ACU Research Scholarship: 5 Fully Funded Pathways to a PhD
An ACU Research Scholarship is a package of funding — a living stipend, a tuition fee offset, and additional allowances — awarded by Australian Catholic University to domestic and international students undertaking a Research Doctorate (PhD) or Research Masters degree. The scholarships are administered through ACU’s Graduate Research School and are funded either directly by ACU or through the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP). Applications are assessed on a rolling, merit-based basis, and current stipend packages are worth well over AUD $30,000 per year, plus a full tuition fee offset for eligible candidates.
The ACU Research Scholarship program is not a single award — it is an umbrella term covering several distinct funding streams, each with its own eligibility rules and benefits. Whether you are a domestic student, an overseas applicant, an Indigenous researcher, or someone hoping to pair your PhD with industry experience, there is very likely an ACU Research Scholarship category built for you. Because ACU reviews and re-indexes its scholarship values annually, this page is kept current so you always see the latest structure rather than outdated figures from a single intake year. Below, we break down every ACU Research Scholarship type, who qualifies, how much it pays, and the exact application steps recognised by the Graduate Research School.
What Is the ACU Research Scholarship?
The ACU Research Scholarship exists to remove the financial barrier between talented researchers and a completed higher degree by research (HDR). Australian Catholic University offers these awards to students enrolled in, or applying for, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or a Master of Philosophy (MPhil), across all six ACU campuses and its areas of research strength, including theology, health sciences, education, psychology, business, and the arts.
Two funding sources sit behind the ACU Research Scholarship umbrella:
- University-funded scholarships — paid directly by ACU (for example, the ACU Stipend Scholarship and ACU Indigenous Research Stipend Scholarship).
- Government-funded scholarships — paid through the Australian Government’s Research Training Program, administered locally by ACU’s Graduate Research School (for example, the RTP Stipend and RTP Fees Offset).
Both funding sources are managed the same way once you’re enrolled, so from a student’s perspective, they function as one connected ACU Research Scholarship ecosystem rather than separate systems.
Types of ACU Research Scholarships
Each year, ACU currently keeps five main scholarship categories open to eligible Research Doctorate and Research Master’s candidates:
1. ACU Stipend Scholarship
Funded directly by the university, this is the flagship ACU Research Scholarship for both domestic and international candidates whose proposed research aligns with ACU’s broad research strengths. It bundles a living stipend with a full tuition fee offset.
2. RTP Stipend Scholarship
Funded by the Australian Government under the Research Training Program, this scholarship is open to domestic and eligible overseas candidates and is awarded through a competitive, merit-based selection process each year.
3. RTP Fees Offset Scholarship
This scholarship offsets the tuition fees that would otherwise be payable by a Research Doctorate or Research Masters student, and can be combined with a stipend award.
4. ACU Industry PhD Scholarship
Designed for candidates whose research includes structured engagement with an industry partner, this ACU Research Scholarship pathway combines a tuition fee offset with a requirement of at least 60 full-time equivalent days working alongside the partner organisation.
5. ACU Indigenous Research (HDR) Stipend Scholarship
Reserved for Indigenous domestic students enrolled in an accredited research higher degree, this scholarship mirrors the standard stipend and fees-offset structure while supporting First Nations representation in research.
ACU Research Scholarship Comparison Table
| Scholarship Type | Who It’s For | Covers | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACU Stipend Scholarship | Domestic & international HDR candidates | Stipend + tuition fee offset + relocation allowance (international) | Up to 3–3.5 years (PhD), 2 years (Masters) |
| RTP Stipend Scholarship | Domestic & eligible overseas candidates | Government-funded living stipend | Up to 3–4 years (PhD), 2 years (Masters) |
| RTP Fees Offset Scholarship | Domestic & international candidates | Full or partial tuition fee offset | Duration of enrolled degree |
| ACU Industry PhD Scholarship | Candidates with an industry research partner | Tuition offset + industry engagement support | Up to 3.5 years |
| ACU Indigenous Research (HDR) Stipend Scholarship | Indigenous domestic HDR students | Stipend + fees offset | Duration of enrolled degree |
Note: Exact dollar figures are indexed annually by the Australian Government and reviewed by ACU each year, so always confirm the current rate on ACU’s official Graduate Research School scholarships page before applying.
Who Is Eligible for an ACU Research Scholarship?
While each scholarship stream has its own fine print, the eligibility criteria for the ACU Research Scholarship family generally follow this pattern:
- You must be admitted to, or in the process of applying for, an accredited PhD or Research Masters degree at ACU.
- Your proposed research must align with one of ACU’s recognised research strength areas.
- You must meet ACU’s academic entry requirements for the relevant HDR program, which typically includes a strong Honours degree, a research-based Master’s, or equivalent research experience.
- You must not already be receiving another award that provides more than 75% of the equivalent stipend rate for the same living-cost purpose.
- For international applicants, you must meet ACU’s English language and visa requirements, and be prepared to enrol as an overseas student.
- Indigenous applicants seeking the dedicated stream must be a domestic Indigenous student.
- Industry PhD applicants must have (or be actively securing) a confirmed industry partner willing to commit to structured engagement days.
Selection is merit-based. The Graduate Research School weighs prior academic performance, the strength and feasibility of your research proposal, publication record where applicable, and referee reports.
Scholarship Value and Benefits
Every ACU Research Scholarship package is built around the same core components, though the combination varies by scholarship type:
- Living stipend — a tax-free annual living allowance, indexed and adjusted each year in line with the Australian Government’s RTP base rate.
- Tuition fee offset — covers part or all of the course fees for the duration of the scholarship, particularly valuable for international candidates who would otherwise pay full overseas tuition.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — a single policy provided for eligible international scholarship holders.
- Relocation allowance — a one-off payment to help international candidates cover the cost of relocating to Australia to begin their degree.
- Top-up funding — ACU reserves the right to add non-indexed top-ups to the base RTP stipend rate from other funding sources, which can increase the total annual value beyond the government base rate.
Because these figures are indexed annually, this page intentionally avoids quoting a single “locked-in” dollar amount that would go stale. Instead, always cross-check the live figure on ACU’s official scholarships page at the time you apply, since the value is confirmed by the Department of Education by 1 October each year for the following year.
How to Apply for an ACU Research Scholarship, Step by Step
- Confirm your research fit. Review ACU’s research strength areas and identify a potential supervisor whose expertise matches your proposed topic.
- Check your eligibility against the specific scholarship stream (university-funded, RTP-funded, Indigenous, or Industry PhD).
- Apply for admission to the relevant PhD or Research Masters program at ACU, since scholarship applications are processed alongside or after your admission application.
- Download the scholarship application form from ACU’s Student Portal (current students) or request it through the Graduate Research School (prospective students).
- Prepare supporting documents, including academic transcripts, a research proposal, referee details, and — for Industry PhD applicants — confirmation of industry partner engagement.
- Submit your application to the Graduate Research School via the official contact channel listed on ACU’s scholarships page.
- Await the outcome. Because ACU Research Scholarship rounds are assessed on a rolling, merit-based basis rather than a single fixed date each year, processing times can vary, so apply as early as possible once your research proposal and referee reports are ready.
- Accept your offer in writing within the timeframe specified in your offer letter to formally secure the scholarship.
Application Timeline
Unlike scholarships with one hard deadline, the ACU Research Scholarship program is best understood as a continuously rolling opportunity:
- Applications are currently open for most streams year-round, subject to available funding.
- The Australian Government RTP stipend base rate is re-confirmed annually, typically announced by the Department of Education before 1 October for the following year.
- ACU reviews its own scholarship offerings and top-up amounts on the same annual cycle.
- Because the process is rolling rather than fixed, the best strategy is to secure a supervisor and finalise your research proposal early, then apply as soon as your documentation is ready, rather than waiting for a single “deadline month.”
Always verify the latest status directly on ACU’s Graduate Research School scholarships page, since specific intake windows can shift from one funding cycle to the next.
ACU vs Other Australian University Research Scholarships
If you’re weighing an ACU Research Scholarship against research funding at other Australian universities, here’s a general comparison based on structure (figures at all universities are indexed annually, so treat this as a structural comparison, not a fixed-dollar one):
| University | Scholarship Structure | International Students Eligible | Industry-Linked Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Catholic University (ACU) | ACU Stipend, RTP Stipend/Fees Offset, Indigenous Stipend, Industry PhD | Yes | Yes |
| University of Melbourne | Melbourne Research Scholarship (stipend + fees) | Yes | Limited |
| University of Sydney | Sydney International/RTP Stipend Scholarships | Yes | Limited |
| University of Queensland | UQ Graduate Research School Scholarships (incl. RTP) | Yes (onshore) | Yes |
For a deeper look at a comparable program, see our related guide on Graduate Research Scholarships at University of Melbourne.
Tips to Strengthen Your ACU Research Scholarship Application
- Contact a potential supervisor early. A confirmed supervisor who supports your project materially improves your competitiveness for any ACU Research Scholarship round.
- Write a focused, feasible research proposal. Assessors favour proposals with a clear question, method, and realistic timeline over broad, unfocused ideas.
- Get strong referee reports. Choose referees who can speak specifically to your research capability, not just general academic performance.
- Apply for admission and scholarship together where possible. This avoids delays between being accepted into a program and being considered for funding.
- Double-check the 75% income rule. If you already receive another award, confirm it does not exceed 75% of the standard stipend rate, or you may be ineligible.
- Explore every level of study. If a Research Doctorate feels premature, consider building your research profile first — browse undergraduate or master’s degree scholarship options to plan your funding pathway from the ground up.
People Also Ask
Is the ACU Research Scholarship fully funded? Yes, for most successful candidates. A typical ACU Research Scholarship package combines a living stipend with a full or partial tuition fee offset, which together function as full funding for the duration of the degree.
How much is the ACU PhD scholarship worth? The value is indexed annually by the Australian Government and reviewed by ACU each year, so the exact figure changes over time. Check ACU’s official scholarships page for the current stipend rate and fee offset value before you apply.
Can international students apply for an ACU Research Scholarship? Yes. Several streams, including the ACU Stipend Scholarship, RTP Stipend Scholarship, RTP Fees Offset Scholarship, and Industry PhD Scholarship, are open to eligible overseas applicants, alongside a health cover policy and relocation allowance.
How competitive is the ACU Research Scholarship? It is merit-based and competitive, with selection weighted toward academic performance, the feasibility of your research proposal, publication history where relevant, and referee reports.
Is there a fixed deadline for the ACU Research Scholarship? No single universal deadline applies across every stream. Most rounds are assessed on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply as early as their documentation allows rather than waiting for a specific date.
Does ACU offer scholarships for Master’s research students, not just PhD candidates? Yes. Most ACU Research Scholarship streams cover both Research Doctorate and Research Masters (MPhil) candidates, though stipend duration is generally shorter for Master’s-level research.
Related Scholarships You Should Check Next
- Graduate Research Scholarships at University of Melbourne (Fully Funded) — compare another major Australian research funding structure.
- University of Sydney International Stipend Scholarship — see how a Group of Eight university structures its stipend award.
- Browse more Australia scholarship opportunities by country.
- Explore funding by study level: Undergraduate, Master’s Degree, and PhD scholarships.
Official and External Resources
- Australian Catholic University — Graduate Research School Scholarships — the official, authoritative source for current ACU Research Scholarship listings and figures.
- Australian Government Department of Education — Research Training Program — background on how RTP funding underpins the ACU Research Scholarship program nationally.
- QS World University Rankings — for independent context on how ACU compares globally as a research institution.
Final Word
An ACU Research Scholarship is one of the more accessible, structurally generous research funding pathways available in Australia, covering both domestic and international candidates across PhD and Research Master’s study. Because the underlying figures are indexed annually and the application process runs on a rolling basis, the smartest approach is to lock in a supervisor and finish your research proposal early, then apply for the ACU Research Scholarship stream that matches your situation as soon as you’re ready — rather than waiting for a single deadline that may not exist. Always confirm the latest stipend value and open status directly with ACU’s Graduate Research School before submitting your application.
