The Queensland University Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Scholarships 2026 offer a transformative opportunity for Indigenous Australian students to pursue postgraduate research. With generous funding, including a tax-free living stipend and full tuition coverage, this scholarship is designed to support both academic excellence and cultural leadership in higher education.

This fully funded scholarship aims to foster Indigenous representation in advanced research by eliminating financial barriers and providing an inclusive academic environment. Open exclusively to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, it supports Master’s and PhD candidates enrolled full-time at the University of Queensland (UQ).

Scholarship Overview

Host Country and Institution

• Country: Australia

• University: University of Queensland (UQ)
• Study Level: Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded

Application Deadline

• Deadline: 30 September 2025

Scholarship Benefits

Financial Support

• Living Stipend: AUD 46,400 per annum (2025 rate), tax-free and indexed annually
• Tuition Fees: Full coverage for the duration of the program
• Duration: Up to 4 years for PhD, 2 years for MPhil

Additional Advantages

• Research Community: Be part of a supportive Indigenous research network

• Academic Mentorship: Access to supervision by experienced researchers
• Professional Development: Opportunities for seminars, conferences, and training

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Scholarships 2026, applicants must:

• Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• Study full-time and onshore in Australia
• Be nominated by a UQ enrolling school or institute
• Meet all admission conditions for the research program
• Not hold a qualification at the same or higher level as the intended program
• Not receive other scholarships that conflict with the terms of this award

How to Apply

Step 1: Check Program Eligibility

• Confirm that you meet the entry requirements for MPhil or PhD at UQ.

• Review specific criteria and prepare academic documents.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

• Academic transcripts

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Research proposal
• Evidence of Indigenous status

Step 3: Contact HDR Liaison Officer

• Reach out to the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Liaison Officer in your chosen UQ school or institute.
• Clarify questions and receive guidance on nomination and documentation.

Step 4: Complete the Application

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  In the scholarships section of your online application:
  • Indicate you are applying for a scholarship
  • Choose the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship
  • Attach confirmation of Indigenous status

Step 5: Submit Application

• Submit your complete application online at least 12 weeks before your intended start date.

Required Documentation

Proof of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Status

Applicants must submit one of the following:

• Confirmation under common seal from a recognized community organisation
• Statutory declaration or other valid documentation in exceptional cases

All documentation must be either original or certified copies.

Selection Process

• Nominations: Schools/institutes at UQ nominate eligible candidates.

• Assessment: The Graduate School evaluates applications based on academic merit and program alignment.
• Notification: Successful applicants will be notified following the review process.

Application Timeline

Special Considerations

Part-Time Study

• Part-time study is considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Must have valid reasons such as caregiving, medical conditions, or disabilities.
• Retrospective scholarship payments are not allowed.

Co-Tenure Policy

• Applicants cannot hold other living allowance scholarships exceeding 75% of this scholarship rate.
• Commonwealth-funded tuition scholarships are not allowed concurrently.

Available Study Areas

The scholarship is open to all academic fields offered at UQ, including:

• Health and Medicine
• Engineering and Information Technology
• Business and Economics
• Environmental Sciences
• Indigenous Studies
• Social Sciences
• Law and Public Policy

Support and Resources

Indigenous Research Network

• Collaborative initiatives and mentorship

• Cultural support throughout your academic journey

HDR Liaison Officers

• Available across faculties to support applications
• Provide individual guidance and documentation assistance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the value of the scholarship?

AUD 46,400 per year (2025 rate), indexed annually, plus full tuition fee coverage.

Who is eligible?

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students studying full-time, onshore in Australia, and nominated by a UQ school or institute.

What documents are needed?

Proof of Indigenous status, academic qualifications, CV, research proposal, and academic references.

Can part-time students apply?

Yes, if you have valid personal or medical reasons. Decisions are made individually.

What happens after submitting the application?

You will be contacted by the HDR Liaison Officer or Graduate School regarding the outcome.

With a firm application deadline of 30 September 2025, eligible students are encouraged to begin the application process as early as possible. Take the next step toward academic excellence and leadership in research.

Official Application Link

Apply via the University of Queensland official website:https://graduate-school.uq.edu.au

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