UNE Higher Degree Research Scholarship 2027 in Australia | Fully Funded — University of New England
The University of New England, based in regional Armidale, New South Wales, built its reputation on distance and flexible education, and its Higher Degree Research Scholarship extends that accessibility to international PhD candidates with a straightforward full-funding package.
About the Scholarship
The UNE Higher Degree Research Scholarship provides full tuition fee coverage and a tax-free living stipend to both domestic and international students undertaking a doctoral degree at the University of New England. The stipend is paid in fortnightly installments for up to three and a half years of full-time study, alongside health cover for eligible international recipients.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fee coverage for the standard duration of the doctoral degree
- A tax-free living stipend of approximately AUD 37,746 per year, paid fortnightly
- Funding available for up to three and a half years of full-time doctoral study
- Health insurance coverage for eligible international scholarship holders
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to both domestic and international applicants undertaking a doctoral degree at UNE
- Must have an identified or proposed academic supervisor and an approved research proposal
- Must meet UNE’s standard academic entry requirements for doctoral study in the relevant discipline
- Must meet English-language proficiency requirements for international applicants
- Must commit to full-time enrollment for the funded duration of the scholarship
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship supports research across UNE’s disciplines, including agriculture and rural science, education, humanities, business, and the sciences, since eligibility is tied to the research degree itself rather than a single faculty.
Required Documents
- Completed Higher Degree Research application
- Certified academic transcripts from prior tertiary study
- A research proposal aligned with a confirmed or proposed supervisor
- English-language proficiency test results, if required
- Academic CV, including any publications or research experience
- Two academic reference reports
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Identify a potential supervisor at UNE whose research matches your intended project
- Contact the potential supervisor to discuss your proposed research before formally applying
- Submit a complete Higher Degree Research application along with your research proposal
- Indicate your interest in the Higher Degree 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 candidature and funding together once issued
Selection Process
UNE’s research committees assess applications on academic record, research potential, and the strength and feasibility of the proposed project, along with the level of supervisor support. Scholarship recommendations are made alongside the admission decision.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Secure supervisor agreement before applying, since this is a key factor in the assessment of research scholarship applications
- Write a research proposal with a clear and realistic scope that can be completed within the funded three and a half year period
- Apply as early as possible within the relevant round, since places are limited and allocated progressively
- Students comparing other regional Australian PhD funding options often also look at the Curtin University RTP Scholarship for a similar fully funded alternative
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UNE Higher Degree Research Scholarship open to international students?
Yes, it is open to both domestic and international applicants undertaking a doctoral degree at the University of New England.
What is the current stipend rate?
The stipend is approximately AUD 37,746 per year, paid in fortnightly installments.
How long does the funding last?
Funding is available for up to three and a half years of full-time doctoral study.
Do I need a supervisor before applying?
Yes, having an identified or proposed supervisor and an approved research proposal is a key part of the application process.
Does the scholarship cover Master’s by Research degrees as well as PhD?
The scholarship is primarily aimed at doctoral degrees, though applicants interested in a research Master’s should confirm current eligibility directly with UNE.
Does the scholarship include health insurance?
Yes, eligible international scholarship holders receive health insurance coverage as part of the award.
Is there more than one application round per year?
UNE typically runs scholarship rounds aligned with its research degree intakes, so applicants who miss one round can generally apply for a later one.
Does holding another scholarship affect my eligibility?
Applicants holding an equivalent scholarship of similar value from another source should disclose this, as it may affect eligibility for simultaneous funding.
Can I study part-time on this scholarship?
The scholarship is generally structured around full-time enrollment, so students considering part-time study should confirm how this affects stipend eligibility with UNE directly.