Adelaide University has announced one of its largest-ever research scholarship offerings, with more than 200 full-time scholarships available to domestic and international candidates commencing PhD or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) studies in 2027.
The scholarship opportunity is designed to attract highly motivated, academically strong and research-focused students across a broad range of disciplines. Eligible candidates can pursue advanced research while receiving financial support through Adelaide University Research Scholarships (AURS) and Research Training Program Scholarships (RTPS).
For students seeking fully funded PhD scholarships in Australia, the opportunity provides a significant pathway to undertake postgraduate research with tuition and living costs supported for the duration of the award.
Adelaide University Research Scholarships 2027
The Adelaide University Research Scholarships (AURS) and Research Training Program Scholarships (RTPS) are available across every discipline area for outstanding candidates pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Philosophy.
The scholarships are intended to support high-achieving graduate researchers and provide financial assistance throughout their research degree.
For international graduate researchers receiving a major scholarship administered by Adelaide University’s Graduate Research School, the university states that a 100% tuition fee waiver is available for the standard duration of candidature.
This can provide tuition support for up to four years for a PhD, two years for an MPhil and 1.5 years for a Master of Research (MRes), subject to the applicable scholarship conditions.
What the Scholarships Cover
Successful scholarship recipients can benefit from several forms of financial support.
The Adelaide University research scholarships include:
- A stipend or living allowance for the duration of the scholarship.
- 100% tuition fee waiver for the duration of the award.
- Additional allowances for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
- Relocation assistance where applicable.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) support where applicable for eligible international students.
The combination of tuition support and a living allowance makes the scholarships particularly attractive to prospective international students looking for fully funded postgraduate research opportunities in Australia.
Applicants should review the official conditions of award carefully because scholarship benefits and eligibility requirements may vary according to the specific award.
Signature Research Theme Scholarship Round
One of the major scholarship pathways currently highlighted by Adelaide University is the Signature Research Theme (SRT) Scholarship Round.
The SRT Scholarship Round is a project-based initiative intended to attract outstanding graduate researchers into collaborative research communities aligned with the university’s strategic research themes.
The five Signature Research Themes are:
- Creative and Cultural
- Defence and National Security
- Food, Agriculture & Wine
- Personal and Societal Health
- Sustainable Green Transition
The scholarships are available for both PhD and MPhil study and are open to domestic and international applicants, although some individual projects may have specific eligibility restrictions.
Prospective candidates can explore scholarship-funded research projects through Adelaide University’s research project database and identify opportunities that align with their academic background and research interests.
Graduate Research Talent Scheme
Adelaide University is also introducing the Graduate Research Talent Scheme, another scholarship pathway for high-performing graduate researchers commencing in 2027.
The scheme is aimed at outstanding domestic applicants and international applicants who have completed a relevant Australian or New Zealand qualification.
The initiative is designed to recognise academic excellence, research achievements and future research potential across all research disciplines.
Applicants may have the flexibility to propose their own research project, select a project from the university’s research project listings, or work with a proposed supervisor to develop a new project.
The university expects applications for the Graduate Research Talent Scheme to open in several rounds:
- Round 1: Early October to early November 2026
- Round 2: Mid-February to late March 2027
- Round 3: Mid-July to mid-August 2027
Who Should Apply?
The scholarships are aimed at high-achieving and highly motivated graduate researchers who demonstrate strong academic merit, research experience and, for some opportunities, alignment with Adelaide University’s strategic research priorities.
Scholarship applicants should prepare evidence demonstrating their academic qualifications, grades, research outputs and relevant research or professional experience.
Adelaide University recommends using its structured CV template to clearly present qualifications, academic performance, publications and other research outputs, professional experience and achievements.
Because scholarships are awarded to the highest-ranked eligible applicants, submitting a competitive and well-presented application is important.
Research Areas and Opportunities
A major advantage of the Adelaide University research scholarship program is its broad disciplinary coverage. Applicants can explore available projects across the university’s research areas rather than being restricted to a single academic field.
Project-based scholarships will be advertised throughout the year, while scholarships without dedicated research projects may also be promoted through the university’s research scholarship pages.
Candidates interested in undertaking research in areas such as sustainability, health, agriculture, food and wine, defence, national security, culture and other disciplines can therefore explore available opportunities and identify projects matching their interests.
Important Application Information
The scholarship application process differs depending on the scholarship type. Applicants are encouraged to check the specific requirements, eligibility criteria and closing dates for the scholarship they intend to pursue.
For the scholarship opportunity highlighted for the 2027 intake, the application deadline is 30 September 2026.
Prospective candidates should prepare their academic documents, research information, CV and other required materials well before the closing date.
How to Apply
Interested domestic and international candidates should visit Adelaide University’s official research scholarship and research degree webpages to review available projects, eligibility requirements and application instructions.
Official research scholarships page:
Adelaide University Research Scholarships
Candidates can also explore available research projects before deciding on their preferred PhD or MPhil opportunity.
Key Scholarship Details
- University: Adelaide University
- Scholarship: Adelaide University Research Scholarships (AURS) and Research Training Program Scholarships (RTPS)
- Study level: PhD and MPhil
- Intake: 2027
- Number of scholarships: 200+
- Eligible applicants: Domestic and international candidates, subject to individual scholarship requirements
- Tuition coverage: 100% tuition fee waiver for eligible scholarship recipients
- Funding: Living stipend plus applicable allowances
- Disciplines: Broad range of research fields
- Location: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Application deadline: 30 September 2026
The 2027 Adelaide University research scholarship offering represents a major opportunity for talented researchers seeking advanced study in Australia. With more than 200 scholarships and support that can include a living stipend, full tuition fee waiver and additional allowances, eligible candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications early and carefully review the requirements for their preferred scholarship pathway.
