Applications are open for the 2026 Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship (VCPS) at RMIT University, a wonderful opportunity for outstanding candidates pursuing a research doctoral degree in any field offered by RMIT. This fully funded scholarship supports both domestic and international PhD candidates, providing a generous stipend, tuition fee coverage, and additional benefits.
The application process begins with an Expression of Interest (EOI) due by 30 September 2025 for domestic applicants and 30 August 2025 for international applicants, with full applications due by 30 October 2025 and 30 September 2025, respectively. Eligible candidates include those with a Master by Research, first-class Honours, or equivalent qualifications, demonstrating academic excellence and research potential. There is no application fee, but applicants must provide evidence of contact with a proposed supervisor. You can also check PhD positions here
Key Details
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded, including stipend, tuition fees, and additional allowances.
- Fields of Study: Any PhD program offered by RMIT University.
- Funding: Provide stipend ($47,821 per year), research allowance, relocation allowance and health cover
- Duration: 3.5 years (full-time), reducible based on prior study.
- EOI Deadlines: 30 September 2025 (domestic), 30 August 2025 (international).
- Full Application Deadlines: 30 October 2025 (domestic), 30 September 2025 (international).
- Application Fee: None.
Interested in More PhD Positions? Follow links below
Scholarship Benefits
The following benefits are based on the 2025 scholarship round (2026 details to be confirmed):
- Stipend: $47,821 per year (pro rata for full-time study), including an RMIT top-up of ~$12,000 above the RTP rate.
- Research Support Allowance: $5,000 per year for research activities.
- Tuition Fees:
- International Candidates: Awarded an RMIT Research International Tuition Fee Scholarship (RRITFS).
- Domestic Candidates: Provided with an RTP Fee Offset scholarship, covering tuition fees for the maximum candidature duration.
- Relocation Allowance: Up to $1,540 ($515 per adult, $255 per child).
- Health Cover (International Candidates): Cost of an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy for visa duration.
- Paid Leave: Sick, maternity, and parenting leave as per scholarship terms.
Duration: 3.5 years (full-time), reduced by any prior study toward an equivalent research degree.
Apply for this: OIST Fully Funded PhD Program 2025/2026
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the VCPS, you must:
- Be an Australian/New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, or an international candidate starting a full-time PhD at RMIT from 1 January 2026.
- Hold or be completing one of the following:
- Master by Research.
- Master by Coursework with a significant research component (graded high distinction or equivalent).
- Honours degree with first-class honours.
- 4-year bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 4.0 (or 80%+ equivalent).
- Alternatively, demonstrate significant research experience or publications if you lack the above qualifications.
- Provide evidence of contact with a proposed senior supervisor (e.g., email confirmation) and include their name in your application.
Check this: The Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships at University of West London
Ineligibility:
- Already commenced a PhD at RMIT.
- Hold a research doctorate or equivalent qualification.
- Receiving another scholarship/salary exceeding 75% of the RTP base rate.
- International applicants who haven’t met English language requirements by the deadline.
Fields
- Architecture
- Art
- Aviation
- Biomedical Sciences
- Building
- Business
- Communication
- Design
- Education
- Engineering
- Environment
- Fashion
- Health
- Information Technology
- Law
- Media
- Property
- Psychology
- Science
- Social and Community
- Check out fully funded conferences here.
- Check out exchange programs here.
How to Apply
Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Choose your program
- Step 2: Check your eligibility
- Step 3: Identify your research project
- Step 4: Explore costs and scholarships
- Step 5: Prepare your application
- Step 6: Apply
Also check: CERN Technical Studentship Opportunities in Many Fields
Required Documents
Upload the following with your EOI (scanned and, where required, certified):
- Identification: Certified passport or national ID with legal name.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include education, work history, and publications.
- Academic Transcripts: For all completed qualifications, with grading scale and English translations if needed.
- Research Proposal/Project Statement: Specify proposed title, research area, and supervision team.
- English Language Proficiency Evidence: Required unless exempt (see RMIT English Requirements).
- SSVF Statement of Purpose (SOP): Required for applicants from certain countries; use RMIT’s SOP template.
- Letter of Financial Guarantee: For sponsored international students only.
Note: Certified copies are required for transcripts, ID, reference letters, and proof of citizenship/residency.
