The University of Adelaide is once again opening its doors to research talent from around the world through its 2025–26 Adelaide University Research Scholarships (AURS) and Research Training Program Scholarships (RTPS). These scholarships are among Australia’s most prestigious research funding opportunities, designed to attract outstanding PhD and MPhil candidates who can contribute to the university’s mission of impactful, innovation-driven research.
Key Takeaways
Overview of the Adelaide University Research Scholarships 2025–26
The program caters to both domestic and international applicants, supporting them through fully funded opportunities that cover tuition fees, provide a generous living stipend, and include additional allowances such as relocation support and health insurance. What makes these scholarships stand out is their flexibility, as students can either apply for their own proposed research project or express interest in one of the university’s pre-defined research themes.
The 2025–26 cycle will again feature multiple application “rounds” that cater to different types of applicants and projects. Whether you’re pursuing creative cultural research, sustainable agriculture, or national security innovations, there’s likely a round and a project tailored to your interests.
Also Read: How to Apply for Scotch College Adelaide’s 2026 Scholarship Program
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To qualify for the Adelaide University Research Scholarships, applicants must meet both academic and administrative requirements set by the university and the Australian Government’s Research Training Program.
Here’s who can apply:
- Academic qualifications: Applicants should hold at least a Bachelor’s degree with Honours (Class I or IIa) or an equivalent qualification that demonstrates strong research potential. Those with a Master’s degree with a substantial research component are also eligible.
- Nationality: Both domestic (Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens) and international applicants are welcome.
- Research alignment: Candidates must align their proposal with one of the University’s Signature Research Themes or a specific advertised project.
- Language proficiency: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English language competency, typically through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent scores meeting the University’s minimum requirements.
- Supervisor support: Applicants are typically expected to have identified a potential supervisor and obtained preliminary approval before submitting their final application.
Certain rounds, like the Cohort Round, may also prioritize applicants in particular strategic areas, such as defence, health, or sustainability, or offer targeted pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
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Scholarship Benefits and Funding Details
The University of Adelaide Research Scholarships are fully funded, ensuring selected students can dedicate their time entirely to research without financial stress. The benefits typically include:
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver for up to 3.5 years (PhD) or 2 years (MPhil).
- Annual Stipend: Around AUD 34,210 per year (2025 rate, indexed annually) to cover living expenses.
- Relocation Allowance: One-time grant to help cover moving costs to Adelaide.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): For international students and, in many cases, their dependents.
- Additional Support: Access to research training, travel grants for conferences, and professional development programs.
These benefits place AURS and RTPS scholarships among the most comprehensive in Australia, ensuring students have both the resources and community to thrive academically and professionally.
How to Apply for the Adelaide Research Scholarships
The application process differs slightly depending on which round (Merit, Project, or Cohort) you’re applying for. However, the core steps remain similar:
Step-by-Step Process:
- Explore research areas or available projects on the University of Adelaide’s Graduate Research School website.
- Identify and contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research proposal or interest in a project.
- Prepare your documentation:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Research proposal or statement of interest
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting publications or relevant experience
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- Supervisor endorsement form (if required)
- Complete the online application via the University’s official Application Portal.
- Submit your application by the specified deadline for the round you’re targeting.
Deadlines for 2025–26:
- Merit Round: 1 August – 31 October 2025
- Cohort Round: 1 – 21 September 2025
- Project Round: 7 October – 3 November 2025
Applications submitted outside these windows will generally not be considered, so early preparation is essential.
Also Read: How to Win the University of Toronto’s National Scholarship in 2026
Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
Selection for the Adelaide University Research Scholarships is highly competitive. Each application undergoes a rigorous evaluation process that considers academic merit, research potential, and alignment with the university’s strategic research priorities.
Key evaluation factors include:
- Academic excellence: GPA, research output, and prior academic performance.
- Research proposal quality: Clarity, originality, feasibility, and alignment with a chosen research theme or project.
- Supervisor endorsement: The willingness of a qualified academic to supervise the project is crucial.
- Relevant experience: Publications, professional achievements, or previous research experience.
- English proficiency and communication skills.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview (virtual or in-person), depending on the faculty or research area. Final decisions are typically released a few weeks after the closing date for each round.
Important Deadlines and Tips for a Strong Application
Each round has fixed deadlines, but the most successful candidates usually begin preparing months in advance. To strengthen your application, consider these tips:
1. Start Early:
Begin identifying research areas and supervisors as soon as possible. It can take time to align your research proposal with a faculty member’s interests.
2. Draft a Sharp Research Proposal:
Your proposal should clearly state the research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes, all while reflecting how it contributes to one of Adelaide’s key research themes.
3. Get Supervisor Support Early:
A supervisor’s endorsement significantly strengthens your case. Reach out with a concise, well-prepared research pitch rather than a generic email.
4. Perfect Your Academic Documentation:
Ensure all transcripts are officially translated (if required), references are up to date, and documents are formatted professionally.
5. Proofread and Refine:
Spelling, grammar, and structure matter especially in research-driven environments. Consider having a mentor or peer review your application before submission.
6. Keep Track of the Rounds:
Different rounds have unique focuses that apply to the one that best suits your research goals and timing.
Conclusion: Why You Should Apply
The Adelaide University Research Scholarships (AURS and RTPS) represent more than just financial assistance as they’re a gateway to world-class research, professional mentorship, and a collaborative academic community in one of Australia’s top universities.
Whether you’re an aspiring international researcher or a domestic student ready to take your studies to the next level, these scholarships offer a chance to develop cutting-edge work that contributes to global progress. The competition may be fierce, but with careful planning, a clear research vision, and strong academic preparation, your 2025–26 Adelaide research journey could be closer than you think.
