Edith Cowan University (ECU) offers Higher Degree by Research scholarships to postgraduate students who study research projects in Australia. These Higher Degree by Research scholarships are for candidates who show academic results and research potential.

The 2027 ECU HDR Scholarship round is open to students who are pursuing a PhD, PhD or Master by Research. The Higher Degree, by Research scholarship funding package may include tuition fee sponsorship, an annual living stipend and extra allowances depending on the scholarship conditions.

Scholarship Quick Facts

About the Edith Cowan University Scholarships

ECU Higher Degree by Research Scholarships are designed for postgraduate students undertaking research at Edith Cowan University. Selection is based on factors including academic merit, research performance and alignment with the proposed research project.

The scholarships are available to prospective and current ECU higher degree research students who satisfy the relevant requirements. Eligible research pathways include the Doctor of Philosophy, Integrated PhD and Master by Research.

ECU’s research areas cover a broad range of disciplines, including science, health, engineering, education, business, information technology, creative fields and social sciences. Applicants should review the available research projects and research programs before beginning their application.

Available Study Areas

Research opportunities at ECU span multiple academic disciplines. Depending on the available project and supervisor, applicants may explore areas such as:

• • Agriculture, environmental and related studies
  • Architecture and building
  • Creative arts
  • Management and commerce
  • Engineering and related technologies
  • Education
  • Health
  • Information technology
  • Natural and physical sciences
  • Society and culture

Scholarship Duration

• • 🎓 PhD: Up to 3 years of full-time study
  • 🎓 Master by Research: Up to 2 years of full-time study

Edith Cowan University Scholarship Deadline

The 2027 ECU HDR Scholarship round is open to students who are tracking a PhD, PhD or Master by Research. The Higher Degree, by Research scholarship funding package may include an annual living stipend tuition fee sponsorship, and extra allowances depending on the scholarship conditions.

Scholarship Benefits

• • 🏆 Tuition fee sponsorship
  • 🏆 Stipend of AUD $37,500 per year, paid fortnightly
  • 🏆 Relocation allowance for eligible domestic students, where applicable
  • 🏆 Partial reimbursement of Overseas Student Health Cover for eligible international students, where applicable

Funding and allowances are subject to the conditions of the applicable ECU HDR or RTP scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

• • I think Applicants must meet ECU admission requirements for a Higher Degree by Research program.

    I think Applicants must have applied for admission to or received an offer for, an ECU PhD, Integrated PhD or Master by Research course.

    I think Applicants must have the required principal supervisor endorsement for the proposed research project.

    I think Applicants must satisfy the English language and academic admission requirements.

    I think the scholarship is available to domestic and international postgraduate research Applicants, to the relevant conditions.

    I think priority, in the 2027 Main HDR Scholarship Round is given to Applicants.

    I think Applicants who have received an AusAID or Australia Award scholarship within the two years are not eligible.

    I think Applicants who do not have the required principal supervisor endorsement are not eligible.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the documents required for both ECU course admission and the scholarship application. These may include:

• • Academic transcripts and qualification certificates
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
  • Passport or identification document
  • Updated resume or CV
  • Research proposal or information about the proposed research project, where required
  • Evidence or confirmation of supervisor endorsement
  • Recommendation or supporting documents where requested
  • Any additional documents requested by the relevant ECU school or research program

How to Apply

The ECU HDR scholarship application involves preparing your research admission and scholarship application. Follow these steps:

Choose a research program: Look through ECU’s Higher Degree by Research programs and research opportunities to find one that fits your interests.
Identify a supervisor: Reach out to possible HDR supervisors whose research topics match what you want to study in your project.
Obtain supervisor endorsement: Get written confirmation from your chosen supervisor before you send in your scholarship application.
Apply for course admission: Submit an application for the ECU PhD, Integrated PhD or Master by Research program that matches your goals.
Prepare your supporting documents: Collect your transcripts, proof of English language ability, your CV, your research proposal and any other documents the program needs.
Submit the scholarship application: Log into the ECU Online Scholarship Application Portal. Fill out the HDR scholarship application form.
Submit, before the closing date: Make sure your scholarship application is finished and sent in by October 11 2026 at 11:59 pm AWST.

Frequently Asked Questions