ANU University Research Scholarships 2027-2028 (Fully Funded)
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The ANU University Research Scholarship 2027-2028 supports high-achieving domestic and international HDR (PhD and MPhil) students at the Australian National University. It offers a fortnightly stipend of AUD 39,069 a year, travel and removal allowances, a thesis allowance, and paid leave, for a period of 3.5 years.
Introduction
ANU University Research Scholarships
Doing a PhD or a Master of Philosophy by research is exciting, but it is also expensive. Tuition, rent, flights, and daily living costs add up fast, especially if you are moving to a new country to study.
That is exactly the gap the ANU University Research Scholarship (URS) 2027-2028 is designed to close.
The Australian National University, located in Canberra, is one of the world’s leading research universities and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. Each year, ANU offers the University Research Scholarship to talented Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates whose work lines up with the university’s strategic research priorities.
The scholarship is open to both domestic and international students who have achieved First Class Honours (H1) or an equivalent result in their previous studies. It covers a generous living stipend, along with allowances for travel, relocation, and thesis costs.
ANU University Research Scholarships
If you are a strong student thinking about a research degree in Australia, this scholarship deserves a serious look. It is one of ANU’s main centrally funded research awards, and it does not require a separate application form for most applicants — your university admission application does the work for you.
Here is everything you need to know to apply for the 2027-2028 intake.
Quick Overview Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | ANU University Research Scholarship (URS) |
| Host Country | Australia |
| Host University | Australian National University (ANU), Canberra |
| Degree Level | PhD, Master of Philosophy (MPhil) by research |
| Funded By | Australian National University |
| Scholarship Type | Academic, merit-based |
| Coverage | Stipend, travel/removal allowance, thesis allowance, dependant child allowance (international students), paid leave |
| Eligible Countries | All countries (domestic and international students) |
| Application Deadline | Round 1: 31 August (international), 31 October (domestic); Round 2: 15 April |
| Study Mode | Full-time, on campus |
| Duration | 3.5 years (6-month extension possible) |
| IELTS Required | Yes, English language proficiency required |
| Application Fee | No separate application fee for the scholarship itself |
About the Scholarship
The University Research Scholarship is one of ANU’s main centrally managed research awards. It was created to help ANU attract and retain outstanding HDR researchers whose projects support the university’s broader research goals.
ANU University Research Scholarships
Every year, ANU runs two central scholarship rounds. Round 1 is the larger round and is split into two separate deadlines — one for international applicants and one for domestic applicants. Round 2 is a smaller round that is open to both domestic and international students at the same time. (ANU University Research Scholarships)
The scholarship sits alongside other centrally managed awards, such as the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP), and candidates are usually considered for more than one award through a single admission application.
What makes the URS competitive is the selection process. Each ANU College convenes its own selection committee, which scores and ranks every eligible H1 (or equivalent) applicant. The committee looks at your academic record, your research potential, the support of your prospective supervisor, referee reports, and your English language ability, then compares you against everyone else who applied in the same round. Because the ranking is comparative, a strong academic record alone does not guarantee a place — you are being measured against other high-achieving applicants from around the world.
Australian National University Research Scholarships
Scholarship Benefits
The University Research Scholarship covers the essentials of studying and living in Canberra:
✔ Stipend — a fortnightly living allowance, paid at AUD 39,069 per annum at the current base rate
✔ Travel allowance — support for your trip to Canberra to begin your program
✔ Removal allowance — help with relocation costs when you move to Canberra
✔ Thesis allowance — a contribution toward the costs of preparing and submitting your thesis
✔ Dependant Child Allowance — available to international students with dependent children
✔ Paid medical leave
✔ Paid maternity leave
✔ Paid parental leave
The scholarship does not automatically include a tuition fee waiver on its own — most URS recipients are also considered for a linked fee scholarship (such as the RTP International Fee Offset or the HDR Fee Merit Scholarship) as part of the same admission and scholarship process, so check your offer letter carefully to see exactly what is included.(ANU University Research Scholarships)
Available Programs
The University Research Scholarship is open to research programs across all fields of study at ANU, including:
- PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil) by research
It is not available for coursework-only master’s degrees, undergraduate programs, or short courses — it is strictly for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates. Since the scholarship covers all fields, you can apply whether your research sits in science, engineering, health, humanities, law, business, or any other ANU College. (ANU University Research Scholarships)
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the ANU University Research Scholarship 2027-2028, you should meet the following:
- Be a domestic or international student enrolled (or applying to enrol) in an accredited HDR course at ANU
- Have achieved First Class Honours (H1), or an equivalent result, in your prior studies
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with first-class Honours, or a Master’s degree with a research component, from a recognised university (some Colleges may also consider upper second-class Honours)
- Not be an Industry PhD candidate who is already receiving a full-time salary
- Meet ANU’s English language requirements for HDR study
- Have a research proposal and prospective supervisor whose area of research aligns with ANU’s strategic priorities
Because selection is merit-based and comparative, applicants with strong publications, prior research experience, and well-matched supervision are generally more competitive. (ANU University Research Scholarships)
Required Documents
When you apply for HDR admission at ANU and indicate your interest in the URS, be ready with:
- Valid passport (international applicants)
- National ID card
- Academic transcripts from all previous degrees
- Degree certificates
- Updated CV or resume
- Two or more referee reports (referees are contacted directly once you submit your application)
- Research proposal or statement of research interests
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter
- English language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent)
- Evidence of research experience or publications, if available
- Any College-specific supporting documents requested during admission
Application Process
Applying for the URS is built into the standard ANU HDR admission process. Here is how it works:
Step 1: Identify a research area and supervisor. Look through ANU’s Colleges and Schools to find a research area that matches your interests, and reach out to a prospective supervisor before you apply. ANU strongly recommends this step, since supervisor support is part of the selection criteria.
Step 2: Prepare your documents. Gather your transcripts, CV, research proposal, English test results, and identify your referees.
Step 3: Submit your admission application. Apply for admission to your chosen HDR program through the ANU application portal. During this application, you select which scholarships you would like to be considered for, including the University Research Scholarship.
Step 4: Referees submit their reports. Once you submit your application, ANU automatically contacts your nominated referees. It is strongly recommended that you submit your application 2–3 weeks before the scholarship deadline so referees have enough time to respond.
Step 5: Selection committee review. Each ANU College ranks all eligible H1 (or equivalent) applicants for that round based on academic record, research potential, supervisor support, referee reports, and English proficiency.
Step 6: Outcome notification. Successful applicants receive an offer that includes their scholarship award alongside their admission offer.
Current ANU students who recently commenced their HDR program (typically less than one year full-time equivalent) and did not yet have a stipend scholarship can also be considered, using the separate “Request for a Current ANU Student to be Considered for a HDR Scholarship” form.
(ANU University Research Scholarships)
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Round 1 – International applications close | 31 August each year |
| Round 1 – Domestic applications close | 31 October each year |
| Round 1 – Commencement | By 31 March of the following year |
| Round 2 – Applications close (International & Domestic) | 15 April each year |
| Round 2 – Commencement | By 31 August of the same year |
| Recommended application submission | 2–3 weeks before the relevant deadline |
Always confirm exact 2027-2028 dates on the official ANU scholarships page, since intake rounds are published on a rolling annual basis.
Important Links
- Official scholarship page: ANU University Research Scholarships
- Find more ANU scholarships: ANU Find a Scholarship
- Postgraduate research applications: ANU Postgraduate Research
- Contact: Graduate Research Office — gro@anu.edu.au / +61 6125 5777
Selection Process
- Initial screening — ANU checks that you meet the minimum H1 (or equivalent) academic threshold.
- Eligibility check — Your College confirms your program, supervisor, and research alignment are valid.
- Referee and document verification — Referee reports and supporting documents are checked for completeness.
- Ranking — Each College’s selection committee scores and ranks all eligible applicants in that round.
- Final selection — Top-ranked candidates are offered the scholarship, subject to supervisor, space, and resource availability.
- Award notification — Successful applicants are notified alongside their admission offer.
How to Increase Your Chances
- Contact a prospective supervisor early and get their support in writing before you apply
- Write a clear, focused research proposal that connects to ANU’s strategic research priorities
- Highlight any publications, conference presentations, or prior research projects
- Ask referees who know your research ability well, and give them plenty of notice
- Submit your application 2–3 weeks before the deadline so referee reports arrive on time
- Meet or exceed the English language requirement comfortably, rather than just scraping through
- Apply to the College and research group where your background is the strongest fit
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting your application too close to the deadline, leaving referees no time to respond
- Contacting a supervisor for the first time after applying, instead of before
- Writing a generic research proposal that does not connect to ANU’s research strengths
- Leaving out required documents like transcripts or English test scores
- Applying to a coursework master’s program by mistake instead of an HDR (research) program
- Assuming a separate scholarship application form is needed when it usually is not
- Missing the difference between the international deadline (31 August) and the domestic deadline (31 October)
Living in Australia
Canberra, ANU’s home city, is Australia’s capital and one of its most liveable cities.
- Cost of living: Moderate to high by global standards, though generally lower than Sydney or Melbourne
- Accommodation: On-campus residential colleges, shared housing, and private rentals are all available near ANU
- Food: A mix of supermarkets, student-friendly cafés, and diverse international cuisine
- Transport: Canberra has a public bus network and light rail; many students also cycle around the compact city
- Part-time jobs: International students on a student visa can generally work limited hours during term time
- Weather: Four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm, dry summers
- Healthcare: International students are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa
- Safety: Canberra is consistently ranked among the safer cities for students in Australia
- Student life: A compact, research-focused campus with a strong postgraduate and international community (ANU University Research Scholarships)
Visa Information
- Student visa: International HDR candidates apply for an Australian Student visa (subclass 500) once they receive their offer
- Required documents: Offer letter, proof of financial capacity, OSHC, passport, and other supporting documents
- Processing time: Varies by country and season, so apply as early as possible after receiving your offer
- Visa fee: A government visa application charge applies
- Dependant visa: Family members can generally be included as dependants on the same visa application
- Working rights: Student visa holders can generally work part-time during their studies
Always confirm the latest visa rules and fees on the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website before applying.
Why Study at ANU
- ANU is a member of Australia’s Group of Eight and is internationally ranked among the world’s top research universities
- It has strong research infrastructure and links to national research institutions in Canberra, including government and science agencies
- Students gain access to expert supervision and a genuinely global research community, with students from over 100 countries
- Canberra’s compact size makes it easy to build close relationships with supervisors and fellow researchers
- Graduates from research degrees can be well positioned for academic, government, and industry research careers in Australia and abroad (ANU University Research Scholarships)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the ANU University Research Scholarship fully funded? It funds your stipend, travel, removal, and thesis allowances. Tuition is usually covered through a separate, linked fee scholarship, so check your specific offer for full details.
2. Who can apply for this scholarship? Both domestic and international students applying for a PhD or Master of Philosophy by research at ANU can apply, provided they meet the academic requirements.
3. Can European students apply? Yes, students from any country, including Europe, can apply as international candidates.
4. Can African students apply? Yes, African students are eligible to apply as international candidates.
5. Can Asian students apply? Yes, students from anywhere in Asia can apply as international candidates.
6. Can Pakistani students apply? Yes, Pakistani students are eligible to apply as international candidates.
7. Can Indian students apply? Yes, Indian students are eligible to apply as international candidates.
8. Can American students apply? Yes, students from the United States can apply as international candidates.
9. Is IELTS mandatory? ANU requires proof of English proficiency, which can be met through IELTS or accepted alternatives such as TOEFL or PTE.
10. Can I apply without IELTS? You can use an accepted alternative English test if you have one, but you must meet ANU’s English proficiency requirement in some form.
11. Is there an application fee for the scholarship? No separate fee applies specifically to the scholarship, though standard HDR admission requirements apply.
12. Can married students apply? Yes, marital status does not affect eligibility for the scholarship.
13. Can I bring my family? International students may be able to include dependants on their visa, and the scholarship includes a Dependant Child Allowance for eligible international students.
14. What academic result is required? Applicants generally need First Class Honours (H1) or an equivalent result in their prior studies.
15. Can I work while studying? International students on a student visa can generally work part-time during their studies, subject to visa conditions.
16. How many students are selected each round? The number varies by College and round, based on available funding, supervisor capacity, and the strength of that round’s applicant pool.
17. Can I apply for multiple ANU scholarships at once? Yes, your single HDR admission application allows you to be considered for the URS alongside other centrally managed scholarships like the RTP. (ANU University Research Scholarships)
18. Is age a factor in selection? Age is not listed as a formal eligibility criterion; selection is based on academic merit and research potential.
19. What happens after I’m selected? You receive a scholarship offer alongside your admission offer, and you can then proceed with visa and enrolment steps.
20. How competitive is this scholarship? It is highly competitive, since eligible H1 applicants are ranked against each other within their College for each round.
21. Can I apply with a pending degree result? You can generally apply while your final result is pending, but you will usually need to confirm it meets the H1 (or equivalent) requirement before a final offer is made.
22. What expenses are not covered? Personal living costs beyond the stipend, and in some cases tuition (unless a linked fee scholarship applies), are not automatically covered.
23. Can I defer the scholarship? Deferral is handled on a case-by-case basis with the Graduate Research Office, so contact them directly if you need to defer.
24. Can I apply if I already hold another scholarship? Industry PhD candidates already receiving a full-time salary are not eligible, and any other sponsorship arrangements should be disclosed during your application.
25. How will I know if I’ve been selected? Successful applicants are notified through their admission offer, which will detail any scholarship awarded.
26. Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application form? No, in most cases you only need to select the University Research Scholarship as an option during your HDR admission application. Current students who recently commenced use a separate form.
27. What is the duration of the scholarship? The scholarship runs for 3.5 years, with a possible 6-month extension in eligible circumstances.
28. Is the scholarship only for new students? It is mainly aimed at prospective and recently commenced candidates, though current students without a stipend scholarship can also apply using the relevant form.
29. Which ANU Colleges offer this scholarship? The scholarship covers all fields of study across ANU’s Colleges, since selection happens at the College level.
30. Where can I find the official scholarship details? Always check the official ANU University Research Scholarships page for the most current information.
Final Summary
The ANU University Research Scholarship 2027-2028 is a strong option for high-achieving HDR candidates who want to research at one of the world’s top universities. It offers a solid stipend, relocation and thesis support, and paid leave, for both domestic and international students across all fields of study. (ANU University Research Scholarships)
If you have First Class Honours or an equivalent qualification, a clear research idea, and a willingness to reach out to a supervisor early, this scholarship is worth applying for. Remember the two key deadlines — 31 August for international applicants and 31 October for domestic applicants — and submit your application a few weeks early so your referees have time to respond.
Don’t wait until the last week to start. Begin contacting supervisors and preparing your documents now. (ANU University Research Scholarships)