International Postgraduate Research Scholarships at Victoria University

Applications are now open for Victoria University’s International Postgraduate Research Scholarships for Research Period 1 2026. These scholarships support international students pursuing postgraduate research degrees, primarily PhDs, in various fields. They are fully funded, covering tuition fees, providing a living allowance (up to $40,006/year for 2025), and including overseas student health cover (single cover). Eligible applicants must be non-Australian/New Zealand citizens without Australian Permanent Residency, demonstrate academic excellence (above 80% VU Standard), and meet English language requirements. No separate scholarship application is required, and there is no application fee; eligibility is assessed during the course application process. The deadline is 14 September 2025 (11:59pm AEST). Check more BS, MS and PhD positions.

Key Details

• Application Deadline: 14 September 2025 (11:59pm AEST).
• Fields: Open to all research areas.
• Funding: Fully funded (tuition fees, living allowance up to $40,006/year, single health cover) or partial (20% tuition fee reduction for VU Global Research Scholarship).
• Application Fee: None
• Scholarships Offered:
  • RTP Stipend Scholarship – International: $35,006/year, full tuition, health cover.
  • Tony Kruger Scholarship: $40,006/year, full tuition, health cover (next awarded 2027).
  • Industry Supported Scholarships: Varies, full tuition, health cover (domestic prioritized).
  • Project-Based Scholarships: Varies, full tuition, health cover.
  • VU Global Research Scholarship: 20% tuition fee reduction for Masters of Research.
• How to Apply: Select a research-focus outline, contact supervisor, submit application with required documents via application portal

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Meet VU’s academic entrance requirements for a research degree.
• Demonstrate academic excellence (e.g., an average grade above 80% for RTP Stipend Scholarship – International).
• Meet VU’s English language proficiency requirements.
• Enroll as a full-time student.

Note: Priority may be given to applicants who have not already completed a PhD or held certain scholarships (e.g., IPRS, VUIPRS, or OPRS) unless transitioning from a Masters to a PhD.

• Check other RTP scholarships:
• Australian Government RTP Scholarships at University of New England
• Research Training Program International (RTPI) Scholarship at UNSW Sydney
• Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarships (RTP/DUPR)

Available Scholarships

1. Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship – International

This scholarship supports graduate researchers based on academic merit and research potential.

Benefits:

• Living Allowance: $35,006 per year (2025 rate).
• Tuition Fees: Fully covered through an RTP Fee Offset Scholarship.
• Health Cover: Overseas Student Health Cover (single cover only).

Eligibility:

• Average grade of H1 (above 80% VU Standard) in your honours or final year.
• Must be starting a research doctoral degree (PhD).
• Not eligible if you recently studied on an AIDAB/AUSAID scholarship and are applying immediately after.

Application: No separate application is needed; eligibility is assessed during your course application.

Also check: Biozentrum PhD Fellowships

2. Tony Kruger Education for Social Justice Doctoral Research Scholarship

This scholarship honors Associate Professor Tony Kruger, a leader in education at VU (1987-2020), and supports research in social justice within education.

Benefits:

• Living Allowance: $40,006 per year (2025 rate).
• Tuition Fees: Covered by the RTP Fee Offset Scholarship.
• Health Cover: Overseas Student Health Cover (single cover only).

Eligibility:

• Demonstrate academic excellence.
• Conduct research in social justice within education.

Note: This scholarship will next be awarded for Research Period 1 2027.

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

3. Industry Supported Scholarships

These scholarships are tied to specific PhD projects funded by VU’s industry partners, who contribute at least half the stipend funds.

Benefits:

• Living Allowance: Amount varies by project.
• Tuition Fees: Covered by an RTP Fee Offset Scholarship.
• Health Cover: Overseas Student Health Cover (single cover only).

Note: Domestic applicants are prioritized for these scholarships. For more details, visit Project and Industry Research Scholarships.

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

4. Project-Based Scholarships

These scholarships support PhD or Masters research on specific, externally funded projects.

Benefits:

• Living Allowance: Amount varies by project.
• Tuition Fees: Covered by an RTP Fee Offset Scholarship.
• Health Cover: Overseas Student Health Cover (single cover only).

For more details, check Project and Industry Research Scholarships.

5. VU Global Research Scholarship

For international applicants who don’t qualify for the above scholarships, VU offers a 20% tuition fee reduction for the entire duration of a Masters of Research degree.

Study in South Korea: CBNU G-Cruit Scholarship

How to Apply

1. Select a Research-Focus Outline (RFO): Choose a research topic and use its Institute, course code, FoR code, and RFO number in your application.
2. Contact the Principal Supervisor: Discuss your interest and suitability for the research topic.
3. Review the Application Guide: Refer to the Application Guide for Graduate Research Stipend Scholarships (PDF, 350.1 KB).
4. Submit Your Application: Follow the steps on the Apply for Graduate Research page and include all required documentation for admission and scholarship.