UNSW Postgraduate Scholarships 2026 for International Students | University of New South Wales Australia
The University of New South Wales is one of Australia’s top research institutions. As part of the renowned Australian universities, UNSW contributes significantly to global higher education and consistently ranks among the leading universities worldwide for academic excellence and innovation.
Ambitious international scholars can advance their careers at UNSW through postgraduate study or research. UNSW offers a wide range of scholarships to remove financial barriers and support academic success.
UNSW provides fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing Master’s by Research and PhD programs in 2025. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, living stipends, and additional research support.
Funding options include the Research Training Program, Graduate Research Scholarships, and Faculty-specific awards. Doctoral candidates can receive up to three years of support, while Master’s students can receive up to two years.
International students have access to several scholarship pathways at UNSW. These range from government-funded programs to university-specific awards tailored to different disciplines and research areas. One such opportunity is Australia’s Global University Award, which is automatically awarded to eligible students based on academic merit as part of UNSW’s broader scholarship program. Additionally, various UNSW scholarships aim to support international students from low-income backgrounds, ensuring equitable access to education.
The university supports global talent with more than just financial aid. Students benefit from mentorship, research facilities, and career development opportunities that prepare them for leadership roles worldwide. In the following sections, you will find details about scholarship benefits, eligibility, and application procedures.
Why Choose UNSW for Postgraduate or Research Studies
UNSW Sydney ranks #44 globally in the QS World University Rankings, making it one of the top Australian universities recognized for academic excellence and outstanding postgraduate education. The university attracts students from over 130 countries.
Academic Excellence: UNSW leads in engineering, science, and business fields. The university creates an environment where students excel in research programs and across a wide range of postgraduate programs.
Research Opportunities: Students gain access to advanced research facilities. UNSW encourages knowledge creation and innovative ideas across disciplines.
Global Community: The university hosts more than 65,000 students from diverse backgrounds. International students join a vibrant academic community.
Comprehensive SupportUNSW offers various postgraduate program options:
- Master’s by Research
- PhD programs
- Double degree combinations
- Research Training Programs
Financial Support: The university provides multiple scholarship types for international students. Scholarship deadlines and requirements may vary depending on the chosen study program.
| Scholarship Type | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee Scholarship | Full tuition costs |
| Research Training Program | Stipend + fees |
| Graduate Research Scholarships | Living allowance |
Skills Development: Students improve critical thinking and academic writing skills. The Pre-Masters Program helps those who need extra preparation.
Industry Connections: UNSW partners with local and global communities. Students benefit from real-world research applications.
Recognition Beyond Grades: Scholarships reward academic achievement and leadership skills. The university values contributions to the broader community.
Overview of UNSW Postgraduate and Research Scholarships 2025
UNSW offers comprehensive scholarship programs for international students pursuing postgraduate research degrees in 2025. These fully funded opportunities support both Master’s by Research and PhD candidates from around the world.
Key Scholarship Programs:
- Research Training Program (RTP) – Main government-funded scholarship
- Tuition Fee Scholarship (TFS) – Covers full tuition costs
- Graduate Research Scholarships – Institution-specific awards
- Scientia PhD Program – Premium research pathway
These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and research potential.
International students can apply for HDR scholarships across all research disciplines. The scholarships provide tuition fee coverage, living stipends, and health insurance. Other scholarships are available for international students seeking additional funding.
Financial Benefits Include:
- Annual stipend of approximately $32,000 AUD
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Overseas Student Health Cover
- Research and travel allowances
- The University Postgraduate Award (UPA) is valued at $38,438 per annum for 2025, providing additional financial support for eligible students.
Most scholarships require academic excellence and admission to a research program. Students usually receive automatic assessment through their Higher Degree Research enrollment application.
Duration and Coverage:
- PhD scholarships: Minimum duration of 3 years, up to 4 years
- Master’s by Research: Minimum duration of 1.5 years, up to 2 years
- Extensions available in special cases
The application process is through supervisor nomination or direct application, depending on the scholarship. International students from all countries are eligible for major scholarship categories.
The university selects candidates based on academic merit, research potential, and program fit. Successful applicants receive ongoing support throughout their research journey at UNSW.
UNSW Research Training Program (RTP)
The Research Training Program offers comprehensive financial support to international students pursuing higher degree research at UNSW. The Australian Government Research Training Initiative and UNSW jointly fund this scholarship to attract top research candidates worldwide.
Scholarship Coverage:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Living allowance stipend per annum paid directly to the student or towards tuition
- Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Research-related expenses support
- The University International Postgraduate Award (UIPA) is valued at $38,438 per annum for 2025 and provides comprehensive funding for international students. The RTP scholarship training program provides structured funding for eligible candidates.
The RTP scholarship is a government research training program that supports students enrolled in Master’s by Research, Master of Philosophy, or PhD programs. PhD candidates receive funding for up to 3.5 years, and Master’s students get support for up to 2 years.
Eligibility Requirements:
International students must show academic excellence and meet UNSW’s admission requirements for higher degree research programs. Candidates must secure a research supervisor and be accepted into their chosen program before scholarship consideration.
The living allowance provides a tax-free stipend per annum paid directly to help cover daily expenses during studies. Students can focus on their research without worrying about tuition or basic living costs.
Applications require academic transcripts, research proposals, and supervisor endorsement. The selection process is highly competitive, with awards based on academic merit and research potential.
UNSW also offers additional postgraduate research scholarships through various faculties and industry partners. These extra awards can provide top-up funding beyond the standard RTP allocation.
Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet specific milestones during their candidature. The scholarship includes support for thesis writing periods and conference attendance.
UNSW Tuition Fee Scholarship (TFS)
The UNSW Tuition Fee Scholarship (TFS) covers full tuition costs for international students undertaking postgraduate research degrees, with the annual tuition fee paid directly to the university. This scholarship removes the financial barrier of high international student fees.
The TFS applies to both PhD and Master’s by Research programs. Students can study in any academic field at UNSW Sydney, and the scholarship is awarded to eligible international students.
Key Benefits
- Full tuition fee coverage for the entire degree
- Available for 3.5 years for PhD candidates
- Coverage extends for 2 years for research master’s students
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) included
The scholarship often pairs with a separate living allowance or research stipend. Students can receive TFS alongside other funding sources, such as faculty-sponsored stipends.
Eligibility Requirements
International students must show academic excellence to qualify. Applicants must be admitted to a Higher Degree by Research program at UNSW.
The university assesses TFS applications automatically when students apply for research degrees. This process eliminates the need for a separate scholarship application.
Application Process
Students must complete the official application form as part of the process. Applicants apply through the standard HDR enrollment system and should apply online via the official UNSW portal. It is essential to review the application instructions on the UNSW website for detailed steps on submitting your application. The scholarship assessment happens during the admission review process.
Application deadlines vary by program and intake period. International students should check specific program requirements and timing. To be considered for UNSW Scholarships, international students must submit their application by July 15, 2025.
Faculty nomination can play a role in scholarship allocation. Prospective students benefit from contacting potential supervisors before applying.
The TFS shows UNSW’s commitment to attracting top graduate researchers worldwide. This funding represents a significant investment in international research talent.
UNSW Graduate Research Scholarships (UNSW GRS)
UNSW Graduate Scholarships are awarded to top international students pursuing Master’s by Research or PhD degrees. These fully funded UNSW Graduate Scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and additional research costs.
The scholarships support students across all research disciplines at UNSW Sydney. Recipients can focus on their research without financial stress.
Key Benefits Include:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Annual living stipend
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Research and travel allowances
- Thesis completion support
Eligibility Requirements:
- Strong academic record with first-class honors or equivalent
- Admission to a UNSW research degree program
- International student status
- English language proficiency requirements
- Research supervisor nomination
The application process typically runs through the Higher Degree Research (HDR) enrollment system. Students apply for admission to their chosen program, and a scholarship assessment is automatically conducted.
Application Timeline:
| Intake | Application Deadline | Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | October 31 | December |
| Term 2 | March 31 | May |
| Term 3 | June 30 | August |
International students from all countries are eligible to apply. The university awards scholarships based on academic merit and research potential, not geographic location.
Students must maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress throughout their candidature. The scholarship duration matches standard program completion times.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does the RTP scholarship cover? The Research Training Program covers full tuition fees and provides an annual stipend for living expenses, currently around AUD $31,000.
How long does the scholarship last? PhD scholarships run for up to 3.5 years, while Master’s by Research scholarships last up to 2 years.
Can part-time students receive scholarships? No, UNSW Graduate Research Scholarships require full-time enrollment status throughout the degree program.
Do I need a research supervisor before applying? Yes, students must secure supervisor support and program admission before scholarship consideration begins.
Are there country-specific scholarship opportunities? UNSW offers additional scholarships for students from specific regions through government partnerships and bilateral agreements.
Can I work while holding a scholarship? Recipients can do limited teaching or research work with university approval, usually up to 8 hours per week.
UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Scholarships
UNSW offers several scholarship opportunities for international students in postgraduate coursework programs. Among these, the prestigious International Scientia Coursework Scholarship is awarded to outstanding international students based on academic merit. These awards support students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
The university provides both full and partial tuition fee scholarships for eligible candidates. Some scholarships also include living stipends to help with daily expenses. Additionally, scholarships are available to support international undergraduate students, providing a wide range of financial assistance for those pursuing studies at UNSW.
Key Scholarship Types
Merit-based Awards: These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievement in previous studies. Students must maintain high grades to qualify.
Leadership Scholarships: UNSW values students with strong leadership skills and community involvement. These awards consider extracurricular activities alongside academic performance.
Country-specific Opportunities: Some scholarships target students from particular regions or developing countries through government partnerships.
Application Requirements
Students must submit a separate scholarship application in addition to their program admission application. The scholarship application requires academic transcripts and supporting documents.
Most scholarships require students to start full-time study at UNSW. Part-time students usually do not qualify for these awards.
Benefits and Coverage
Scholarship benefits vary by program type. Full scholarships cover complete tuition fees for the degree.
Partial scholarships offer percentage-based reductions in tuition fees. Some awards include extra stipends for living costs and study materials.
Students can receive health insurance coverage and orientation support as part of comprehensive scholarship packages.
Application Timeline
Applications usually open several months before each academic term starts. Apply early to boost your chances of selection.
The university awards over $83 million in scholarships annually to both domestic and international students across all programs.
Faculty-Based Scholarships
UNSW faculties offer specific scholarships for international research students in different academic areas. Each faculty manages its own scholarship programs with unique eligibility requirements and benefits. In addition to these main awards, many faculties also provide other scholarships, giving applicants more options for financial support.
The Business School provides dedicated postgraduate research scholarships for international students. These awards support both Master’s by Research and PhD candidates in business-related fields.
Engineering faculties offer specialized research scholarships that cover tuition fees and provide living allowances. Students can apply directly through their chosen faculty or get nominations from potential supervisors.
The Faculty of Science runs several scholarship programs for international research students. These include both university-funded and industry-sponsored awards with different benefit levels.
Medical and Health faculties offer research scholarships that often include additional benefits, such as conference funding. Many of these scholarships focus on specific research areas within health sciences.
Faculty-based scholarships often include:
- Tuition Fee Scholarships (TFS) covering full international student fees
- Research stipends ranging from $28,000 to $35,000 annually
- Additional allowances for research expenses and conferences
- Health cover assistance for international students
Students need to apply directly to their chosen faculty or school. Application requirements vary, but generally include academic transcripts, research proposals, and supervisor endorsement.
Some faculties accept applications year-round, while others have specific deadlines. International students should contact their target faculty early to learn about requirements and available opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
International students must meet specific requirements to qualify for UNSW postgraduate and research scholarships. These criteria vary by scholarship but share some common standards.
Academic Excellence Requirements: Students must have strong academic records from prior studies. Most scholarships require a minimum GPA or equivalent academic standing from recognized institutions.
Admission Requirements: Applicants must receive an admission offer to an eligible UNSW program. This includes:
- Unconditional Letter of Offer for undergraduate or postgraduate programs
- Conditional English Package Offer (UEEC) requiring completion of the UNSW Institute of Languages program
Eligible undergraduate students may qualify for certain scholarships, provided they meet specific academic and application requirements.
Program Eligibility Research scholarships support students in:
- PhD programs
- Master’s by Research degrees
- Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs
UNSW HDR scholarships are a key opportunity for higher degree research students who meet the eligibility criteria.
International Student Status: Students must hold international student status and not be Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Application Timeline: Students must receive admission offers by specific deadlines:
| Term | Admission Offer Deadline |
|---|---|
| Term 3 2025 | July 15, 2025 |
| Term 1 2026 | October 30, 2025 |
English Language Requirements: Students with Conditional English Package Offers must complete language requirements before their program begins.
Full-time Enrollment: Most research scholarships require students to stay enrolled full-time throughout their studies.
Graduate Research Scholarships are usually assessed automatically during the HDR enrollment process. In most cases, students do not need to submit separate scholarship applications.
Application Process
The application process for UNSW postgraduate and research scholarships involves several necessary steps. International students should complete each step carefully. It is essential that each applicant thoroughly reviews the application form and follows all application instructions, conducting due diligence before submitting their application.
Research Degree Applications: Students must first apply for admission to their chosen research program. The HDR (Higher Degree by Research) application combines the admission and scholarship components into a single process.
Required Documents: Applicants need to submit academic transcripts, English proficiency test results, a research proposal, and letters of recommendation. Most scholarship applications also require a CV and a personal statement.
Application Timeline Most scholarship applications open in early August for the following year’s intake. Key deadlines usually fall in October for Term 1 commencement the following year.
Supervisor Requirements: Research students need to identify and contact potential supervisors before applying. Some scholarships require supervisor nomination or endorsement as part of the selection process.
Online Application System: All applications go through UNSW’s online portal. Students can apply for multiple scholarships and awards simultaneously through this system.
Assessment Process: Academic reviewers assess applications based on research merit, academic excellence, and alignment with university research priorities. The selection committee evaluates both academic credentials and research potential.
Notification Timeline: Successful applicants usually receive scholarship offers between December and February. Students must accept offers within the given timeframes to secure their funding.
Special Considerations: Some scholarships have country-specific requirements or restrictions on research areas. Students should review each scholarship’s criteria before applying to ensure they are eligible.
Key Deadlines for 2025 Intakes
International students interested in UNSW postgraduate and research scholarships need to watch for specific application deadlines. Different programs close at various times throughout the year, and deadlines may also vary depending on the chosen study program.
Research Higher Degree Programs usually offer multiple intake periods. The main application deadlines are in October, February, and June each year.
Graduate Research Scholarships applications are open for the 2025 academic year. These fully funded opportunities support both Master’s by Research and PhD candidates.
| Program Type | Application Period | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PhD Programs | Multiple intakes | Rolling admissions available |
| Master’s by Research | Term 1, 2, 3 | Check specific faculty dates |
| Graduate Scholarships | Ongoing 2025 | Fully funded options |
Important deadline considerations:
- Certain faculties have different closing dates
- Term 2, 2025 scholarships include tuition coverage and stipends
- Research Training Program deadlines vary by research area
Students should check their specific degree program requirements early. Some scholarships require supervisor nomination before the application deadline.
Application timing is critical for scholarship consideration. Late applications may not qualify for funding in the desired intake period.
International candidates should apply well before deadlines. This gives time for document processing and meetings with potential supervisors.
The university reviews applications competitively. Submitting earlier often increases your chances of securing funding and supervisor placement.
Country-Specific Research Scholarships
UNSW offers targeted research scholarships for students from certain countries and regions. These awards add extra support to the general Graduate Research Scholarships.
Australia-New Zealand Research Cooperation: Students from New Zealand can access special bilateral research funding. These scholarships support Master’s by Research and PhD programs across several faculties.
Asian Development Bank Scholarships: Citizens from ADB member countries get priority consideration. The program covers tuition fees and living allowances for development-focused research projects.
| Region | Scholarship Type | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Islands | Pacific Research Awards | Full tuition + stipend |
| ASEAN Countries | Regional Research Grants | Tuition + partial living costs |
| Commonwealth Nations | Commonwealth Scholarships | Full funding available |
European Partnership Programs: UNSW has research scholarship agreements with several European universities. In addition, there are collaborative opportunities with other Australian universities, allowing students to benefit from joint research initiatives and shared supervision. Students can pursue joint PhD programs with shared supervision.
Developing Country Priorities: Special allocations are available for students from least developed countries. These scholarships often include extra support for research equipment and conference travel.
Application Requirements: Country-specific scholarships require proof of citizenship or permanent residency. Students usually need to apply through their home country’s education ministry or designated agencies.
Selection Criteria: Priority is given to research projects that benefit the student’s home country. Academic excellence and research potential are key factors in selection decisions.
Most country-specific awards are linked with UNSW’s standard Graduate Research Scholarships. Students receive the higher value award if they qualify for multiple scholarships. Students may also be eligible for other scholarships beyond these country-specific awards, so it is recommended to explore all available funding options.
Tips for a Successful Application
Submit your application well before the deadline. UNSW receives thousands of applications each year, so early submission helps avoid technical issues. Carefully read and follow the application instructions provided on the official website to ensure your application is submitted correctly.
Research supervisors carefully before applying. Find faculty members whose research interests match your proposed project. Contact potential supervisors directly to discuss your research ideas.
The research proposal needs special attention. Write a clear, focused proposal that shows your understanding of the field. Keep the proposal between 2-3 pages unless the guidelines say otherwise.
Academic transcripts must be certified translations if not in English. Request these documents early, as translation can take several weeks.
Strong reference letters matter. Choose referees who know your academic work well. Give them at least 4 weeks’ notice and provide your research proposal.
Key application documents include:
- Certified academic transcripts
- Research proposal
- CV highlighting research experience
- English language test scores
- Two academic reference letters
- Completed application form
As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring all materials are complete and accurate before submission.
Show your research experience in your application. Include undergraduate research projects, publications, or relevant work experience.
Proofread everything carefully. Grammar and spelling mistakes can hurt your application. Ask someone else to review your documents before submitting.
Check specific requirements for each scholarship type. Research Training Program scholarships have different criteria from Graduate Research Scholarships. You can apply for multiple scholarships, but you must meet each program’s requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
International students often have questions about eligibility, application processes, funding amounts, and deadlines for UNSW’s postgraduate research scholarships. For those applying for a UNSW scholarship, it is important to review the specific application requirements and deadlines, as you may need to submit additional documents by set dates. These scholarships include fully funded options such as the Research Training Program and Graduate Research Scholarships for both Master’s by Research and PhD candidates.
What are the eligibility criteria for UNSW postgraduate research scholarships for international students?
International students must show strong academic results to qualify for UNSW postgraduate research scholarships. They need to secure admission to a Master’s by Research or PhD program at UNSW before scholarship consideration.
Most scholarships require students to stay enrolled full-time. The Research Training Program (RTP) and Graduate Research Scholarships focus on candidates with excellent academic records and research potential.
Applicants must not have Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency. Some scholarships may set extra requirements based on country of origin or field of study.
How can international students apply for postgraduate and research scholarships at UNSW?
Most UNSW research scholarships use an automatic assessment process through Higher Degree by Research (HDR) applications. Students usually do not need to submit separate scholarship forms.
The university checks scholarship eligibility during the review of research degree applications. This process considers both academic merit and the quality of the research proposal.
Some awards may need extra documents or supervisor nominations. Students should review individual scholarship requirements when applying.
What types of postgraduate research scholarships does UNSW offer to international students?
UNSW offers Research Training Program (RTP) scholarships that cover tuition and living expenses. The Tuition Fee Scholarship (TFS) pays course fees for international research students.
Graduate Research Scholarships provide support for Master’s by Research and PhD candidates. These scholarships usually include fee coverage and a stipend.
The university also has country-specific scholarships and faculty-based research awards. Some scholarships target certain research areas or academic fields.
Are there any fully-funded scholarships available for international students to pursue postgraduate studies at UNSW?
UNSW offers several fully-funded scholarship options for international research students. The Research Training Program covers tuition and living allowances.
Graduate Research Scholarships also provide full funding, including tuition, stipends, and research allowances.
These scholarships support students for the entire degree. PhD scholarships usually last up to four years, and Master’s by Research awards cover two years.
What are the application deadlines for UNSW’s postgraduate and research scholarships for international students?
Scholarship deadlines change each year and vary by award type. Most research scholarships follow HDR program application deadlines.
Students should check the latest deadline information when applying. The university often has several intake periods each year with matching scholarship dates.
Applying early improves your chances for scholarship consideration. International students should submit applications well before deadlines for a complete review.
How does UNSW support international postgraduate students financially through scholarships?
UNSW scholarships give stipends to help cover living expenses during research studies. These stipend rates offer financial support that matches Australian minimum wage standards.
The university pays full tuition fees through several scholarship programs. This removes a major financial barrier for international postgraduate students.
Many scholarships also include allowances for health insurance and research-related expenses. Some offer additional benefits, such as conference travel funding and equipment allowances.
The Continuing Scholars Award gives a $5,000 supplement to help with ongoing study costs.
