Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship at Australian Catholic University (ACU). This is a fully-funded scholarship opportunity for international PhD and Doctor of Ministry candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic potential and research excellence.

This scholarship covers all your major study expenses, including a monthly living allowance and complete tuition fee coverage, making it an excellent opportunity for talented researchers worldwide who want to pursue advanced research degrees in Australia. There is no application fee required to apply.You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here

Key Details:

• Degree Level: PhD
• Host Country: Australia
• Host Institution: Australian Catholic University (ACU)
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
• Application Fee: None
• Application Deadline: 1 October 2026, 11.59PM AEST
• Open to All Nationalities: Yes

What Will You Receive:

If you’re selected, you’ll get comprehensive financial support throughout your PhD journey:

• Monthly living allowance of AUD $34,315 per year to cover your living expenses (paid fortnightly for up to 3.5 years)
• Full coverage of your tuition fees worth approximately AUD $34,728 per year (for up to 3.5 years)
• Health insurance coverage for international students
• A one-time relocation support of up to AUD $2,000 to help you move from your home country to Australia

Also Check: Biozentrum PhD Fellowships Program in Switzerland

Who Can Apply?

• You must be an international student (not an Australian citizen or permanent resident)
• You must be enrolling in a PhD or Doctor of Ministry program at an ACU campus in Australia (campus-based study only, no online programs)
• You cannot hold any other ACU scholarship or financial award while receiving this one
• You must meet ACU’s academic standards and progress requirements for research students

Make sure to review ACU’s official policies for complete details on all eligibility conditions.

Selection Criteria:

This is a highly competitive scholarship awarded to a limited number of outstanding international applicants annually.

• Demonstrate excellent academic achievement in your previous studies
• Propose research that aligns with ACU’s research priorities and strengths
• Rank among the top-performing applicants in the selection process

Also Check: SSP 3-Year Doctoral Program at Kochi University of Technology (KUT)

Documents You’ll Need to Provide:

Your Academic Background

Show your education and research accomplishments with:

• Your CV highlighting your education, work experience, research background, published work, achievements, and any previous awards
• Examples of your research (published papers, thesis chapters, or research reports)
• Your previous thesis if you’ve completed a degree before
• Official transcripts from all universities you’ve attended

Your Identity Proof

Submit one of the following official documents:

• Your birth certificate
• Citizenship certificate
• Passport (including visa pages if applicable)

Your Current Enrolment Status

If you’re already doing a PhD elsewhere, you’ll need an official document from that university showing:

• What program you’re in
• When you started
• How much of your program you’ve already completed
• Whether you’re still actively enrolled
• When you were formally approved as a candidate
• Information about any scholarships or fees you’re already receiving

Also Check: PhD, Research & Postdoc positions at ELLIS Institute and Tampere University

Steps to Apply:

The application process is straightforward and involves six main stages:

• Step 1: Prepare
  • Think through your research idea, collect all necessary documents, and identify your academic references
• Step 2: Apply
  • Fill out your application form and upload all supporting documents
• Step 3: Referees Report
  • Your referees send in their recommendations to support your application
• Step 4: Review
  • The university carefully reviews everything you’ve submitted
• Step 5: Decision
  • You receive notification of whether you’ve been successful

Also Check: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027 – 2028