Edith Cowan University (ECU) invites applications for its prestigious Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Scholarships 2027. These fully funded scholarships aim to support outstanding postgraduate students pursuing advanced research degrees in Australia.
Whether you are a domestic or international student, the ECU HDR Scholarships provide both financial support and professional development opportunities, enabling high-achieving researchers to pursue a PhD, Integrated PhD, or Master by Research (MRes) at one of Australia’s top-ranked universities.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Edith Cowan University, Australia |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded HDR Scholarships |
| Degree Levels | PhD, Integrated PhD, Master by Research |
| Duration | PhD/Integrated PhD: up to 3 years full-time; MRes: up to 2 years full-time |
| Eligible Students | Domestic and International |
| Published On | 10 February 2026 |
Degree Levels Available
The ECU HDR Scholarships support research at the following levels:
| Degree | Duration (Full-Time) |
|---|---|
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | Up to 3 years |
| Integrated PhD | Up to 3 years |
| Master by Research (MRes) | Up to 2 years |
Consequently, these scholarships cater to students seeking advanced research training and international academic recognition.
Available Subjects
ECU HDR Scholarships cover a wide range of research areas, depending on faculty availability, including but not limited to:
Engineering and Technology
Health Sciences and Medicine
Business and Management
Education and Social Sciences
Arts and Humanities
Environmental and Marine Sciences
Furthermore, these scholarships are ideal for students pursuing interdisciplinary research across multiple academic disciplines.
Benefits of the ECU HDR Scholarships
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive scholarship package, including:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Full tuition fee coverage for the duration of the degree |
| Annual Stipend | AUD $35,000 per annum, paid fortnightly |
| Relocation Allowance | For domestic students, where applicable |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | Partial reimbursement for international students |
| Research Community | Access to ECU’s vibrant research community |
| Professional Development | Participation in research training and development programs |
In fact, this scholarship not only covers financial needs but also provides professional growth opportunities, preparing candidates for successful research careers.
Eligible Nationalities
The ECU HDR Scholarships are open to:
Domestic students: Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens
International students: Applicants from any country worldwide
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions to be considered:
Have an offer of admission to a PhD, Integrated PhD, or Master by Research at ECU.
Obtain principal supervisor endorsement for the proposed research project.
Ensure commencement dates:
PhD: before 8 May 2026
Integrated PhD or Master by Research: Semester 1, 2026
Not have received an AusAID or Australia Award scholarship in the last two years.
For the RTP Stipend Scholarship, annual income must not exceed 75% of the 2025 ECU RTP base stipend ($35,000).
Conditional offers may be granted if course applications have been submitted but not yet assessed prior to scholarship ranking.
Application Procedure
Applying for the ECU HDR Scholarships involves several steps:
Steps to Apply
Secure an offer in a relevant HDR program at ECU.
Prepare your research proposal and obtain supervisor endorsement.
Submit your scholarship application through the ECU HDR scholarship portal.
Await conditional or full scholarship offer notification.
Tip: Refer to the ECU HDR Scholarship Application Guidelines for detailed instructions and additional requirements.
Why Apply?
The ECU HDR Scholarships 2027 provide a unique opportunity for ambitious researchers to:
Pursue fully funded postgraduate research in Australia.
Join a world-class academic and research community.
Gain professional development and training for career advancement.
Contribute to cutting-edge research in multiple disciplines.
Consequently, the scholarship prepares students to become leaders in their respective research fields, both nationally and internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is eligible for the ECU HDR Scholarships?
A1: Domestic and international students with an offer for PhD, Integrated PhD, or Master by Research at ECU.
Q2: Can international students apply?
A2: Yes, students from any country worldwide are eligible.
Q3: What subjects are available under the scholarship?
A3: Engineering, Health Sciences, Business, Education, Arts, Environmental and Marine Sciences, and other disciplines depending on faculty availability.
Q4: How much is the annual stipend?
A4: AUD $35,000 per year, paid fortnightly.
Q5: Are tuition fees covered?
A5: Yes, full tuition fees for the duration of the degree are included.
Q6: What is the application process?
A6: Obtain an HDR offer, secure supervisor endorsement, submit the application via the HDR portal, and await notification.
Q7: What are the scholarship commencement deadlines?
A7: PhD: before 8 May 2026; Integrated PhD or MRes: Semester 1, 2026.
Q8: Are there additional allowances for relocation or health cover?
A8: Domestic students may receive a relocation allowance, and international students are partially reimbursed for OSHC.



