About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The Adelaide University Research Scholarships (AURS) and Research Training Program Scholarships (RTPS) are available across a wide range of disciplines for outstanding candidates pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil).
The scholarships are intended to support high-achieving graduate researchers throughout their research degree.
For eligible international graduate researchers receiving a major scholarship administered by Adelaide University's Graduate Research School, the university provides a 100% tuition fee waiver for the standard duration of candidature.
This may provide tuition support for up to:
4 years for a PhD
2 years for an MPhil
1.5 years for a Master of Research (MRes)
The exact duration and conditions depend on the applicable scholarship.
What the Scholarships Cover
Depending on the specific award and eligibility, successful applicants may receive:
Living stipend or allowance for the duration of the scholarship.
100% tuition fee waiver for eligible recipients.
Additional allowances for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Relocation assistance, where applicable.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) support for eligible international students, where applicable.
The combination of tuition support and a living allowance can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with postgraduate research study in Australia.
Applicants should carefully review the conditions of the specific scholarship because benefits and eligibility requirements may differ between awards.
Signature Research Theme Scholarship Round
The Signature Research Theme (SRT) Scholarship Round is one of Adelaide University's major scholarship pathways for graduate researchers commencing in 2027.
The project-based initiative is designed to attract outstanding researchers into collaborative research communities aligned with the university's strategic research priorities.
The five Signature Research Themes are:
Creative and Cultural
Defence and National Security
Food, Agriculture & Wine
Personal and Societal Health
Sustainable Green Transition
The scholarships are available for both PhD and MPhil study and may be open to domestic and international applicants. However, individual research projects may have additional eligibility requirements.
Prospective applicants can explore scholarship-funded research projects through Adelaide University's research project database and identify projects that match their academic background and research interests.
Graduate Research Talent Scheme
Adelaide University is also introducing the Graduate Research Talent Scheme for high-performing graduate researchers commencing in 2027.
The scheme is aimed at outstanding domestic applicants and international applicants who have completed a relevant qualification in Australia or New Zealand.
It recognises:
Academic excellence
Research achievements
Research experience
Future research potential
Applicants may be able to propose their own research project, select an existing project from the university's research listings, or work with a proposed supervisor to develop a new research project.
The university expects applications for the Graduate Research Talent Scheme to open in several rounds:
Round 1: Early October to early November 2026
Round 2: Mid-February to late March 2027
Round 3: Mid-July to mid-August 2027
Who Should Apply?
The scholarships are intended for high-achieving and highly motivated graduate researchers with strong academic records and research potential.
Depending on the scholarship, applicants may need to demonstrate:
Strong academic performance
Relevant research experience
Academic qualifications
Research outputs or publications
Relevant professional experience
Alignment with a particular research project or strategic research theme, where applicable
Adelaide University recommends using its structured CV template to present qualifications, academic performance, publications, research outputs, professional experience and other achievements clearly.
Because scholarships are awarded to the highest-ranked eligible applicants, candidates should ensure that their applications clearly demonstrate their academic and research strengths.
Research Areas and Opportunities
Adelaide University's research scholarships cover a broad range of disciplines, allowing applicants to explore projects that match their academic interests and career goals.
Project-based scholarships may be advertised throughout the year, while scholarships without dedicated research projects may also be promoted through the university's research scholarship pages.
Depending on the available projects, candidates may find opportunities related to areas including:
Sustainability and the environment
Health and medicine
Agriculture
Food and wine
Defence and national security
Creative and cultural research
Social and societal issues
Other research disciplines offered by the university
Applicants should review the available research projects and individual scholarship requirements before selecting an opportunity.
Important Application Information
The application process and eligibility requirements vary depending on the scholarship.
For the 2027 scholarship opportunity highlighted in this article, the application deadline is 30 September 2026.
Prospective applicants should prepare their academic documents, CV, research information and other required materials well before the deadline.
Candidates should also confirm the closing date applicable to their specific scholarship or research project before submitting an application.
How to Apply
Interested domestic and international applicants should visit Adelaide University's official research scholarship and research degree webpages to:
Review available scholarships and funded research projects.
Check the eligibility requirements.
Identify a suitable PhD or MPhil research opportunity.
Review the application requirements.
Prepare the required academic and research documents.
Submit the application according to the university's instructions before the applicable deadline.
How to apply