Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship 2026 in Australia | Fully Funded

The Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship 2026 at La Trobe University supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with outstanding research potential who wish to undertake a higher degree by research in Australia.

The scholarship is offered as a top-up award alongside a Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship and provides financial support for eligible students pursuing a Master’s by Research or doctoral degree.

In this post, we will provide you with a breakdown of the scholarship details, eligibility requirements, benefits, required documents, and the step-by-step process for applying for the Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship 2026.

Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Australia
• Host Institution: La Trobe University
• Study Level: Master’s by Research | PhD
• Eligible Applicants: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents
• Scholarship Type: Research Scholarship
• Reward: RTP Stipend | $10,000 Annual Top-Up | Up to $3,000 Annual Research Support | RTP Fees Offset | Relocation and Thesis Support
• Deadline: December 31, 2026

Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship Details:

The Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship is offered by La Trobe University to support Indigenous Australian researchers with strong academic and research potential.

The scholarship honours Professor Dennis McDermott, La Trobe University’s inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), and provides additional financial support to eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking higher degree research.

The award is provided in conjunction with a Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship. Depending on the degree, recipients may receive support for a Master’s by Research or doctoral programme, together with research funding and other allowances.

Students will also have opportunities to work with researchers at La Trobe University and participate in professional-development activities during their research programme.

Eligibility Criteria for the Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship 2026

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must:

• Be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident.
• Be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.
• Meet the admission requirements for the proposed higher degree by research programme.
• Undertake research at a La Trobe University campus, which is prioritised under the scholarship.
• Meet the academic requirements applicable to the intended research degree.
• For doctoral research, have completed a Master’s by Research or another significant body of research equivalent to the La Trobe Master’s by Research standard of 75 or above.
• For doctoral applicants, significant research experience may include lead authorship of a research thesis or a peer-reviewed publication.
• For a Master’s by Research, have achieved the equivalent of a first-class honours degree at an Australian university or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas university.
• Meet any additional candidature and scholarship requirements established by La Trobe University.

Benefits of Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship 2026

Successful applicants will receive:

• A Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend of $36,000 per year at the 2026 rate.
• A $10,000 annual top-up scholarship for eligible periods of full-time study.
• Up to 3.5 years of RTP stipend support for a doctoral degree.
• Up to 22 months of RTP stipend support for a Master’s by Research.
• A research support grant of up to $3,000 per year for eligible expenses such as laboratory consumables, fieldwork, and conference attendance.
• An RTP Fees Offset covering eligible tuition fees for up to four years for a doctoral degree or two years for a Master’s by Research.
• An RTP allowance to assist with eligible relocation and thesis-production expenses.
• Opportunities to work with La Trobe researchers.
• Access to the university’s professional-development programmes and research resources.

How to Apply for Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship 2026

Interested and qualified applicants should follow the steps below:

1. Review the eligibility requirements for the Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship and the higher degree by research programme you intend to undertake.
2. Review La Trobe University’s instructions for applying for research degree candidature.
3. Develop a suitable research proposal, or identify an available Graduate Research project that matches your research interests.
4. Identify an appropriate research supervisor through the La Trobe University website.
5. Contact the prospective supervisor and indicate that you wish to be considered for the Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship.
6. If applying for a pre-determined Graduate Research project, contact the listed project supervisor and obtain the required endorsement.
7. Once you have received in-principle agreement for supervision, begin your La Trobe University application.
8. Select the “Graduate Research Applicants” scholarship option when completing the application.
9. Upload your academic records, research documents, supervisor information, and other required supporting materials.
10. Review your application carefully and submit it for consideration.
11. If you are already enrolled in a La Trobe graduate research degree, begin a new application and select “Graduate Research – Scholarship Only” when prompted to choose a course.
12. Submit the completed application before the scholarship deadline.

Applicants should consult La Trobe University’s official application guide for detailed instructions and any additional requirements applicable to their research degree.