Answer first: The University of Queensland’s Graduate Research School Scholarship round is currently open to international PhD and MPhil applicants seeking to commence in Research Quarter 4 of 2027 or early 2028. The package covers tuition fees, a tax-free living stipend of A$39,220 per year at the 2026 rate—indexed annually—and single Overseas Student Health Cover. The final complete application deadline is Monday, 19 October 2026. UQ does not publish a cutoff time or time zone on the scholarship page, so applicants should submit well before that date in Brisbane.
What does the UQ research scholarship cover?
- Tuition-fee scholarship for the approved higher degree by research.
- A$39,220 annual living stipend, tax free at the published 2026 rate and indexed annually.
- Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international recipients studying in Australia on a student visa.
- Standard duration of 3.5 years full-time equivalent for a PhD or 2 years full-time equivalent for an MPhil.
The advertised A$39,220 is the 2026 rate, not a fixed 2027 amount. Because UQ says the stipend is indexed annually, the actual rate applying in 2027 may change. The scholarship page does not promise family OSHC, airfare, visa costs or relocation expenses; applicants should budget for those separately unless another award covers them.
Who is eligible?
- Domestic or international applicants seeking admission to a UQ postgraduate higher degree by research.
- Applicants who satisfy the academic and English-language entry requirements for the PhD, MPhil or relevant professional doctorate.
- Candidates whose proposed research can be supported by an appropriate UQ academic organisational unit, facilities and supervisor.
- Applicants prepared to enrol and undertake their research at UQ; candidates intending to remain remotely based outside Australia are not eligible for this scholarship.
- Applicants who submit through UQ’s online process and satisfy the applicable RTP or UQ Research Training requirements.
For this international round, UQ states that applicants should plan for commencement in Research Quarter 4 of 2027 or early 2028. A scholarship offer is competitive and separate from merely meeting admission requirements.
Deadline and 2027 timeline
| Stage | Official date |
|---|---|
| International scholarship consideration opened | 20 August 2026 |
| Complete final application due | 19 October 2026 |
| School or institute shortlisting begins | 27 October 2026 |
| Shortlisting outcomes advised | 18 November 2026 |
| Central assessment period | 18 November 2026–19 February 2027 |
| Scholarship outcomes begin | 22 February 2027 |
| Acceptance deadline | 31 March 2027 |
Deadline caution: the October 19 date is for the complete final application, not merely an initial expression of interest. A nominated supervisor first reviews the EOI, and UQ says applicants normally receive a response within two weeks. Candidates starting close to the deadline should not assume that an EOI submitted now can complete the entire sequence in time.
Required documents
For the initial expression of interest, prepare:
- A current academic CV or résumé, no more than six months old.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates for all post-secondary qualifications.
- Evidence of English-language proficiency where required.
- The name of a proposed UQ supervisor.
- Details of the scholarship and proposed research degree.
- Contact details for at least two referees; UQ contacts them directly, so do not upload pre-written recommendation letters.
- A research proposal if required by the school, institute, supervisor or programme.
If the supervisor supports the EOI, the final application also requires the passport identity page and any situation-specific evidence, such as proof of citizenship, name-change documents or records of previous incomplete research study. Documents must be PDF files, follow UQ’s filename convention and include certified English translations when the originals are in another language.
How to apply
- Check the official UQ Graduate Research School Scholarship page and confirm that the international round matches your intended commencement.
- Confirm that you meet the entry requirements for the UQ PhD, MPhil or professional doctorate.
- Identify a suitable research project or proposed supervisor whose expertise genuinely matches your topic.
- Prepare the academic CV, transcripts, degree certificates, English evidence and two referee contacts.
- Submit the UQ expression of interest, naming the proposed supervisor and selecting scholarship consideration.
- Respond quickly if the supervisor requests an informal discussion or revisions to the project.
- If invited, submit the complete final application with every required document by October 19, 2026.
- Retain submission confirmations and monitor email for shortlisting updates.
Apply Now — UQ Research Scholarship
How selection works
UQ describes the process as merit based and competitive. The enrolling school or institute first decides whether it has the academic expertise, facilities, funding and resources to support the proposed research. It may also consider strategic alignment and diversity and inclusion priorities. Recommended applicants are then scored and ranked under UQ’s HDR scholarship selection criteria before the Graduate Research School committee awards stipends and international tuition offsets.
International competition is especially tight: UQ’s current guideline caps each academic organisational unit at eight international nominees per scholarship round. That makes supervisor fit, research readiness and evidence of academic strength more important than a generic statement of interest.
Practical applicant guidance
A strong EOI should make the supervisor’s decision easy. In the first page of your CV and proposal, show the research question, why UQ is an appropriate setting, the methods you can already use, and the outputs you have produced. Quantify publications, thesis work, research employment, datasets, field or laboratory skills and conference contributions. Avoid sending a mass-produced proposal that could name any university.
Referees should be able to discuss research capacity rather than only classroom performance. Ask them in advance whether they can respond promptly when UQ contacts them. An application cannot be fully assessed until the referee reports arrive.
Who is the best fit?
This scholarship is best suited to applicants with a strong academic record, clear research preparation and a close match with a UQ supervisor or advertised project. It is less suitable for applicants who have not yet identified a research direction or who need to study entirely remotely outside Australia. Candidates beginning the process days before the final deadline should realistically consider a later round unless a supervisor is already supporting the application.
Frequently asked questions
Is the UQ Graduate Research School Scholarship fully funded?
It covers tuition, a living stipend and single OSHC for eligible international recipients. It does not automatically include every personal cost, airfare or family health cover.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The current round closing October 19, 2026 is specifically for international applicants planning to start in Research Quarter 4 of 2027 or early 2028.
Is A$39,220 the guaranteed 2027 stipend?
No. It is the published 2026 tax-free rate. UQ states that the stipend is indexed annually, so the 2027 amount may change.
Must I contact a supervisor before applying?
UQ’s central guidance says you identify a proposed supervisor in the EOI and do not need to contact them first. The supervisor reviews the EOI and may then invite an informal discussion. Some schools may operate earlier internal processes, so check the relevant unit.
Does the October 19 deadline have a stated time zone?
No cutoff time or time zone is published on the central scholarship page. Submit the complete application early rather than assuming midnight.
Can I apply without final Honours or Master’s results?
UQ says applicants with pending results may upload a current transcript, but must provide the complete transcript as soon as possible.
Official sources
- Funding, round dates and scholarship process
- EOI steps and document requirements
- UQ and RTP eligibility guideline
- Selection, duration and OSHC procedure
Related research scholarships
- University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2027
- University of Sydney RTP Scholarship 2027
- Macquarie University Research Scholarships 2027
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28
