The Australian Catholic University is now accepting applications from qualified international students for its prestigious 2026 ACU Vice Chancellor PhD Excellence Scholarship.
This is a fully funded PhD scholarship that provides comprehensive support, including full tuition coverage, overseas student health insurance, and a living stipend of AUD $33,511 per annum (full-time) to assist students throughout their doctoral research in Australia.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Australia
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | $33,511 Living Stipend Per Year | Health Insurance
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: October 1, 2025
Scholarship Details
The ACU Vice Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship is designed to support outstanding international students who are commencing either a Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Ministry degree at the Australian Catholic University. The scholarship targets students who have demonstrated high academic distinction and are committed to interdisciplinary and values-driven research.
The university fosters a vibrant research community, encouraging scholarly inquiry that contributes to personal growth, community well-being, and a more ethical future. As a recipient, you’ll have access to ACU’s supportive academic environment and global research network throughout your doctoral studies.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the ACU Vice Chancellor PhD Excellence Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be classified as international students for tuition fee purposes
- Be applying to any of the following ACU faculties:
- Education and Arts
- Law and Business
- Health Science
- Theology and Philosophy
- Be enrolling in either:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Doctor of Ministry
- Not be in receipt of any other ACU-funded scholarship or award
- Fulfill the academic and enrolment requirements outlined in the Higher Degree Research Policy and ACU’s Research Training Program Scholarship Policy
- Review full eligibility guidelines via ACU’s Research Training Program Scholarship Policy
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the ACU Vice Chancellor PhD Excellence Scholarship will receive:
- Annual stipend of AUD $33,511 (paid fortnightly) to support living costs, for up to 3.5 years
- Tuition fee scholarship for the full duration of the doctoral program (up to 3.5 years)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the candidate
- Relocation allowance of up to AUD $2,000 to support travel costs for international students relocating to Australia
Required Documents
As part of the standard ACU PhD application, applicants are required to submit:
- Academic transcripts and previous qualifications
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
- A detailed research proposal
- Letters of reference
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Passport or valid ID
How to Apply
To apply for the ACU Vice Chancellor PhD Excellence Scholarship 2026:
- Visit the official ACU website
- Select and apply for any available Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Ministry research programs
- No separate application is required for the scholarship — eligible candidates will be automatically considered during their program application
- Scholarships are highly competitive and awarded based on merit by the ODVCRE Scholarship Selection Committee, in line with ACU’s policies
To begin your scholarship application process, click HERE
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