Indigenous Postgraduate Research Scholarship

This stipend scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in a Postgraduate Research course at Swinburne University to realise their potential and engage in their studies with success.

Indigenous Postgraduate Research Scholarships are awarded to candidates of exceptional research potential undertaking a Postgraduate research course.  The scholarships are available by application to both future and current students enrolled in, or applying for, a Research Masters, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Professional Doctorate course at Swinburne.

The scholarships are provided to assist with general living costs.  Successful applicants are also automatically awarded an RTP Fees-Offset (Domestic) Scholarship (local students) which covers tuition fees for up to four years.  

Research Masters, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Professional Doctorate

Applications are being considered from domestic students who:

• are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, who identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and are accepted as such by the community in which they live
• meet the entry requirements of the Research Masters, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Professional Doctorate program being applied for, or be currently enrolled in a Research Masters, PhD or Professional Doctorate program
• propose a research project that aligns with a Swinburne Research Strategy and Ecosystem area
• would not be receiving income from another source to support their general living costs while undertaking their course of study if that income is greater than 75 per cent of that student's scholarship stipend rate.  Income unrelated to the student's course of study or income received for the student's course of study but not for the purposes of supporting general living costs is not to be taken into account.

Applicants should ensure that they meet one of the following criteria:

• are a new Research Masters, PhD or Professional Doctorate student
• are currently enrolled in a PhD or Professional Doctorate for less than two years, or a Research Masters for less than one year at the time of application
• have received an offer for candidature for a Swinburne Research Masters, PhD or Professional Doctorate and have not yet enrolled

• Annual stipend $45,000 (indexed) for 3 years with possible 6 month extension (PhD or Professional Doctorate); or 1.5 years with possible 3 month extension (Research Masters)
• Tuition fees for up to 4 years (PhD or Professional Doctorate); or up to 2 years (Research Masters)
• Paid leave of absence, thesis allowance, relocation allowance
• 3 days of paid Cultural leave per annum
  • Available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates for cultural and ceremonial obligations.  May be accrued over the tenure of the award but will be forfeited when the award is terminated.

Prior to submitting an application, applicants are encouraged to liaise with their nominated research supervisor to seek support for their project and research scholarship application.  They must work with their supervisor to complete a Swinburne HDR Research Proposal template .

Prospective (new) students:

Please follow the step-by-step application process .  

When completing your online application, at the Scholarship Requirements section, you must note that you are applying for the Indigenous Postgraduate Research Scholarship.

Please ensure you attach the following supporting documentation to your application.  

• Completed HDR Research Proposal template  signed by your nominated Principal Supervisor.
• Certified academic transcripts and evidence of completion.
• Proof of citizenship/ID.
• Resume.
• Evidence of prior research including publications. 

Current Swinburne Research Students (including those who have already received an offer for candidature but have not yet enrolled):

Please follow the instructions in theIndigenous Postgraduate Research Scholarship Current Student Application form .  

Please ensure you attach the following supporting documentation to your application.  

All applicants:

You are also required to organise a minimum of two referees to complete a Swinburne Research referee report .  Your referees should send completed referee reports directly to HDRscholarships@swin.edu.au . 

Information: