Postgraduate Research Scholarships

The University of Adelaide offers approximately 300 new living allowance scholarships annually. It attracts a high level of research funding from a wide variety of external sources that provides both new scholarship opportunities and essential research infrastructure.

Scholarship values range from a minimum of $20,000 tax free, per annum (2010 full-time rate) up to around $35,000 tax free, per annum (2010 full-time rate) and many scholarships provide additional funds to support research.

Scholarship tenure is normally for up to 3 years for a PhD or 2 years for a Masters degree by research. For those undertaking a PhD there may be the possibility of a six-month extension upon application. There are no extensions to Masters scholarships under any circumstances.

Applying for a Scholarship

Each year the University of Adelaide conducts two rounds of scholarship applications, the Major Round and Mid-Year Round. The Major Round closes on 31 October and the Mid-Year Round closes early June. Over 200 scholarships are usually offered as part of the Major Round each year, with a limited number offered during the Mid-Year Round.

Applying during the Major Round is the most effective way to maximise the chances of obtaining a scholarship as students will be considered for every available scholarship for which they are eligible. Both research and coursework scholarships are applied for in this way (a separate application is required if you are applying for both a research and coursework scholarship). Applying in the Major Round is the only way to apply for an Australian Postgraduate Award or Adelaide Postgraduate Coursework Scholarship, and also for many of our more prestigious scholarships such as the FJ Sandoz Scholarship and Joyner Scholarship.

Some scholarships will also be available at various other times throughout the year and you should visit the University of Adelaide’s scholarship website to see what is available at the time you are considering applying for admission.

Full list of Scholarships and awards that are available for local students:

• Living Allowance Scholarships
• Travel Grants

The University of Adelaide offers several scholarship schemes for international students commencing postgraduate study.

Selection for scholarships is extremely competitive. Recent successful applicants for research awards have usually already completed a research Masters, or a coursework Masters with a substantial research component, outstanding academic performance at an internationally recognised university, and publications in internationally refereed journals, and relevant work and research experience.

There are also scholarship opportunities for international research students available through the Australian Government.

Applying for a Scholarship

Each year the University of Adelaide has a Major International Scholarship Round.   This is the most effective way to maximise the chances of obtaining an international research scholarship as international students will be considered for every available scholarship for which they are eligible.  Up to 35 scholarships are usually offered as part of this Round each year.

To be eligible for scholarship consideration for academic programs commencing in Semester 1 or Semester 2, 2012, students must submit the International Student Application for Postgraduate Research Studies with complete supporting documentation (including referee reports and evidence of meeting the appropriate English Language Requirements) by 31 August 2011.

There is no separate application process for the International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) or Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI). If the student ticks the relevant box in Section 8 of the International Student Application for Postgraduate Research Studies for admission to the University in 2012 this will constitute an application for a scholarship in this instance. Successful postgraduate scholarship recipients will be informed in mid-November.

In addition to the major round of scholarships a mid-year round of Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI) and Adelaide Graduate Research Scholarships (AGRS) may be available for students commencing in Semester 2, 2012. Please check the International Student Scholarship page for details and updates.

Scholarship tenure is normally for up to 3 years for a PhD or 2 years for a Masters degree by research. Scholarship holders must commence study at the University of Adelaide in Semester 1 or Semester 2, 2011. Scholarship winners will not be permitted to defer commencement until 2013.

Citizens and Permanent Residents of Australia, and citizens of New Zealand are ineligible for any of these scholarships.

Detailed information on scholarships and awards that are available to international students:

• Scholarships for international students

Scholarships from Home Governments or Universities

A number of overseas governments or universities sponsor their citizens to undertake research degrees at Australian universities.  Sometimes this is under an agreement with the University of Adelaide, with the sponsor paying the tuition fees and a student living allowance.

Examples are Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.
There are many other sponsored students at the University of Adelaide, often without a formal agreement with the University.  You are encouraged to investigate whether there are such scholarship schemes in your country.