University of Newcastle Graduate Research Scholarships 2025-2026

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University of Newcastle Graduate Research Scholarships 2025-2026

The University of Newcastle, Australia, offers a range of prestigious Graduate Research Scholarships to support exceptional domestic and international students undertaking Higher Degrees by Research (HDR)  Masters or PhD programs.

These scholarships aim to provide financial support to outstanding students to focus on their research, contribute to priority research areas, and build impactful academic and industry careers. Multiple scholarship schemes are available, including the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarships, Strategic Engagement Scheme, and Indigenous Priority Scheme.

Whether you’re pursuing academic excellence, industry-engaged research, or Indigenous research leadership, the University of Newcastle provides a supportive environment and funding to help you succeed.

 Scholarships Overview

  • Scholarship type: Full tuition fee coverage (up to 4 years for PhD and 2 years for Masters)

  • Stipend value:

    • Academic Pathway & Strategic Engagement Schemes: Living allowance equivalent to the Australian Government RTP base rate (indexed annually)

    • Indigenous Priority Scheme: Living allowance of $52,352 per annum for up to 4 years

  • Other supports:

    • Relocation allowance: Up to $1,500 for eligible candidates relocating for their studies

    • Industry Engagement: Scholarship recipients under the Strategic Engagement Scheme will participate in an internship as part of their Doctoral Degree program

  • Study level: Masters by Research / PhD

  • Study course: Open to all HDR programs, with emphasis on priority research areas for some schemes

  • Citizen type: Primarily domestic students (some opportunities and external scholarships available for international candidates)

  • Number of positions: Limited and competitive; awarded based on academic merit and research potential

  • Duration: Up to 2 years for Masters and up to 4 years for PhD programs

  • Deadlines:

    • Academic Pathway Scheme: 30 November 2025 (outcomes by 16 January 2026; must commence by 2 March 2026)

    • Strategic Engagement Scheme: Rolling monthly deadlines

    • Indigenous Priority Scheme: Monthly assessment, subject to funding availability

Eligibility Criteria 

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants are expected to:

  • Have applied for and met the entry requirements for a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at the University of Newcastle

  • Be enrolled (or intending to enrol) as a domestic candidate (Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible visa holders)

  • Demonstrate research capacity and academic excellence, as assessed through previous qualifications, publications, and references

  • For Strategic Engagement Scheme: Undertake research in one of the University’s priority research areas and agree to participate in an internship component within the first 18 months of candidature

  • For Indigenous Priority Scheme: Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and meet the eligibility outlined in the Indigenous Priority Scheme Scholarship Guidelines

Eligible Countries: Domestic (Australia). Some externally funded scholarships and partnership schemes are available for international students (e.g., China Scholarship Council).
Eligible Programs: Any Higher Degree by Research program offered by the University of Newcastle.

Selection Criteria 

Selection for these scholarships is merit-based and competitive. Criteria include:

  • Academic achievements in previous degree programs (e.g., GPA, ranking, honours)

  • Demonstrated research potential in the chosen field of study

  • Relevance of the proposed research project to the University’s research priorities

  • Professional experience relevant to the research area

  • Quality of references and research publications

  • Commitment to academic or industry pathways, depending on the scholarship scheme

How to Apply

  1. Choose your HDR Program: Review the research programs and priority areas offered by the University of Newcastle.

  2. Prepare your documents: Include transcripts, CV, research proposal, referee reports, and any required scheme-specific forms.

  3. Submit Application:

    • Academic Pathway Scheme: Complete and submit the Academic Pathway Scheme Application Form alongside your online HDR program application by 30 November 2025.

    • Strategic Engagement Scheme: Submit the Strategic Engagement Scheme Application Form and HDR application by the end of any month (monthly rounds).

    • Indigenous Priority Scheme: Email your application and supporting documents to graduate-research@newcastle.edu.au following the Indigenous Priority Scheme Guidelines.

  4. Wait for Outcome: Successful applicants will be notified according to the scholarship round timelines.

Who to Contact

Graduate Research
University of Newcastle, Australia

How to Apply

To apply, candidates should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Lift-project@uow.edu.au. The EOI should contain:

  • A description (maximum two pages) of the candidate’s research
  • Details of any industry partner (if applicable) or ideas for collaboration
  • A statement of how this scholarship would support the candidate’s academic and professional goals

UOW is prepared to assist candidates without a specific partner by matching them with a suitable industry collaborator.

who to Contact

For more information, contact the scholarship team at Lift-project@uow.edu.au 

Visit the University Website to apply and for further details on this scholarship.

(Also apply for the UnisQ Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship 2025)

Browse more fully funded Masters and PhD scholarships in Australia. 

Have a question or Need Advice?  talk to use  us here on Instagram💝for free

Pro-tips for research scholarship applications

The following are some helpful links to browse through. They include tips and guides on how to successfully apply for research Masters and PhD scholarships and admissions to study in Australia. 
These are just some essential elements that any international student thinking to study abroad must be aware of especially when applying for research degree programs abroad. 

Looking for more scholarship opportunities?

Discover other related scholarships below: 

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