ANU University Research Scholarship 2027 in Australia | Fully Funded — Australian National University
The Australian National University draws international PhD candidates to Canberra with direct access to national research institutions, and the ANU University Research Scholarship is one of the main funding routes supporting that pipeline, provided a candidate’s research aligns with the university’s broader strategic priorities.
About the Scholarship
The ANU University Research Scholarship supports domestic and international postgraduate research students, including PhD candidates and other accredited Higher Degree by Research students, whose work aligns with the university’s strategic research priorities. It provides full tuition fee coverage and a stipend to cover general living expenses for the standard duration of the research degree.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fee coverage for the standard duration of the research degree
- An annual stipend of approximately AUD 39,069, paid fortnightly, based on the 2026 full-time base rate
- Relocation allowance for students moving to Canberra from overseas
- Thesis submission allowances and full Overseas Student Health Cover
- Research support funding and an allowance for books and study materials
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a prospective or recently commenced Higher Degree by Research candidate, including PhD and other accredited HDR students
- Open to both domestic and international applicants from any country
- Must have a proposed research project that aligns with ANU’s strategic research priorities
- Must meet ANU’s standard academic entry requirements for the research degree and discipline
- Must have an identified or proposed academic supervisor supporting the application
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship supports research across ANU’s priority areas, which span sciences, Asia-Pacific studies, national security, climate and environment, health, and public policy, among other fields, since funded priorities can shift between rounds.
Required Documents
- Completed Higher Degree by Research application
- Certified academic transcripts from prior tertiary study
- A research proposal matched to ANU’s current strategic research priorities
- English-language proficiency test results, if required
- Academic CV outlining research background and any publications
- Evidence of supervisor interest or support
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Review ANU’s current strategic research priorities to confirm your proposed project aligns with an active funding area
- Identify a potential supervisor at ANU whose work matches your research interests
- Submit a complete Higher Degree by Research application along with a research proposal
- Indicate interest in the University Research Scholarship within the same application
- Submit before the relevant round’s deadline and respond promptly to any requests for additional information
- Accept your offer of enrollment and funding together once issued
Selection Process
ANU’s research committees assess applications on academic merit, the strength and feasibility of the proposed project, and how closely it aligns with the university’s current strategic research priorities. Supervisor support and school-level endorsement also factor into the final funding decision.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Align your research proposal explicitly with one of ANU’s published strategic priority areas rather than a generic topic
- Secure strong supervisor interest early, since this materially strengthens an application for limited funded places
- Apply well ahead of the relevant round’s deadline to allow time for any requested revisions to your proposal
- Applicants also comparing Canberra-based coursework discounts should check the ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship if considering undergraduate or postgraduate coursework study instead
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scholarship open to international PhD students?
Yes, it supports both domestic and international Higher Degree by Research candidates, including PhD students, from any country.
What is the current stipend rate?
The stipend is approximately AUD 39,069 per year, based on the 2026 full-time base rate, paid fortnightly.
Does my research project need to match a specific priority area?
Yes, the scholarship is intended for projects that align with ANU’s current strategic research priorities, which can shift between funding rounds.
How long does the scholarship last?
It generally covers the standard duration of the research degree, aligned with typical PhD and HDR completion timeframes.
Do I need a supervisor before applying?
Having an identified or interested supervisor significantly strengthens an application, even if formal confirmation happens during assessment.
Does the scholarship cover relocation costs?
Yes, a relocation allowance is included for students moving to Canberra from overseas.
Is there more than one application round per year?
ANU typically runs more than one HDR scholarship round annually, so applicants who miss one round can often apply in a later one.
Does holding another scholarship disqualify me from this one?
Applicants holding an equivalent scholarship of similar value from another source should disclose this, as it may affect eligibility for simultaneous funding.