Adelaide University Research Scholarships 2025-2026 Openings

The University of Adelaide—one of Australia’s most prestigious research universities—is opening doors for ambitious international researchers through multiple scholarship rounds for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Whether your passion lies in data science, agriculture, medicine, climate research, or the creative arts, these scholarships can help you turn your research dreams into reality—with full tuition coverage, living stipends, and generous travel allowances.

About the Adelaide University Research Scholarships (AURS) and Research Training Program Scholarships (RTPS)

The AURS and RTPS are competitive, fully funded research scholarships open to international and domestic students pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) across all academic disciplines.

Each scholarship includes:

• Full tuition fee waiver for the duration of the degree
• Stipend (living allowance) for the period of study
• Relocation allowance and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students
• Special allowances for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

These awards not only remove financial barriers but also provide professional and research mobility opportunities that help scholars gain international exposure.

3 Scholarship Rounds Available at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers three key scholarship rounds, each catering to different kinds of research projects and applicants:

1# Merit Round

For exceptional candidates ready to pursue self-proposed or supervisor-led research in any discipline.
Applicants are assessed on academic excellence, research potential, and alignment with the University’s strategic priorities.

Projects can be selected from the Find a Research Project webpage or developed collaboratively with supervisors.

• Opening Date: 1 August 2025
• Closing Date: 31 October 2025
• Results Announced: Mid-December 2025
• Commencement: January–June 2026.

2# Project Round

For candidates who wish to join predefined research projects in key innovation areas. The 2025–2026 Project Round focuses on four Signature Research Themes:

• Creative & Cultural
• Food, Agriculture & Wine
• Personal & Societal Health
• Sustainable Green Transition

Each project has a specific research aim, supervisor, and dedicated funding.

• Project Advertisements Open: 7 October 2025
• Expression of Interest Deadline: 3 November 2025
• Results Announced: February 2026
• Commencement: February–November 2026.

3# Cohort Round (Defence and National Security)

This round is dedicated to PhD, MPhil, and MRes candidates focusing on strategic research areas such as defence innovation, cybersecurity, and national resilience. Students join a collaborative research cohort to accelerate learning.

• Opening Date: 1 September 2025
• Closing Date: 21 September 2025
• Results Announced: February 2026
• Commencement: February–November 2026.

Eligibility extends to domestic and international students from allied partner nations (US, UK, and Canada).

Additional Opportunities (Out-of-Round Scholarships)

Adelaide University also offers several out-of-round scholarships that run independently of the major rounds, including:

• Externally-funded major awards
• Top-up scholarships
• Research internship and travel grants
• Master of Research Assistance Scholarships (supporting domestic students)

These opportunities are announced periodically through the University’s official channels and graduate research newsletters.

How to Apply?

1. For Merit Rounds: Submit a full application for admission and scholarship via the Apply for a Research Degree portal by the closing date.
2. For Project Rounds:
   1. Identify a listed project (from 7 October 2025).
   2. Submit an Expression of Interest to the project supervisor by 3 November 2025.
   3. If shortlisted, complete your full research degree application by 12 December 2025.
3. For Cohort Rounds: Express interest in the advertised theme area before the closing date.

Application Deadlines Summary (2025–2026)

You need to apply for the scholarships at University of Adelaide as per following schedule for 2025-2026 cohorts:

Why Apply?

The University of Adelaide’s research scholarships represent more than funding—they offer a gateway to world-class research, career mentorship, and global recognition. From sustainability to defense innovation, you’ll be joining one of Australia’s most ambitious academic ecosystems designed to solve real-world problems.