Transform your future with a research scholarship
At Adelaide University, international graduate researchers with any major scholarship administered by the Adelaide University Graduate Research School are entitled to a fee waiver for the standard duration of candidature (i.e. up to 4 years for PhD, up to 2 years for MPhil, and up to 1.5 years for MRes).
Adelaide University Research Scholarships (AURS) and Research Training Program Scholarships (RTPS)
Available in every discipline area to support outstanding candidates pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Philosophy degree, the Adelaide University Research Scholarships (AURS) and Research Training Program Scholarships (RTPS) include:
- a stipend (living allowance) for the duration of the scholarship,
- a 100% tuition fee waiver for the duration of the award,
- additional allowances for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples,
- additional allowances for relocation and, if applicable, Overseas Student Health Cover.
Further information is available in the Conditions of Award.
Scholarship rounds
Adelaide University offers different types of scholarship rounds for Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Philosophy applicants. Please note that these scholarship opportunities and rounds are distinct. If you are interested in multiple opportunities, please submit an application each.
Signature Research Theme (SRT) Scholarship Round now open
The Signature Research Theme (SRT) Scholarship Round is a new project-based scholarship initiative designed to attract outstanding graduate researchers to Adelaide University and engage them in collaborative research communities aligned to our Signature Research Themes:
- Creative and Cultural
- Defence and National Security
- Food, Agriculture & Wine
- Personal and Societal Health
- Sustainable Green Transition
The scholarships are available for entry into Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programs and are open to domestic and international applicants (with exceptions for some projects).
Explore the available SRT scholarship-funded research projects on the Find a research project webpage.
You can learn more about the application progress below, under How to apply.
Graduate Research Talent Scheme
The Graduate Research Talent Scheme is an exciting new scholarship opportunity for outstanding domestic applicants, as well as international applicants who have completed a relevant Australian or New Zealand qualification commencing at Adelaide University in 2027. Designed to recognise academic excellence, research achievement and future research potential, the scheme will support high-performing graduate researchers across all research disciplines. You can propose your own projects, choose a project from the Find a research project webpage, or you can develop a new project together with your proposed supervisor.
Applications for the Graduate Research Talent Scheme are expected to open:
- Round 1: Early October 2026 through early November 2026
- Round 2: Mid-February 2027 through late March 2027
- Round 3: Mid-July 2027 through mid-August 2027
Out-of-round scholarships
In addition to the scholarships available during scholarship rounds, Adelaide University offers:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PhD and MPhil candidates can apply for a research scholarship at any time. Further information is available in the Conditions of Award.
- Master of Research Indigenous Scholarship (MResIS) – for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples undertaking a Master of Research (MRes). Further information is available in the Conditions of Award.
- Master of Research Assistance Scholarships (MResAS), designed to support domestic graduate research students who would be eligible to receive Austudy or Youth Allowance if they were enrolled in a non-research program. For further information, read the Conditions of Award.
- Externally-funded major awards
- Top-up scholarships
- Research internship scholarships
- Travel scholarships.
How to apply
The application process is not the same for all scholarships. Those offered available ‘out of round’ will usually have their own application process and closing dates.
