Opportunity Description
The Edith Cowan University (ECU) Higher Degree Scholarship is one of the most prestigious fully funded postgraduate scholarships in Australia.
Financed by the Australian Government, this scholarship provides outstanding domestic and international students with the opportunity to pursue advanced research degrees in a supportive and world-class academic environment.
The HDR Scholarships are among the highest-ranked funding opportunities in Australia, covering tuition, health insurance, and a generous living stipend.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Australia
- Host Institution: Edith Cowan University (ECU)
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Open to all nationalities
- Funding: Fully Funded
Reward:
- Full tuition fees
- Living stipend of AUD $35,000 per year (paid fortnightly)
- Health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover for internationals)
- Relocation allowance (for eligible domestic students)
Duration:
- Up to 3 years (PhD)
- Up to 2 years (Master by Research)
- IELTS Requirement: Not required
- Application Window: Opens 3 September 2025 – Closes 16 October 2025
Scholarship Details
The ECU Higher Degree Research Scholarship is designed to support students who show exceptional research potential.
Awards are made on the basis of academic excellence, research performance, and supervisor support.
Successful applicants will be considered for one of two scholarship types:
- ECU Higher Degree by Research Scholarship
- Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship
Both provide full financial support for tuition and living expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the ECU Higher Degree Research Scholarship, applicants must:
- Have an offer of admission (or applied for admission) into one of the following programs:
- PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
- Integrated PhD Research Course
- Master by Research
- Be a domestic or international student (MSc or PhD).
- Secure the endorsement of a principal supervisor at ECU to undertake the proposed research project.
Ineligibility Criteria
You are not eligible if:
- You have received an AusAID or Australia Award Scholarship within the last two years.
- You do not have supervisor approval for your proposed research.
- Your PhD commencement date is after 8 May 2026.
- Your commencement date for Integrated PhD or Master by Research is after Semester 1, 2026.
Benefits of the ECU Higher Degree Scholarship
- AUD $35,000 annual stipend (paid fortnightly via EFT).
- Full tuition fee waiver.
- Health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover for international students).
- Relocation allowance for domestic students (where applicable).
- Opportunity to study in one of Australia’s most research-driven universities with global academic networks.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Apply for Admission:
- First, apply for admission into an ECU research degree program.
- Secure supervisor support for your proposed research project.
- Submit Scholarship Application:
- Once you have supervisor endorsement, log in to ECU’s official HDR scholarship portal.
- Complete and submit your application before the closing date.
- Important Dates:
- Opening Date: 3 September 2025
- Closing Date: 16 October 2025
- Application Review:
- Only candidates who have applied for or secured ECU admission will be considered.
- Conditional offers may be extended to applicants awaiting final admission approval by the time of ranking.
Why Choose ECU?
Edith Cowan University is known for cutting-edge research and a student-focused learning environment.
