The Edith Cowan University (ECU) Higher Degree Research (HDR) Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity supported by the Australian Government for both domestic and international students seeking advanced research degrees.
Recognized as one of the most competitive research scholarships in Australia, it provides comprehensive funding including tuition, health insurance, and a generous living stipend of $35,000 annually for the entire duration of study.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Australia
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | $35,000 Annual Stipend | Health Insurance
- IELTS Requirement: Not Required
- Deadline: October 16, 2025
Scholarship Details
The Edith Cowan University Higher Degree Research Scholarship is designed to support outstanding postgraduate students who demonstrate strong academic achievements and research potential. The program provides an opportunity to undertake a Master by Research, an Integrated PhD, or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at ECU.
The scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence and research performance. Selected applicants may be offered either the ECU Higher Degree by Research Scholarship or the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship. These awards are intended to nurture highly capable researchers who will contribute significantly to academic knowledge and innovation.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Edith Cowan University Higher Degree Research Scholarship, applicants must:
- Hold an offer of admission into an ECU research program (PhD, Integrated PhD, or Master by Research).
- Be either a domestic or international student.
Applicants are not eligible if:
- They have received an Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) or an Australia Award Scholarship within the last two years.
- They do not have principal supervisor endorsement for the proposed research project.
- Their commencement date for the PhD program is after May 8, 2026.
- Their commencement date for an Integrated PhD or Master by Research is after Semester 1, 2026.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the Edith Cowan University Higher Degree Research Scholarship will receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- A stipend of $35,000 per annum, paid fortnightly through electronic transfer.
- Relocation allowance for eligible domestic students.
- Partial reimbursement of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for eligible international students.
- Duration of up to 3 years full-time for a PhD and 2 years full-time for a Master by Research.
Required Documents
Applicants are expected to prepare the following:
- Offer of Admission (or proof of application) to an ECU research program.
- Supervisor endorsement letter.
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Research proposal outlining the intended project.
How to Apply
To apply for the Edith Cowan University Higher Degree Scholarship:
- Visit the HDR Scholarship webpage via the official ECU portal.
- First apply for admission into an ECU research program and secure supervisor approval.
- Once admission steps are completed, submit the scholarship application online before the closing date.
- Applications for the 2026 round open on September 3, 2025, and close on October 16, 2025.
- Only applicants who have secured or applied for ECU admission within this timeframe will be considered.
- Conditional offers may be extended to applicants awaiting final admission approval at the time of scholarship ranking.
To begin the scholarship application process, click HERE
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