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

Applications are now open for the ACU Vice Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship at the Australian Catholic University (ACU), a prestigious opportunity for international students pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Ministry. This fully funded scholarship supports exceptional candidates whose research aligns with ACU’s key areas of expertise, including Education and Arts, Health Sciences, Law and Business, or Theology and Philosophy.

This merit-based scholarship is open to international students with outstanding academic records. No separate application is required, and there is no application fee. Candidates are automatically considered when applying for a PhD program at ACU. Offering a comprehensive funding package, including a stipend, tuition fees, health care, and relocation support, this scholarship is highly competitive, with only a limited number awarded annually. You can also check PhD positions here

Key Details

• Eligible Programs: Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Ministry
• Fields of Study: Education and Arts, Health Sciences, Law and Business, Theology and Philosophy
• Funding: Fully funded, cover stipend of AUD $33,511 per year, full tuition fee scholarship for up to 3.5 years, relocation allowance and health insurance
• Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
• Application Fee: No
• Nationality: No restrictions
• English Profiency: You can prove your English proficiency by providing evidence of your previous studies or qualifications, or by achieving a certain score in a relevant English language test.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants receive a comprehensive scholarship package to support their studies for up to 3.5 years, including:

• Stipend: AUD $33,511 per year (2025 value, indexed annually) to cover living expenses, paid fortnightly (full-time study).
• Tuition Fee Scholarship: Covers the full cost of tuition for up to 3.5 years.
• Overseas Student Health Care Policy: Covers the cost of a single Overseas Student Health Care Policy.
• Relocation Allowance: Up to AUD $2,000 to assist with relocation costs for international candidates moving to Australia to start their PhD at ACU.

Check Also: Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship at University of Pretoria

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the ACU Vice Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:

• Citizenship: Must be an international student (considered international for fee purposes).
• Course: Enrolled in or applying for a Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Ministry program at ACU.
• Faculties: Your research must align with one of ACU’s faculties (Education and Arts, Health Sciences, Law and Business, or Theology and Philosophy) or its strategic research priorities.
• Academic Excellence: Demonstrated exceptional academic achievement in prior studies.
• Exclusivity: You cannot receive this scholarship alongside any other ACU scholarship or award.
• Compliance: Must meet ACU’s Higher Degree Research Policy and Research Training Program Scholarship Policy requirements for enrollment and progress.

Check this: The Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships at University of West London

How to Apply

No separate scholarship application is required! You will be automatically considered for the ACU Vice Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship when you apply for a PhD program at ACU. Steps for applying:

Also check: Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarships For MS and PhD

1. Choose your course
2. Assess your eligibility
3. Consider your supervisors
   • It is not mandatory to contact accredited supervisors prior to applying. If you’re successful, the University will allocate suitably qualified supervisors to you
4. Prepare your application
5. Gather your documents
   • Completed application form
   • Certified copies of transcripts, birth certificate, or passport (with visa pages)
   • Evidence of English proficiency (if applicable)
   • 2,000-word research proposal
   • Copies of prior research (e.g., articles, thesis extracts)
   • Two confidential referee reports (sent directly to [email protected] using the referee report template)
6. Submit your application

For more details, visit here!