The Australian Catholic University (ACU) is offering stipend scholarships for domestic and international students undertaking a Research Doctorate or Research Masters degree. The ACU Stipend Scholarship provides financial support through a living stipend, tuition fee offset and additional allowances for eligible international applicants.
The scholarship is designed for high-quality research candidates whose proposed research aligns with ACU’s broad areas of research expertise. Applications are competitive and assessed through a merit-based selection process.
ACU Stipend Scholarship 2026 Overview
| Scholarship | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Australian Catholic University (ACU) |
| Study Level | Research Masters and Research Doctorate |
| Study Location | Australia |
| Eligible Applicants | Domestic and international students |
| Annual Stipend | AUD $34,315 |
| Tuition Support | Full fee offset, approximately AUD $34,728 per year |
| International Allowance | Up to AUD $2,000 for relocation and Overseas Student Health Care Policy |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Application Rounds | April and October |
| Next Deadline | 1 October 2026, 11:59 PM AEST |
| Selection | Competitive, merit-based |
What Is the ACU Stipend Scholarship?
The ACU Stipend Scholarship is a research scholarship offered by Australian Catholic University to support students pursuing advanced research degrees.
The scholarship is available to both domestic and overseas students enrolled in an accredited research higher degree at ACU. Applicants’ proposed research should align with one of ACU’s broad areas of expertise.
The scholarship is awarded and administered according to the ACU Research Training Program Scholarship Policy.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive a substantial scholarship package designed to support their research studies in Australia.
1. Annual Living Stipend
Recipients receive a stipend of AUD $34,315 per annum for full-time study.
The amount stated by ACU is the 2026 value and is indexed annually.
2. Tuition Fee Offset
The scholarship provides a full fee offset valued at approximately AUD $34,728 per annum.
This means successful candidates receive significant tuition support for their eligible research degree.
3. Relocation and Health Insurance Support
Eligible international applicants can receive a single Overseas Student Health Care Policy and relocation allowance of up to AUD $2,000.
This additional support can help international scholarship recipients manage some of the costs associated with relocating to Australia.
Who Can Apply?
The ACU Stipend Scholarship is open to:
- Domestic students
- International students
- Candidates undertaking a Research Doctorate
- Candidates undertaking a Research Masters degree
- Students whose proposed research aligns with ACU’s areas of expertise
Applicants must be enrolled in, or applying to undertake, an accredited research higher degree at Australian Catholic University.
Selection Criteria
The scholarship is competitive and awarded through a merit-based selection process.
ACU particularly encourages candidates with:
- Strong academic credentials
- Demonstrated research potential
- A research proposal aligned with ACU’s areas of expertise
Applicants should therefore ensure that their research proposal clearly communicates the research problem, objectives, significance and potential contribution of the proposed study.
Application Deadlines
The ACU Stipend Scholarship has two application rounds each year, providing candidates with multiple opportunities to apply.
Round 1
Application deadline: Wednesday, 1 April 2026, at 11:59 PM AEDT
Domestic commencement: First workday of August
International commencement: First day of Research Term D in October
Round 2
Application deadline: Thursday, 1 October 2026, at 11:59 PM AEST
Domestic commencement: First workday in February of the following year
International commencement: First day of Research Term C in July of the following year
For applicants preparing for the next available round, the 1 October 2026 deadline is particularly important.
How to Apply for the ACU Stipend Scholarship
For Future Students
Prospective students can apply for the scholarship as part of the application process for a research degree at ACU.
Applicants should first review ACU’s research degree requirements and identify a suitable research area and potential research pathway.
ACU Research Degree Application Information
For Current Students
Current ACU students can access the scholarship application form through the Student Portal.
The completed application and required supporting documentation should be submitted to the Graduate Research School.
Email: grad.research@acu.edu.au
Research Areas
ACU welcomes applications where the proposed research aligns with its broad areas of expertise.
Prospective candidates should explore ACU’s research community and identify researchers and potential supervisors whose expertise corresponds with their proposed research topic.
Explore ACU Research and Expertise
Finding an appropriate supervisor and developing a strong research proposal can be an important part of preparing a competitive research degree application.
What Can Scholarship Applicants Study?
The scholarship is not restricted in the supplied information to one specific discipline. Instead, applications are welcomed where proposed research aligns with ACU’s broad areas of expertise.
This means prospective applicants should investigate ACU’s research areas and determine whether their proposed project fits within the university’s research environment.
Applicants can also explore available research thesis topics and ACU’s supervisor profiles when developing their applications.
Why Consider the ACU Stipend Scholarship?
For eligible domestic and international research students, the scholarship provides several forms of financial support in one package.
The combination of a AUD $34,315 annual stipend, a substantial tuition fee offset and additional support for eligible international students can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with undertaking a research degree in Australia.
The scholarship also provides an opportunity to conduct postgraduate research within ACU’s academic and research environment.
Important Things Applicants Should Know
Before applying, candidates should carefully review the scholarship requirements and application instructions.
Applicants should:
- Confirm that they meet the eligibility requirements.
- Identify a suitable research area.
- Develop a strong research proposal.
- Consider potential supervisors.
- Prepare all required supporting documents.
- Apply through the appropriate ACU application process.
- Submit their application before the relevant deadline.
Because the scholarship is competitive, meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee an award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ACU Stipend Scholarship available to international students?
Yes. The scholarship is available to domestic and international candidates undertaking eligible research degrees at ACU.
How much is the ACU scholarship stipend?
The 2026 stipend value is AUD $34,315 per annum for full-time study.
Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?
Yes. Successful applicants receive a full fee offset, stated by ACU as approximately AUD $34,728 per annum.
Does ACU provide relocation support?
Eligible international applicants can receive a single Overseas Student Health Care Policy and relocation allowance of up to AUD $2,000.
What degrees are covered?
The scholarship supports candidates undertaking a Research Doctorate or Research Masters degree.
When can I apply?
Applications open twice a year, in April and October.
What is the next deadline?
The next listed deadline is 1 October 2026 at 11:59 PM AEST.
Final Thoughts
The ACU Stipend Scholarship 2026 provides an attractive funding opportunity for domestic and international students seeking to undertake postgraduate research in Australia.
With an annual stipend of AUD $34,315, a full tuition fee offset and additional support available to eligible international applicants, the scholarship can provide substantial financial assistance throughout an eligible research degree.
Candidates interested in applying should begin preparing their research proposal and supporting documents well before the 1 October 2026 deadline and ensure that their proposed research aligns with ACU’s areas of expertise.
Visit the Official ACU Stipend Scholarship Page
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