Scholarship Overview
Overview
The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) offers the International PhD Stipend and Fees Scholarship for international students commencing or continuing Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies in 2027. This competitive award provides comprehensive financial support including a living stipend and full tuition coverage for up to three years of full-time equivalent study.
For African applicants from Zimbabwe and SADC countries, this represents a significant opportunity to pursue doctoral research at an Australian university with full funding. The scholarship is open to all research areas aligned with UniSQ’s flagship research priorities.
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What the Scholarship Covers
The scholarship provides two core financial components:
- Living Stipend: AUD $39,000 per annum, paid regularly throughout the award period
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees for a maximum of three years full-time equivalent study
Important limitation: Any periods of PhD study already completed will be deducted from the three-year maximum. Continuing students should calculate their remaining eligibility carefully.
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Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Hold a Bachelor Degree with First Class Honours, or equivalent qualification
- Be eligible for full-time on-campus enrollment in UniSQ’s PhD program
- Be an international student (not an Australian or New Zealand citizen, nor an Australian permanent resident)
- Commence or continue PhD studies in 2027
For continuing students: You must be within 18 months of starting full-time studies, or within 36 months of starting part-time studies, to remain eligible.
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Research Alignment and Flagship Areas
While applications are accepted across all research areas, your proposal must align with one of UniSQ’s flagship research areas. Before applying, you must:
- Discuss your proposed research with a potential supervisor
- Identify the most closely aligned flagship area
- Select this flagship in the application system
UniSQ encourages applicants to explore current Research Thesis Topics or connect with UniSQ Experts to identify alignment opportunities.
Industry Stream Option
Each flagship scholarship offers an optional Industry Stream with additional benefits:
- Includes a mandatory 60-day industry internship
- May include co-funded scholarships or industry-funded stipend top-ups
- Requires a Letter of Support from your industry partner
Applicants and supervisors are responsible for identifying and securing industry partners. Contact the Senior Coordinator (Commercialisation and Partnerships) before applying to ensure your internship meets UniSQ requirements.
Continuing students in the Industry Stream must be within 18 months (full-time) or 36 months (part-time) of commencing studies. All contractual agreements must be finalized before program commencement.
Dedicated Scholarship Streams
Beyond the standard and industry streams, UniSQ offers dedicated scholarships for:
- Women in STEMM
- Students with disabilities
These targeted streams may have additional eligibility criteria or support mechanisms.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed across four weighted dimensions:
Academic Achievement
Honours class or equivalent, postgraduate performance, academic prizes and awards.
Research Capability
Publications in quality journals, conference presentations, research internships, creative works (where applicable).
Research Project and Environment
Alignment with UniSQ priorities, relevance to Australian research context, external support, research impact, resource requirements.
Supervisory Team
Supervisor publication records, complementary expertise, capacity, and resource support.
Required Documents
Prepare digital copies of:
- Statement of Claim (completed by student and supervisor)
- Curriculum vitae including research publications and/or presentations
- Preliminary Research Thesis Topic Proposal
- Citizenship documentation
- Educational qualifications (testamur and academic transcripts for all undergraduate and postgraduate awards)
For Industry Stream applicants: Letter of Support completed by your industry partner.
How to Apply
Follow this step-by-step process:
- Secure supervision: Contact potential supervisors and discuss your research proposal and flagship area alignment
- Start PhD admission: Begin the separate application for entry into the Doctor of Philosophy program (required for scholarship eligibility)
- Prepare documents: Gather all required materials, including supervisor-completed Statement of Claim
- Industry Stream preparation (if applicable): Secure industry partner and Letter of Support; consult Senior Coordinator
- Submit scholarship application: Apply via the UniSQ Scholarship Application Management System by the closing date
Download the Scholarship Online Application Manual if you need assistance with the portal.
Important Notes for African Applicants
Applicants from Zimbabwe and SADC countries should note:
- First Class Honours equivalence will be assessed against your home country’s grading system
- Full-time on-campus enrollment requires relocation to Australia
- The AUD $39,000 stipend is competitive but should be evaluated against Australian living costs
- Start your supervisor search early, as alignment discussions take time
Key Dates and Contacts
Application Deadline: 27 September 2026
Study Commencement: 2027
Further Information: Graduate Research School at hdrscholarships@unisq.edu.au
