Australian Institute of Marine Science at JCU Scholarships for International Students 2026

 

About the positions

Australian Institute of Marine Science at JCU Scholarships for International Students 2026

This scholarship opportunity is being sponsored by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) in partnership with James Cook University (JCU) to support outstanding international research students who are passionate about marine science, biodiversity, coral reef sustainability, and environmental management.

AIMS and JCU have a long-standing collaboration focused on generating innovative scientific solutions to challenges affecting marine ecosystems, coasts, coral reefs, and river catchments. Their combined expertise, advanced research infrastructure, and strong industry connections provide graduate researchers with a unique opportunity to conduct world-class marine research and translate discoveries into real-world environmental, social, and economic outcomes.

The opportunity is therefore open to international students to pursue a Higher Degree by Research (PhD/MPhil) at James Cook University in Australia.

Scholarship Overview 

  • Scholarship type: Full tuition fee cover
  • Stipend value: Living allowance stipend of $36,500 per year in 2026
  • Other supports: Additional $7,500 per year as living allowance stipend or project expenses
  • Health insurance: Not included (Overseas Student Health Cover must be arranged by the student)
  • Study Level: PhD / MPhil by Research
  • Study Course: Marine Science and related research areas
  • Citizen type: International students (excluding JCUS based students)
  • Number of positions: Up to 4 scholarships awarded yearly
  • Duration: 3.5 years for PhD and 2 years for MPhil
  • Deadline: 31 August 2026

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants are expected to:

  • Have at least one supervisor from both AIMS and JCU supporting the application and proposed project
  • Ensure the proposed advisory panel includes expertise relevant to the intended research project
  • Ensure AIMS advisors have completed the required internal AIMS approval process
  • Apply for admission into a Higher Degree by Research program at JCU
  • Meet all scholarship and candidature eligibility requirements of James Cook University
  • Eligible Countries: All international students are eligible except JCUS-based students
  • Eligible course or study program: Marine Science and related Higher Degree by Research programs

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for this scholarship will be merit-based and consideration may include:

  • Academic excellence from previous studies
  • Research potential and proposed research quality
  • Alignment of proposed research with marine science priorities
  • Quality and relevance of previous research experience
  • Publications, technical skills, and demonstrated research abilities
  • Professional experience related to marine science or environmental studies
  • Recommendations from academic referees and supervisors
  • Strength and suitability of the proposed supervisory team

(Also apply for the Monash Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend 2026)

How to apply

To apply for the AIMS@JCU Scholarship, applicants should:

  • Identify and contact potential supervisors from both AIMS and JCU whose research aligns with your interests
  • Develop a strong research proposal in collaboration with your supervisors
  • Complete the AIMS@JCU Scholarship Application Form
  • Apply for admission into a Higher Degree by Research program at JCU
  • Submit the completed AIMS@JCU application form together with your JCU HDR application documents before the deadline

Application portal:
JCU Graduate Research Application Portal

Application Tips

  • Contact supervisors early before the deadline to improve your chances of support
  • Prepare a clear and research-focused proposal aligned with marine science priorities
  • Highlight publications, laboratory skills, field experience, or research achievements in your CV
  • Request strong recommendation letters from previous academic referees
  • Demonstrate how your research can contribute to marine sustainability and environmental solutions (aims.jcu.edu.au)

Who to contact

For scholarship enquiries and application support, applicants can contact:

Graduate Research School, James Cook University

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. 

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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?

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