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Applications are now open for the Fully Funded Edith Cowan University Higher Degree by Research Scholarship 2026 in Australia


The Edith Cowan University Higher Degree Scholarship is one of the fully funded scholarships financed by the Australian Government for international and home students seeking postgraduate research degrees. These Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Scholarships are considered among the highest-ranked funding opportunities in Australia.
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The scholarships cover full tuition fees, health insurance, and a generous living stipend of $35,000 per annum for the entire duration of your studies at Edith Cowan University (ECU).
We will let you know more about the Edith Cowan University Higher Degree Scholarships, the specific requirements, as well as a step-by-step guide on how to apply for this globally recognized funding opportunity.
ECU Higher Degree Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Australia
- Study Abroad: Study in Australia
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries (Domestic and International)
- Reward: Full Tuition Coverage | $35,000 Stipend per year | Health Insurance
- No IELTS Required (However, English proficiency is assessed during admission)
- Application Window: September 3, 2025 – October 16, 2025
Edith Cowan University Higher Degree Research Scholarship Details
Applications for the Edith Cowan University Higher Degree Scholarships are currently ongoing within the specified application window.
These scholarships are designed to support postgraduate students of outstanding research promise undertaking a higher degree by research at ECU. The scholarships are offered on the basis of academic merit and demonstrated research performance. Successful applicants will be awarded either the ECU Higher Degree by Research Scholarship or the RTP Stipend Scholarship (Research Training Program), which are both highly prestigious and provide equivalent benefits.
Preparing for this level of academic rigor requires top-tier preparation. You may find guidance on PhD scholarship opportunities useful as you prepare your application, even if you are applying for a Masters by Research. You should also look at incorporating effective time management apps into your routine, as research programs demand significant self-discipline. For domestic students, finding accommodation finding services near the ECU campus may be a priority after securing the scholarship.
Benefits of Edith Cowan University Higher Degree Scholarship 2026
The Edith Cowan University Higher Degree Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for the duration of your research degree:
- Tuition Fee Sponsorship: Full coverage of all tuition fees.
- Living Stipend: A stipend of $35,000 per annum, paid fortnightly via electronic funds transfer, allowing you to focus entirely on your research.
- Health Cover: Partial reimbursement of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for International students (where applicable).
- Relocation Allowance: A relocation allowance for domestic students (where applicable).
Requirements for Edith Cowan University Higher Degree Research Scholarship 2026
To be considered for the Edith Cowan University Higher Degree Research Scholarship, meeting the following criteria is mandatory:
- Admission Offer: You must have been made an offer of a place in an ECU Higher Degree by Research course: PhD, Integrated PhD, or Master by Research.
- Student Status: Be a domestic or an international MSc or PhD student.
- Supervisor Endorsement: This is a crucial requirement. You must have principal supervisor endorsement to undertake the proposed research project. This means you must contact potential supervisors before applying for the scholarship. You can learn more about crafting persuasive applications by looking into resume writing services to tailor your CV to academic research.
- Exclusion Criteria: You are not eligible to apply for these scholarships if any of the below apply:
- You have been in receipt of an Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) or an Australia Award scholarship within the last two years.
- If your commencement date for the Doctor of Philosophy is after May 8, 2026.
- If your commencement period for Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) or Masters by Research is after Semester 1, 2026.
- To better understand the level of required research excellence, resources like Study skills books can help you prepare for the demanding nature of HDR studies.
Duration of the Scholarship
- Up to 3 years full-time for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Up to 2 years full-time for Master by Research.
If you are a domestic student considering the financial implications, information from Financial aid workshops might offer additional planning insights. International students should also consider acquiring Travel insurance for students to cover the period before their official OSHC begins or for additional coverage.
How to Apply for Edith Cowan University Higher Degree Scholarship (Step by Step)
The ECU scholarship application is a sequential, two-part process that requires securing a place in the program first.
- Secure Admission & Supervisor Support (Critical Step):
- First, apply for admission into an ECU research degree program (PhD, Integrated PhD, or Master by Research).
- Crucially, you must also secure principal supervisor support for your proposed research project. This involves identifying and contacting potential supervisors at ECU well in advance of the scholarship application window.
- Submit Scholarship Application:
- Once you have secured or applied for ECU admission and have supervisor support, you can submit the scholarship application via ECU’s official online portal.
- Applications for research scholarship at Edith Cowan university open on September 3, 2025, and close on October 16, 2025. All submissions must be made within this tight window.
- Review:
- Only applicants who have secured or applied for ECU admission and supervisor endorsement will be considered during the ranking process. Conditional offers may be extended to applicants still awaiting final admission approval by the time of ranking.
- Given the high level of academic rigor expected, ensure your application reflects a detailed understanding of the research landscape. Researching [University of Cambridge] resources or similar top-tier institutions for best practice in research proposals can be beneficial.
Application Deadline: October 16th, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the value of the annual stipend? The living stipend is $35,000 per annum, paid fortnightly via electronic funds transfer.
What is the maximum duration of the scholarship for a PhD student? The maximum duration for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is up to 3 years full-time.
Do I need to be accepted into an ECU program before applying for the scholarship? Yes, you must have been made an offer of a place in an ECU research degree program, or at least have submitted your admission application, before submitting the scholarship application.
Is the scholarship open to international students? Yes, the scholarship is fully funded and open to both domestic and international Masters by Research and PhD students.
Is the deadline October 16, 2025, for all application parts? Yes, the final submission deadline for the scholarship application via the ECU online portal is October 16, 2025.
What does ‘principal supervisor endorsement’ mean? It means a faculty member at ECU must agree to supervise your proposed research project and formally endorse your scholarship application. This is a mandatory step.
What does the scholarship cover besides the stipend? It covers full tuition fees and, for international students, partial reimbursement of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Can I apply if I recently received an Australia Award scholarship? No, you are ineligible if you have been in receipt of an AusAID or an Australia Award scholarship within the last two years.
If I am applying for a Master by Research, when must I commence my studies? Your commencement period for the Master by Research must be no later than Semester 1, 2026.
Is there a separate application for the ECU Higher Degree by Research Scholarship and the RTP Stipend? No, successful applicants will be awarded one of the two, based on a single application process, as they are equivalent in value and designed to support outstanding research students.