Who can apply for the UQGRSS scholarship?

Both domestic and international students can apply. The current scholarship page specifically lists Domestic and International student eligibility and provides a separate international application round.

Is this scholarship available for coursework master's degrees?

No. This is a postgraduate research scholarship, not a general coursework master's scholarship. The Master level is relevant primarily to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and other eligible research-focused programs.

How much is the living stipend?

The 2026 rate is AUD 39,220 per year tax free. The rate is indexed annually, so future rates may be different.

Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?

Yes. UQ states that Graduate Research School Scholarships fund tuition fees as well as providing the living stipend.

Does the scholarship cover health insurance for international students?

Yes. Eligible international scholarship recipients receive Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?

No. Applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for their preferred UQ research program and indicate the scholarship in the application. A separate scholarship application is not required.

Do I need to find a supervisor before applying?

Yes. UQ asks applicants to identify a supervisor with expertise relevant to their proposed research project. The nominated supervisor reviews the EOI, and supervisor support is required before the applicant proceeds to the final application stage.

When does the current international scholarship round open?

Scholarship consideration for the current international round begins on 20 August 2026. Applicants should prepare their documents and submit their EOI early enough to complete the final application before 19 October 2026.

What English score do I need?

The general UQ minimum is IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each sub-band, or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL iBT 87 overall with the required section scores or PTE Academic 64 overall with 60 in each communicative skill. Some programs have higher requirements.

Can I apply if my final degree results are not available yet?

Yes. UQ states that applicants with pending Honours or Master's results can still apply. You should upload your current transcript with the EOI and provide the complete transcript as soon as possible.

How many referees do I need?

At least two referees are required for the EOI. UQ contacts the referees directly for their reports, so applicants should not upload pre-written recommendation letters.

What documents are required for the EOI?

The EOI requires an academic CV, English language documents, academic transcripts and degree certificates, along with referee details and other information required by the program. A passport copy is required for the final application.

How is the scholarship selection made?

Selection is competitive. UQ considers academic performance, evidence of research capability, the quality of the proposed research project, the quality and resourcing of the proposed research environment, and the quality and suitability of the proposed advisory team.

Is financial need required?

No. The scholarship is primarily a competitive academic and research scholarship. UQ identifies academic excellence as the scholarship focus and does not list financial need as a general eligibility requirement.

Can international students apply from outside Australia?

Yes. UQ provides a dedicated international applicant round. The current international round is for commencement in Research Quarter 4, 2027 or early 2028.

UQ Graduate Research Scholarships 2027 | Fully Funded PhD & MPhil

Opportunity description

Graduate Research School Scholarships (UQGRSS), including the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP), provide competitive funding for high-quality postgraduate research students at The University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia. The scholarship is available to domestic and international students undertaking eligible Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs, including the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and eligible research-focused professional doctorates. The scholarship provides a tax-free living stipend of AUD 39,220 per year at the 2026 rate, indexed annually, together with tuition fee support and Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for eligible international students. The standard scholarship duration is 3.5 years, with the possibility of one extension in accordance with UQ and RTP scholarship policies. Applicants are assessed competitively based on academic performance, research capability, the quality of the proposed research project and the quality of the proposed research environment and supervisory team. Applicants normally begin by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) for their preferred UQ research program and identifying a suitable supervisor. A separate scholarship application is not required for this scholarship. For the international scholarship round for commencement in Research Quarter 4, 2027 or early 2028, the application closing date is 19 October 2026.

Locations

St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
View on Google Maps

Important details

Scholarship Coverage: The scholarship includes a tax-free living stipend of AUD 39,220 per year at the 2026 rate, indexed annually, tuition fee support, and Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for eligible international students.
Scholarship Duration: The standard scholarship duration is 3.5 years, with the possibility of one extension in accordance with UQ and RTP Scholarship Policy.
Competitive Selection: Scholarship selection is competitive and considers academic performance, evidence of research capability, the quality of the proposed research project, the proposed research environment and resourcing, and the quality and suitability of the proposed advisory team.
Supervisor Requirement: Applicants should identify a potential supervisor with expertise relevant to the proposed research project before submitting the Expression of Interest (EOI). The nominated supervisor reviews the EOI and must support it before the applicant is invited to submit a final application.
Separate Scholarship Application: A separate application for the UQGRSS scholarship is not required. Applicants apply for their preferred UQ research program through an Expression of Interest and indicate the scholarship in the application.
International Application Round: The current international round is for applicants commencing in Research Quarter 4, 2027 or early 2028. The full application deadline is 19 October 2026.

Benefits & prizes

Stipend: A$39,220/year
Tuition coverage: 100%
Living Stipend · Amount varies · Basis: Academic Excellence / Competitive Research Scholarship · One-time · Tax-free AUD 39,220 per annum at the 2026 rate, indexed annually.
Tuition Fee Support · Amount varies · Basis: UQ Graduate Research School Scholarship / Research Training Program (RTP) · One-time · Provides tuition fee support for eligible scholarship recipients.
Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) · Amount varies · Basis: International Student Scholarship Benefit · One-time · Single OSHC is provided for eligible international scholarship recipients.

Who can apply

International Students: International students are eligible to apply. The current scholarship round specifically includes an international applicant round for commencement in Research Quarter 4, 2027 or early 2028.
Postgraduate Research Applicants: Applicants must be seeking admission to an eligible Higher Degree by Research program, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or eligible research-focused professional doctorate.
Academic Eligibility: Applicants must meet the admission requirements for their chosen UQ higher degree by research program. Requirements vary by program and may include an approved previous qualification, relevant research experience and English language proficiency.
Research Capability: Applicants are assessed on evidence of research capability and the quality of their proposed research project.
Supervisor Support: Applicants must identify a suitable proposed supervisor. The nominated supervisor reviews the Expression of Interest, and applicants whose EOI is supported can proceed to the final application stage.
Gender: Female, Male, Other
Language test required

Eligibility rules

Academic Standing

Applicants must meet the admission requirements for their chosen UQ Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program. For a PhD, this normally includes a relevant university qualification together with appropriate research experience. Accepted pathways may include a relevant research master's degree, an honours-equivalent bachelor's degree, or certain postgraduate coursework qualifications with the required academic performance and research experience.

Other

Research Experience Applicants must demonstrate readiness for higher degree research study. This may be demonstrated through previous research training, a research project, thesis, dissertation, or other evidence of research capability relevant to the proposed HDR program. Supervisor Support Applicants must identify a suitable UQ research supervisor with relevant expertise. The supervisor reviews the applicant's Expression of Interest (EOI), and supervisor support is required before the applicant proceeds with the final application. International Eligibility International students are eligible to apply. The current scholarship round specifically includes eligible international applicants seeking commencement in Research Quarter 4, 2027 or early 2028. English Proficiency Applicants must meet UQ's English language proficiency requirements for their chosen program. This can be demonstrated through an accepted English language test, an approved prior qualification, or another English language pathway or exemption recognized by UQ.

Important dates

Application deadline: Oct 19, 2026
Note: International applicants: the closing date for the scholarship round for commencement in Research Quarter 4, 2027 or early 2028 is 19 October 2026. Applicants must submit the full application, including required documents, by the closing date. Scholarship consideration begins on 20 August 2026.

Fields of study

All

How to apply

1
Check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or eligible research-focused professional doctorate.
Review the admission requirements for your preferred UQ research program and check the scholarship eligibility and application dates.
2
Identify a supervisor in your field with expertise relevant to your proposed research project.
Provide the name of your preferred supervisor in your Expression of Interest (EOI). The nominated supervisor will review your EOI.
3
Prepare the required application documents.
Prepare your academic CV/resumé, English language documents, academic transcripts, degree certificates and referee details. Additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances.
4
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for your preferred UQ research program.
Submit the EOI online and provide the required information and supporting documents.
5
Complete the Scholarship/Sponsorship section in your EOI.
For UQ Graduate Research School Scholarships (UQGRSS), you do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. Follow the scholarship-specific instructions in the Scholarship/Sponsorship section.

Required documents

Academic CV / Résumé — A current academic CV is required. UQ recommends that it be no more than six months old and include education, academic awards, research experience, employment history relevant to research and research outputs where applicable.
Academic Transcript — Provide academic transcripts for previous qualifications. Current transcripts may be used where final results are pending, but complete transcripts must be provided as soon as possible.
Degree Certificate — Provide degree certificates for post-secondary qualifications listed in the application. Documents not in English must be accompanied by the original document and an official English translation.
English Language Documents — Applicants must provide evidence that they meet UQ's English language requirements unless they qualify through an accepted alternative pathway or exemption. Test results must be valid at the proposed commencement date.
Referee Details — At least two referees are required for the EOI. UQ contacts referees directly for reports; applicants should not upload pre-written recommendation letters.
Passport — A copy of the passport information page is required at the final application stage for identity verification and offer processing.
Research Proposal / Proposed Research Information — Applicants must provide information about their proposed research project as part of the research degree application. Requirements can vary by program or research area.

Language requirements

IELTS: Minimum score: 6.5
TOEFL iBT: Minimum score: 4.5

Application link

https://study.uq.edu.au/admissions/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/submit-your-expression-interest

Official Source

FAQ

The scholarship provides tuition fee support and a living stipend. For eligible international students, it also includes Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The 2026 living stipend rate is AUD 39,220 per year tax free and is indexed annually.