Swinburne Research Stipend Scholarship supports candidates of exceptional research potential undertaking doctoral studies; the scholarship provides a living stipend and associated research entitlements. The Swinburne Stipend Scholarship is available to both domestic and international students applying for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Professional Doctorate and includes tuition fee support for up to four years.
The scholarship is offered by Swinburne University of Technology and administered through the university’s research scholarships program. Applicants are considered automatically for SUPRA and RTP Stipend scholarships where applicable and are advised to liaise with nominated supervisors and follow the HDR application process outlined by Swinburne.
Swinburne Research Stipend Scholarship Benefits
- Annual stipend $35,500 (indexed) (2026 rate) for three years (with possible 6 month extension).
- Tuition fees for up to four years.
- Paid leave of absence, thesis allowance, relocation allowance.
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Swinburne Research Stipend Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Meet the entry requirements for a PhD or Professional Doctorate as set out for their proposed program at Swinburne.
- Hold a Bachelor Degree with First Class Honours (or equivalent).
- Propose a research project that aligns with a Swinburne Research Strategy and Ecosystem area.
- Would not be receiving another stipend scholarship to support their general living costs while undertaking their course of study if that stipend is greater than 75 per cent of that student’s RTP Stipend or SUPRA scholarship stipend rate.
- Are applying for entry into a PhD or Professional Doctorate
- Are currently enrolled in a Swinburne PhD or Professional Doctorate for less than two years at the closing date of the application round and have demonstrated outstanding progress in their doctoral studies.
- Have received an offer for candidature for a Swinburne PhD or Professional Doctorate and have not yet enrolled.
How to Apply for Swinburne Research Stipend Scholarship
- Swinburne Research Stipend scholarships are open for application during two scholarship rounds: Round 2 opens Monday 7 September 2026, 9.00am AEST; Round 2 closes Friday 9 October 2026, 11.59pm AEDT.
- Applicants applying for a research scholarship are automatically considered for both SUPRA and RTP Stipend scholarships.
- Applications must be submitted by the closing date of the scholarship round to be considered for a Swinburne Research Stipend scholarship.
- Applicants are encouraged to liaise with their nominated research supervisor and complete a Swinburne HDR Research Proposal template prior to submission.
- Prospective students should follow the step-by-step application process and select ‘Swinburne Research Scholarships’ in the online application.
- Attach supporting documentation: completed HDR Research Proposal template signed by nominated Principal Supervisor; certified academic transcripts and evidence of completion; proof of citizenship/ID; resume; evidence of prior research including publications; evidence of meeting English language requirements (international and permanent resident applicants).
- Current Swinburne PhD students must follow the 2026 Swinburne Research Stipend Scholarship Current Student Application Form and attach completed HDR Research Proposal, updated resume including publications, and certified academic transcripts.
- Organise a minimum of two referees to complete a Swinburne Research referee report; referees should send reports directly to HDRrefereereports@swin.edu.au by the dates noted (Round 2 – Friday 16 October 2026, 5pm AEDT).
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Friday, 9 October 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Swinburne Research Stipend Scholarships. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, application rounds, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Swinburne Research Stipend Scholarship?
The Swinburne Research Stipend Scholarship is awarded to candidates of exceptional research potential undertaking doctoral studies. It provides a living stipend to assist with general living costs and associated research entitlements, and successful applicants also receive tuition fee support for up to four years.
Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
In 2026, eligibility includes domestic and international students who meet Swinburne’s PhD or Professional Doctorate entry requirements, hold a Bachelor Degree with First Class Honours (or equivalent), propose a project aligned with Swinburne research areas, and meet other scholarship-specific conditions listed by the university.
What benefits does the scholarship provide?
Benefits listed for 2026 include an annual stipend of $35,500 (indexed) for three years with a possible six month extension, tuition fees covered for up to four years, and entitlements such as paid leave of absence, a thesis allowance, and a relocation allowance.
When is the application deadline?
For Round 2 in 2026, the scholarship round closes on Friday 9 October 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT. Applicants must submit their application by the closing date of the scholarship round to be considered.
How are applications assessed?
The competitive assessment may consider candidature and scholarship eligibility, advertised selection criteria, quality and alignment of the research proposal with Swinburne’s Research Strategy, previous academic achievement, referee reports, research and publication experience, relevant work experience, quality of the supervisory team, and whether the applicant is undertaking doctoral studies for the first time.
Do applicants need to nominate SUPRA or RTP Stipend scholarships?
No. Applicants applying for a research scholarship are automatically considered for both the Swinburne University Postgraduate Research Award (SUPRA) and the RTP Stipend; they do not have to nominate one of these scholarships.
What supporting documents are required for prospective students?
Prospective applicants must attach a completed HDR Research Proposal template signed by their nominated Principal Supervisor, certified academic transcripts and evidence of completion, proof of citizenship/ID, a resume, evidence of prior research including publications, and evidence of meeting English language requirements where applicable.
What additional requirements exist for current Swinburne PhD students?
Current Swinburne PhD students should complete the 2026 Current Student Application Form, include a completed HDR Research Proposal signed by their supervisor, an updated resume with publications, and certified academic transcripts as part of their application.
When will applicants be notified of outcomes?
Application outcomes are anticipated to be sent progressively commencing on Wednesday 2 December 2026 for Round 2. Applicants should monitor communications from the university for specific outcome details.
Who can I contact for more information?
Prospective students can email study@swin.edu.au or call 1300 794 628 option 2 (or +61 3 9214 8444 option 2). Currently enrolled students can contact the Graduate Research Office at hdrscholarships@swin.edu.au for enquiries.
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