by the student and is required for the duration of study in Australia.

must be covered by the student and is required for the duration of study in Australia.

Travel costs, visa costs, relocation expenses and other expenses are not covered by the scholarship.

Frequently asked questions

All potential applicants must review the following frequently asked questions before submitting an application for a research scholarship.

Are international applicants eligible for a scholarship?

Yes, international applicants are eligible to apply for research scholarships. You should review the eligibility criteria and submit your online application according to the instructions provided above.

Scholarship releases feature strict commencement dates. You must be prepared to commence your studies by the dates indicated for the applicable release.

To commence your studies by the required date, you must:

  • be onshore in Australia and hold a valid visa which allows you to study in Australia; or
  • be onshore in Australia and be able to obtain a visa that allows you to remain in Australia to study.

Do I need to identify a supervisor for my project before I apply?

Yes. To be considered for a research scholarship, your application must include a letter of support from a suitable supervisor(opens in a new window) for your proposed research project.

For more information, visit the find a supervisor(opens in a new window) page.

Can I submit additional documentation after the closing date?

No. Research scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. To ensure equity for all applicants, late documentation or supporting information will not be accepted after the relevant closing date. This applies to online admission and scholarship applications, evidence of publications, evidence of supervisory support and all other supporting documentation.

What does a scholarship provide?

All scholarships include:

  • a tax-free stipend of $31,500(AUD) per annum for up to 3 years.
  • a funded place in a research degree for domestic students, or a tuition fee waiver for international students.

Scholarships do not include funding for Overseas Student Health Care(opens in a new window) insurance, relocation costs, the costs associated with obtaining a visa or for other expenses unless otherwise stated.

Do international students receive additional funding to bring their family to Australia?

No. Unfortunately, Western Sydney University is unable to provide additional funding to cover the costs of bringing your family to Australia, including costs associated with insurance policies, relocation expenses or additional living expenses.

Are top-up scholarships available?

No. Western Sydney University does not currently award top-up scholarships.

How are scholarships awarded?

Research scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis by a Western Sydney University appointed ranking panel.

Refer to the Guidelines for Ranking Higher Degree Research Scholarships for more information.

The application process, eligibility criteria, ranking criteria and guidelines for awarding scholarships are subject to be revised and may change for future scholarship releases.

Can I work while on a scholarship?

Yes. Scholarship holders are permitted to undertake up to 10 hours paid employment each week provided that the work does not interfere with your study program. It is expected that a minimum of 35 hours per week will be devoted to your study program throughout the year. Scholarship holders are entitled to four (4) weeks annual leave per year of the award.

Scholarship holders are not obligated to undertake tutoring or other academic employment at Western Sydney University.

Can I study from overseas and receive a scholarship?

No. You are expected to be onshore in Australia for the duration of your studies, except for periods of approved overseas study leave to undertake fieldwork or other activities related to your project.

Exceptions may be made on a conditional basis, due to factors such as travel restrictions.

Can I apply for a part-time scholarship?

Scholarships are awarded for full-time study. Part-time awards are available if you have an illness or disability which prevents you from studying full-time or you have significant caring commitments for a family member. You may not apply for a part-time award to enable you to work more than 10 hours per week. Part-time awards are taxable.

When will I be expected to commence my studies?

The Graduate Research School will contact you with further information about research commencement dates.

If you are awarded a scholarship and you are not able to commence your studies by the date indicated on your offer, the scholarship offer may be withdrawn.

Can I apply in another round if my application is unsuccessful?

If your application is unsuccessful, you will need to submit a new online application(opens in a new window) in the next suitable release.

Who can I talk to about scholarships?

If you have any other questions about the application process or have a general enquiry about scholarships, please submit your enquiry here to contact the Graduate Research School.

You may also find answers to your questions by visiting our Higher Degree Research (HDR) Knowledge Directory.