UNSW Higher Degree Research Scholarships

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MSc & Ph.D

August 14, 2026

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The University of New South Wales Sydney (UNSW) offers a wide range of Higher Degree Research scholarships for students who wish to pursue advanced research programs in Australia. These scholarships are available for applicants interested in research degrees such as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master by Research, Master of Philosophy, and Professional Doctorate programs. UNSW is one of Australia’s leading research universities, and its HDR scholarship programs are designed to attract talented students from Australia and around the world who have strong academic backgrounds, research potential, and a clear interest in contributing to knowledge through independent research.

UNSW HDR scholarships are funded through different sources, including the Australian Government, the university itself, faculties, schools, industry partners, and international partner organizations. This means that applicants may find different types of scholarship opportunities depending on their nationality, academic background, research field, chosen faculty, and level of study. Some scholarships may cover tuition fees, while others may provide a living allowance, health cover support, relocation support, or other research-related benefits. Because the funding source and scholarship conditions may vary, students are strongly encouraged to carefully read the official scholarship details before applying.

Applicants interested in UNSW HDR scholarships should first explore available research areas, potential supervisors, and scholarship opportunities that match their academic interests. In many cases, students are expected to contact a potential supervisor before submitting their application. After identifying a suitable research area and supervisor, applicants can apply for admission to a Higher Degree Research program and request scholarship consideration through the official UNSW HDR application process. A complete application usually requires academic documents, proof of English language ability, a research plan, supervisor confirmation or Expression of Interest outcome, and other supporting documents depending on the applicant’s situation.

At Darrab Education, we always advise students not to depend on only one scholarship opportunity. Although the UNSW HDR Scholarships are an excellent opportunity for students who want to study and conduct research in Australia, there are also many other fully funded and partially funded scholarships available around the world. Scholarship competition is often very strong, and even highly qualified applicants may not receive an offer because of limited places, funding availability, or faculty-specific priorities. For this reason, students should apply to as many suitable scholarships as possible to maximize their chances of success. The more strong applications you submit, the higher your chance of receiving at least one positive result. Darrab Education encourages students to build a smart scholarship strategy, prepare documents early, search widely, and apply for multiple opportunities in different countries, universities, and programs.

Applicants must meet the entry requirements for their chosen UNSW Higher Degree Research program. For example, the minimum PhD admission requirement includes a UNSW Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours, a completed Master by Research with a substantial research component, or an equivalent qualification approved by the relevant faculty. For PhD scholarship consideration, UNSW lists a four-year Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from an Australian institution or an equivalent research qualification.

Applicants must also meet UNSW’s English language requirements before submitting the application. UNSW states that both domestic and international applicants must provide evidence that they meet the minimum English language requirement, and scholarship applicants must meet this requirement before the scholarship deadline.

International applicants must complete a Financial Declaration Form and, where required, provide evidence that they can cover living costs, fees, and other related costs for themselves and any dependants. This can be through a UNSW research scholarship, external scholarship, sponsorship, or self-funding.

Applicants may also need to meet additional faculty or program requirements. Some faculties require an Expression of Interest, while most faculties require applicants to contact potential supervisors before applying.

Applicants cannot be considered for a UNSW HDR Scholarship if they are already receiving an equivalent scholarship that covers living allowance and/or tuition fees.

Proof of English language proficiency
Supervisor contact confirmation or successful Expression of Interest outcome
Research Plan Form
Financial Declaration Form for international applicants
Academic transcripts for all tertiary degrees completed or attempted
Final semester results, if applicable
Proof of completion certificates
Curriculum Vitae, including research experience, publications, conference presentations, or other research outputs
Passport copy; international applicants already in Australia should also provide current visa evidence
Proof of Australian/New Zealand citizenship or Australian Permanent Residency, where applicable
Previous thesis copy, if the applicant completed a research component
Referee contact details; written references may be requested by the supervisor or school if needed

Check your program eligibility
Choose the HDR program you want to apply for, such as PhD, Master by Research, or Master of Philosophy, and review the entry requirements.
Find a supervisor or research project
Most faculties require applicants to contact a potential supervisor before applying. UNSW recommends searching for supervisors and research projects in your area of interest. If applying for an advertised project, applicants should email the primary supervisor with a CV and academic transcripts.
Prepare your research plan
After finding a supervisor and completing any required interview, applicants must complete a Research Plan Form. The research plan should explain eligibility, research capability, why the applicant chose the project and supervisory team, and the proposed research project.
Prepare supporting documents
Applicants should prepare all documents according to UNSW’s Document Submission Guidelines. UNSW allows scanned copies, but original documents may be requested for verification before enrolment.
Submit the application online
Applications are submitted through UNSW Apply Online. Applicants who want scholarship consideration should indicate this in the application form and select the scholarship round for their preferred term start date. UNSW says only complete applications with all required documents will move to the next stage.
Track your application
After submission, applicants can track their application through UNSW Apply Online. UNSW notes that admission and scholarship outcomes may be released separately.

Can international students apply?

Yes. UNSW offers international HDR scholarship options, including RTP International Scholarship, University International Postgraduate Award, and Tuition Fee Scholarship. International applicants must also complete the Financial Declaration Form and may need to show funding capacity if required.

Do I need a supervisor before applying?

In most faculties, yes. UNSW says most faculties require applicants to contact potential supervisors before applying. Some faculties require an Expression of Interest instead.

Can I apply for admission and scholarship at the same time?

Yes. UNSW states that scholarship applications are submitted at the same time as the admission application. Applicants should select that they are applying for a scholarship and choose the relevant scholarship round.

Are English translations required?

Yes. Documents not in English must be translated by an accredited translator before submission. UNSW specifies that translations must include the translator’s signature, printed name, proof of accreditation, date, and a statement confirming the translation is accurate and complete.

Can I submit scanned documents?

Yes. UNSW allows scanned copies with the application, but documents may be verified later. Applicants must be ready to present original documents before enrolment if requested.

How competitive are the scholarships?

UNSW HDR scholarships are merit-based and competitive. Selection is based on UNSW’s research excellence, research capacity, equity and diversity goals, and advice from schools and faculties. The number of scholarships can vary by round.

When should I submit my application?

Applicants must submit by the deadline for their intended term and scholarship round. UNSW states that all mandatory documents, including English proof and Financial Declaration where required, must be submitted by the deadline.

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Collapsible text is great for longer section titles and descriptions. It gives people access to all the info they need, while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, or set your text box to expand on click. Write your text here...

{Zhengzhou University President Scholarship}

Degree:

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{MSc}

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{Fully Funded}

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Collapsible text is great for longer section titles and descriptions. It gives people access to all the info they need, while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, or set your text box to expand on click. Write your text here...

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