HDR scholarships and fees

Studying a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) can be a life-changing experience.

At UWA, we’re proud to support the next generation of researchers through a range of scholarships funded by the Australian Government, the University and external organisations. These scholarships can help cover tuition fees, living costs, travel, research expenses and relocation.

Scholarships are awarded through a competitive, merit-based selection process, with two main rounds each year, along with additional opportunities offered throughout the year with separate selection processes.

Explore all scholarships

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Taking the next step into research?

Explore research opportunities at UWA and available scholarships at our Higher Degree by Research information session on Tuesday 23 September 6-7.30PM.

Scholarships for 2026 commencement – get ready to apply!

Ready to take the next step in your research journey? At UWA, we offer two major HDR scholarship rounds each year. Once applications are open, you can apply for your research degree at UWA and a scholarship at the same time!

Here are the key dates for this year’s application periods:

Scholarships for international students

Open: 1 July 2025 (09:00am AWST)
Close: 31 August 2025 (11:59pm AWST)
Ranking: 1 September - 12 October 2025
Offers from: 20 October 2025
Commencement: 2 February - 31 March 2026

Status: Closed

Scholarships for domestic students

Open: 1 September 2025 (09:00am AWST)
Close: 31 October 2025 (11:59pm AWST)
Ranking: 1 November - 5 December 2025
Offers from: 8 December 2025
Commencement: 2 February - 31 March 2026

Status: Open

Please note that international students who have completed a degree at UWA are also entitled to apply in the Domestic round.

Applying for a research scholarship

Ready to get started? Apply for a research scholarship at UWA by following these three steps:

1. Review the Advice for Applicants

Find out everything you need to know including eligibility, selection criteria, scholarship conditions and more.

View Advice for Applicants

2. Choose your course and supervisor

If you haven’t already, explore your options, select your course or project and identify a potential supervisor!

Find out more

3. Apply for a scholarship

Domestic students

Apply for your chosen course and the 2026 Domestic scholarship round (incl UWA international students) as your scholarship selection via the online HDR application portal . Note, this application is for both admission and RTP scholarships - no separate application is required for RTP scholarships consideration.

International UWA students graduated in 2024/2025 or will graduate in 2025 are eligible to apply in this round. If you are a current domestic HDR student or already have a UWA HDR Offer Letter, you only need to apply for the scholarship via the online Scholarship application form.

International students

Apply for your chosen course and the ‘2026 International RTP Stipend and Tuition Fee Scholarships’ via the online HDR application portal.

If you are a current international HDR student or already have a UWA HDR offer letter, you will only need to apply for the scholarship via the online  Scholarship application form. 

The international round has closed for 2026 commencements.

Understanding RTP scholarships, stipends and allowances

The Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) provides funding to support both domestic and international students undertaking Research Doctorate and Research Master’s degrees. At UWA, RTP funding is used to support eligible students through the following types of scholarships:

Domestic RTP Tuition Fees Offset Scholarships - automatically provided to all domestic HDR students, without the need for a competitive application process.
International RTP Tuition Fees Offset Scholarships - awarded to a limited number of international students, via a competitive selection process.
RTP Stipend Scholarships (living allowance) - awarded to a limited number of domestic and international students, via a competitive selection process. The current value in 2025 is $37,000 per annum.
RTP Allowances - awarded to assist students with ancillary costs of Higher Degree by Research, such as relocation expenses.

Explore all research scholarships

UWA offers a range of other prestigious Higher Degree by Research scholarships for outstanding domestic and international applicants who demonstrate exceptional research potential.

We’re committed to access and equity for all students. If you are a prospective researcher who identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, we strongly encourage you to apply for the large number of scholarships available across many disciplines, to help support your research journey. 

Explore all scholarships

Tuition fees for HDR

The amount you will pay for tuition fees will depend on your Higher Degree by Research course, your enrolment and your citizenship, as well as any scholarships you may be awarded. Tuition fees are due to be paid at the start of each semester.

Fees for domestic HDR students

Citizens of Australia and New Zealand and permanent residents of Australia are exempt from tuition fees if UWA admits them to a HDR course.

This exemption applies for up to four years' full-time equivalent study for a doctorate by research, and two years' full-time equivalent study for a master's by research.

Fees for international HDR students

All international students at UWA must pay tuition fees for their course unless they have a scholarship or sponsorship that covers the fees.

Other fees

All students are required to pay the UWA Student Services and Amenities fee.

This compulsory charge provides access to a range of amenities and services, including recreational, sporting and educational facilities and social, education and representation activities.

Find out more about tuition fees for HDR courses at UWA here:

General information about fees for courses at UWA

Quick links to helpful HDR information