The University of Queensland is one of Australia’s leading research universities and offers highly competitive scholarship opportunities for outstanding domestic and international Higher Degree by Research applicants.
The next international round for the UQ Graduate Research School Scholarships, which includes the Research Training Program, will open for scholarship consideration on 20 August 2026. This round is for international applicants seeking to commence their research program in Research Quarter 4, 2027, or early 2028.
As scholarship applications are highly competitive, candidates should start preparing well in advance. A strong application usually requires more than academic results. Applicants need to identify a suitable research area, prepare a clear research proposal, contact potential supervisors, and ensure that all academic and supporting documents are ready before the application deadline.
Key dates for the next international scholarship round
- Scholarship consideration begins: 20 August 2026
- Application closing date: 19 October 2026
- School or Institute shortlisting begins: 27 October 2026
- Shortlisting outcomes advised: 18 November 2026
- Assessment and scholarship consideration period: 18 November 2026 to 19 February 2027
- Scholarship outcomes released from: 22 February 2027
- Acceptance deadline: 31 March 2027
- Expected commencement: Research Quarter 4, 2027, or Research Quarter 1, 2028
What does the scholarship include?
The UQ Graduate Research School Scholarship provides financial support for eligible postgraduate research students undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy or research-focused professional doctorate at The University of Queensland.
The scholarship may include a living stipend, indexed annually, and Single Overseas Student Health Cover for international students. Applicants should always check the official UQ scholarship page for the most updated value, eligibility rules, and conditions before applying.
Who should consider applying?
This scholarship round is suitable for international candidates with a strong academic background who are planning to undertake a research degree at UQ, particularly a PhD or research-focused doctoral program.
Applicants should ideally have:
- A strong academic record in their previous degree or degrees.
- Research experience, such as a thesis, dissertation, publications, conference presentations, or research assistant work.
- A clear research direction aligned with UQ’s areas of expertise.
- A potential supervisor or research group at UQ whose work matches their proposed project.
- Strong English language preparation, where applicable.
- Complete academic documents, including transcripts, certificates, grading scales, CV, research proposal, and evidence of research output.
Recommended preparation timeline
Step 1: Review your research area
Candidates should first identify the area of research they wish to pursue and confirm that UQ has academic staff, schools, centres, or institutes working in that field. A well-matched research area is essential for a competitive application.
Step 2: Prepare a strong academic CV
The CV should clearly highlight academic qualifications, research experience, publications, thesis work, professional experience, awards, and any relevant teaching or academic involvement. For PhD scholarship applications, the CV should focus strongly on research capacity.
Step 3: Draft a research proposal
The research proposal should explain the topic, research problem, objectives, methodology, relevance, and expected contribution of the project. It should be clear, realistic, and aligned with the expertise available at UQ.
Step 4: Identify and contact potential supervisors
Before submitting an application, candidates should look for potential supervisors at UQ and prepare a professional supervisor enquiry. This usually includes a short introduction, academic background, research interests, CV, transcripts, and research proposal.
Step 5: Prepare academic and supporting documents
Applicants should begin collecting official academic transcripts, degree certificates, grading scales, English test results if required, passport copy, CV, research proposal, publications, and any other relevant documents.
If final results are still pending, candidates may still be able to apply with current transcripts, but complete documents will need to be provided as soon as they become available.
Step 6: Submit the Expression of Interest and full application
Once the round opens, applicants should submit their Expression of Interest and ensure that the full application is completed before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
How A+CAPEC can support candidates
A+CAPEC supports international students throughout the UQ research application process. Our team can assist with reviewing eligibility, guiding candidates on document preparation, advising on the application timeline, supporting communication with the university, and helping applicants prepare a complete and well-structured submission.
Because scholarship rounds are competitive and deadlines are strict, we strongly recommend that interested candidates begin preparing several months before the official opening date.
Final recommendation
If you are considering applying for a UQ PhD or research-focused doctoral program with scholarship consideration, now is the time to start preparing. The strongest candidates are usually those who begin early, understand the research fit, prepare their documents carefully, and submit a complete application before the deadline.
For personalised guidance, contact A+CAPEC and our team will help you assess your profile and prepare for the next UQ scholarship round.