Learn more about Curtin HDR Research Project opportunities via the website.

• Current Students
• Future Students

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  • Science courses
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• Higher Degree by Research

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• Merit Based

The 2026 Curtin University PhD base stipend is $38,400 AUD per annum, tax-free, for a maximum duration of up to three years and six months full time equivalent.

In total, the annual scholarship package, which includes both the stipend and coverage of tuition fees for domestic students is valued at approximately $70,000 AUD per year.

The Curtin HDR base stipend rate may be indexed each year in line with CPI (normally 2%) at the discretion of the Research Office at Curtin. The Curtin HDR base rate is normally higher than the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship base rate.

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All applicable Curtin Australia campus-based HDR courses

Scholarships are awarded through a competitive selection process. Applicants can strengthen their applications by demonstrating strong research potential, which may include:

• Completion of a degree with a substantial research component (at least 25%), such as an Honours degree or higher, or obtained international qualifications which are recognised by tertiary admission authorities in Australia and deemed to be equivalent of Australian degree
• obtained qualifications from another institution which are recognised by tertiary admission authorities in Australia and which are deemed to be equivalent to
• A strong academic record, supported by relevant research outputs, for example, peer-reviewed journal articles or creative works completed within the past five years.
• Demonstrated leadership or contribution within your Field of Research (FoR).
   

For detailed information, please refer to the minimum admission criteria for your intended course of study.

All applicants should begin by reviewing the HDR Project Opportunities webpage to identify a suitable project and potential supervisor.

Future students must then submit an Expression of Interest form. This is the first step in applying for a research degree at Curtin. The EOI allows you to connect with a potential supervisor but does not guarantee admission or confirm supervision.

Current students should discuss their eligibility for this scholarship with their supervisory team. Applications should demonstrate clear alignment with the advertised project or Curtin’s child health research priorities, include evidence of academic progress and current enrolment status, and show how the research will deliver meaningful benefit to the Western Australian community.

For full details, please visit Curtin’s Higher Degrees by Research webpage. 

Successful scholarship recipients will need to enrol in a Higher Degree by Research course at Curtin University by the advertised Project commencement date.

You can explore currently available projects with scholarships on the HDR Project Opportunities webpage. 

The selection process is highly competitive and includes a rigorous shortlisting stage. Not all applicants will be successful. Final outcomes will be communicated after the closing date, as advertised in the project listing.