University of Western Australia 🇦🇺

University of Western Australia (UWA) Research Scholarships 2027

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is offering research scholarship opportunities for the 2027 academic year, providing international students with the opportunity to pursue research-based Master's and PhD programs at one of Australia's leading universities.

UWA research scholarships may provide tuition fee coverage, a living allowance, and additional benefits, depending on the specific scholarship awarded. Selection is competitive and based on academic and research excellence.

What is the Scholarship?

UWA offers a range of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) scholarships, including opportunities for:

  • Master by Research
  • PhD
  • Other eligible Higher Degree by Research programs

Funding opportunities for international students include the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) as well as UWA-funded and external scholarships.

Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee that funding will be awarded, as scholarships are highly competitive.

What Does the Scholarship Provide?

Living Allowance

The RTP Stipend provides financial support to help eligible research students cover their living expenses while undertaking their research degree.

The current stipend rate for 2026 is AUD 38,110 per year.

The stipend rate is reviewed annually, so the final amount applicable to the 2027 intake should be confirmed when the university releases the updated rate.

Tuition Fee Coverage

International students may compete for the International RTP Tuition Fee Offset Scholarship, which is designed to cover tuition fees for eligible students.

However, tuition fee coverage is not automatically guaranteed for every international applicant. It is awarded through a competitive selection process.

UWA also offers other scholarships that may combine tuition fee coverage with a living allowance.

Health Insurance

Some international tuition fee scholarships may include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

The exact benefits depend on the type of scholarship awarded, so applicants should check the conditions of their specific scholarship offer.

Research Support

Depending on the scholarship, research project, and school, HDR students may have access to research-related support, such as laboratory or project expenses, subject to UWA's policies and the funding available for their research project.

2027 Application Dates

For the 2027 international scholarship round at UWA:

Applications open:
1 August 2026 – 9:00 AM Australian Western Standard Time (AWST)

Application deadline:
15 September 2026 – 11:59 PM Australian Western Standard Time (AWST)

Assessment and ranking:
October 2026

Scholarship offers:
From November 2026

Expected commencement:
February–March 2027

International applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and allow sufficient time to prepare their academic and research documents.

Can Iraqi Students Apply?

Yes.

These scholarships are available to international students, which means eligible Iraqi students can apply.

Applicants from Iraq must apply as international applicants and satisfy UWA's academic, English-language, and research requirements.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarships are aimed at high-achieving international students who wish to undertake a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at UWA.

Applicants are generally expected to have an appropriate academic background and sufficient preparation for independent academic research.

Depending on the program, this may include:

  • A Bachelor's degree with appropriate Honours-level preparation, or
  • A Master's degree containing a substantial research component or thesis, or
  • An equivalent qualification recognized by UWA.

Specific admission requirements vary depending on the degree and research area.

PhD Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to a PhD should demonstrate:

1. Strong Academic Performance

Applicants must hold an appropriate qualification with a strong academic record.

UWA's PhD admission requirements generally include a qualification equivalent to an appropriate Bachelor's Honours degree or postgraduate qualification, together with suitable academic and research preparation.

2. Research Experience

Applicants should demonstrate sufficient experience in independent academic research, which may include:

  • A thesis or dissertation
  • A substantial research project
  • Academic publications
  • Research reports
  • Relevant professional or research experience

3. English Language Proficiency

Applicants must meet UWA's English language requirements for Higher Degree by Research admission.

Some programs may have additional or higher English-language requirements.

How Are Scholarship Recipients Selected?

UWA research scholarships are highly competitive.

Selection considers the overall strength of the applicant, including academic performance and research potential.

Applicants with a strong academic record, often around the equivalent of First Class Honours / High Distinction / WAM 80+, may be competitive for scholarship consideration.

Other factors can also strengthen an application, including:

  • Academic publications
  • Research experience
  • Quality of the research proposal
  • Academic achievements
  • Relevant research experience
  • Strength and relevance of the research area
  • Suitability for the proposed research project and supervisor

Meeting a minimum academic standard does not guarantee a scholarship, as final selection is competitive.

Finding a Research Supervisor

Finding an appropriate research supervisor is an important part of preparing a strong HDR application.

Applicants should identify a UWA academic whose research expertise aligns with their proposed research topic and contact them before applying.

When contacting a potential supervisor, applicants may provide:

  • Academic transcripts
  • A short research proposal or research idea
  • Academic CV
  • Research experience
  • Relevant publications or previous research work

Applicants can explore UWA's research areas and academic researchers to identify potential supervisors.

Required Documents

Depending on the program and scholarship, applicants may need to provide:

  • Academic CV
  • Degree certificates
  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Research proposal
  • Details of previous research experience
  • List of academic publications, if applicable
  • Proposed supervisor information
  • Personal identification documents
  • Any additional documents requested by UWA

The research proposal should clearly explain the proposed research, including:

  • Research background
  • Research objectives
  • Significance of the study
  • Proposed methodology
  • Relevant references

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through UWA's Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Application Portal.

Application Steps:

1. Choose the appropriate HDR program.

2. Identify a suitable research area or project.

3. Search for an appropriate academic supervisor and contact them.

4. Prepare your research proposal and supporting documents.

5. Submit your HDR admission application.

6. Select the relevant scholarship consideration within the application where applicable.

7. Upload all required documents.

8. Submit the application before the deadline.

For the relevant international scholarship round, applicants are considered for applicable RTP scholarship opportunities through the HDR application process and do not generally need to submit a separate RTP application.

Is There a Separate RTP Application?

For the relevant 2027 international scholarship round, applicants submit their HDR admission and scholarship application through the UWA HDR application process.

Eligible applicants can then be considered for applicable RTP Scholarship opportunities as part of the competitive assessment process.

Why Study at UWA?

The University of Western Australia is located in Perth, Western Australia, and is a member of Australia's Group of Eight (Go8) universities.

UWA provides a strong research environment with research opportunities across a wide range of disciplines and access to experienced academics and research facilities.

Important Points Before Applying

  • The scholarship is competitive and is not guaranteed simply by submitting an application.
  • The AUD 38,110 figure is the current 2026 living allowance rate and may change for the 2027 intake.
  • International tuition fee coverage depends on being awarded an eligible tuition fee scholarship.
  • Not every scholarship provides exactly the same benefits.
  • OSHC depends on the specific scholarship awarded.
  • Applicants must meet both UWA's admission requirements and the relevant scholarship requirements.
  • Identifying a suitable supervisor and preparing a strong research proposal can significantly strengthen an application.
  • Applicants should always check the latest official UWA information before submitting their application.

Quick Overview

University: The University of Western Australia (UWA)

Study level: Higher Degree by Research (HDR)

Programs: Master by Research, PhD and other eligible HDR programs

Eligibility: International students, including applicants from Iraq

Current living allowance: AUD 38,110 per year based on the 2026 rate

Tuition fees: May be covered through the International RTP Tuition Fee Offset or another eligible scholarship, subject to competitive selection

Applications open: 1 August 2026

Deadline: 15 September 2026

Expected commencement: February–March 2027

Application

Apply Here

For the latest information about eligible programs, supervisors, scholarships, application requirements, and deadlines, applicants should refer to UWA's official HDR Scholarships and Fees information before submitting their application.