Edith Cowan University (ECU) offers competitive Higher Degree by Research scholarships for postgraduate students undertaking research-based study in Australia. The scholarships are intended for candidates who demonstrate strong academic performance and research potential.

The 2027 ECU HDR Scholarship round supports eligible students pursuing a PhD, Integrated PhD or Master by Research. The funding package can include tuition fee sponsorship, an annual living stipend and additional allowances, subject to the applicable 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 Main Higher Degree by Research Scholarship Round is open from August 31, 2026 until October 11, 2026 at 11:59pm AWST.

Applicants should begin the course admission and supervisor process early because several steps may need to be completed before the scholarship application can be submitted.

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

• • ✅ Applicants must meet ECU’s admission requirements for a Higher Degree by Research program.
  • ✅ Prospective applicants must have applied for admission to, or received an offer for, an ECU PhD, Integrated PhD or Master by Research course.
  • ✅ Applicants must have the required principal supervisor endorsement for the proposed research project.
  • ✅ Applicants must satisfy the applicable English language and academic admission requirements.
  • ✅ The scholarship is available to domestic and international postgraduate research applicants, subject to the relevant conditions.
  • ✅ Priority in the 2027 Main HDR Scholarship Round is given to domestic applicants.
  • ❌ Applicants who have received an AusAID or Australia Award scholarship within the previous two years are not eligible.
  • ❌ 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:

1. 1. Choose a research program: Review ECU’s available Higher Degree by Research programs and research opportunities.
   2. Identify a suitable supervisor: Contact potential HDR supervisors whose research interests match your proposed project.
   3. Obtain supervisor endorsement: Secure confirmation from the proposed principal supervisor before submitting the scholarship application.
   4. Apply for course admission: Submit an application for the relevant ECU PhD, Integrated PhD or Master by Research program.
   5. Prepare your supporting documents: Gather academic records, English-language evidence, CV, research information and other required documents.
   6. Submit the scholarship application: Log in to the ECU Online Scholarship Application Portal and complete the HDR scholarship application.
   7. Submit before the closing date: Make sure your application is completed by October 11, 2026 at 11:59pm AWST.

Frequently Asked Questions