The Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship supports Indigenous Australian students of exceptional research promise to undertake a higher degree by research at La Trobe University. It is awarded as a special top-up scholarship of $10,000 per annum in conjunction with a Research Training Program Scholarship with a stipend value of $36,000 per annum (2026 rate).
La Trobe University is an Australian public research university with campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne, Mildura and Shepparton. The scholarship honours Professor Dennis McDermott, La Trobe’s inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), a Koori psychologist, academic and poet who called to decolonise the academy and foster Indigenous knowledge and values.
Benefits of Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship 2026
- A Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend for up to three and a half (3.5) years for a doctoral degree or 22 months for a Masters by research degree, with a value of $36,000 per annum (2026 rate)
- A special top-up stipend of $10,000 per annum for three years and six months full-time study for a doctoral degree or for 22 months full-time study for a Masters by research degree
- A research support grant of up to $3,000 per annum, for three years full-time study for a doctoral degree or for 18 months full-time study for a Masters by research degree, to assist with costs such as laboratory consumables, fieldwork and attendance at conferences
- A Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset scholarship for up to four years for a doctoral degree or two years for a Masters by research
- A Research Training Program (RTP) Allowance to support relocation and production of the thesis
- Opportunities to work with La Trobe’s outstanding researchers and access to the University’s suite of professional development programs
Eligibility Criteria for the Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship 2026
- Meet the entrance requirements for the proposed course
- Be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident
- Be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin
- Be undertaking research at a La Trobe University campus (prioritised)
- For doctoral research scholarships, have completed a Masters by Research or other significant body of research, such as lead authorship of a research thesis or peer-reviewed publication, assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 75 or above
- For Masters by research scholarships, have attained the equivalent of a first-class honours degree at an Australian university or equivalent from a recognised overseas university
How to Apply for Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship 2026
- Review details on how to apply for candidature
- Develop a research proposal, or apply for a Graduate Research project where available
- Identify an appropriate supervisor via the La Trobe University website and contact them to indicate that you wish to be considered for this scholarship, or contact the pre-determined project supervisor to obtain endorsement if applying for a Graduate Research project
- When you have received in-principle agreement for supervision, complete your application, select the “Graduate Research Applicants” scholarship option, and submit your completed application for consideration
- If you are already enrolled in a graduate research degree at La Trobe, apply for scholarship only by starting a new application, select the ‘next’ button when prompted to select a course, and then select the “Graduate Research – Scholarship Only” option
- For help completing your application, see the How to Apply Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship?
The Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship is awarded to Indigenous students of exceptional research promise to undertake a higher degree by research at La Trobe University. It consists of a special top-up scholarship of $10,000 per annum awarded in conjunction with a Research Training Program Scholarship with a stipend value of $36,000 per annum (2026 rate).
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must meet the entrance requirements for the proposed course, be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident, and be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin. For doctoral research scholarships, applicants should have completed a Masters by Research or other significant body of research assessed at La Trobe’s standard of 75 or above. For Masters by research scholarships, applicants must have attained a first-class honours degree or equivalent.
What is the closing date?
The closing date is 31 December 2026. Applications must be submitted by this date. The scholarship is currently open, and applicants should review the La Trobe University scholarship page for any updates. It is recommended to prepare your research proposal and secure a supervisor before the closing date, so apply early.
What does the scholarship include?
The scholarship includes a Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend of $36,000 per annum (2026 rate) for up to three and a half years for a doctoral degree or 22 months for a Masters by research, plus a special top-up stipend of $10,000 per annum, a research support grant of up to $3,000 per annum, an RTP Fees Offset, and an RTP Allowance for relocation and thesis production.
How is the scholarship paid?
The scholarship is paid as a fortnightly stipend. The total package includes a special top-up scholarship of $10,000 per annum and a Research Training Program Scholarship stipend of $36,000 per annum (2026 rate). This regular fortnightly payment supports successful applicants throughout their degree at La Trobe University, helping cover living expenses while studying.
Where is the scholarship available?
The scholarship is available at La Trobe University’s Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne, Mildura and Shepparton campuses. Priority is given to candidates who will undertake their research at a La Trobe University campus. These locations offer access to La Trobe’s outstanding researchers and professional development programs for graduate research students.
Can I apply if I am already enrolled in a La Trobe graduate research degree?
Yes. If you are already enrolled in a graduate research degree at La Trobe, you can apply for scholarship only by starting a new application. Select the ‘next’ button when prompted to select a course, then choose the ‘Graduate Research – Scholarship Only’ option to submit your application.
How do I apply?
First review details on how to apply for candidature, develop a research proposal or apply for a Graduate Research project, and identify an appropriate supervisor. After receiving in-principle agreement for supervision, complete your application, select the ‘Graduate Research Applicants’ scholarship option, and submit. The How to Apply Guide provides further help.
What research areas are supported?
The scholarship is available for a Masters by research or doctoral research project on any topic, subject to the availability of supervision and research resources. Applicants may develop their own research proposal or apply for a Graduate Research project where available. This flexibility allows Indigenous students to pursue research aligned with their interests and career goals.
Who can I contact for further information?
You can contact the Graduate Research School at [email protected] for further information. The La Trobe University website also provides details about graduate research degrees, scholarships, supervision, and the How to Apply Guide. For additional support, visit the scholarships page or contact the school directly.
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