- AUD 32,192 / yearLiving stipend (2024 rate)
- ~EUR 19,500 / year (est.)Stipend in euros
- AUD 30,000 / yearTuition fee scholarship
- 3.5 yearsFunding duration
- AUD 2,000Relocation allowance
- Open to all subjectsEligible disciplines
At a glance
full
Funding
€20k
Max amount
Oct 31, 2026
Deadline
Open to all nationalities (domestic and international)
Country
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Provider
The ACU Industry PhD Scholarships are fully funded doctoral awards from Australian Catholic University (ACU) that pair a PhD candidate with an industry partner so research is tied to a real-world organisational problem. The scholarship is open to all subjects and to both domestic and international students. The funding package combines an annual stipend of AUD 32,192 (2024 rate, adjusted each year) for living costs, a tuition fee scholarship valued at AUD 30,000 per year, single Overseas Student Health Cover for international students, and a AUD 2,000 relocation allowance. The model runs over 3.5 years and can be fully industry-funded, with the partner contributing AUD 40,000 a year while ACU adds the tuition scholarship, or co-funded, with the partner and ACU each contributing AUD 20,000 a year. Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent, present a research proposal aligned with the partner's goals, meet English language and visa requirements, and satisfy the ACU Research Training Program rules. Enquiries and applications go through the ACU Graduate Research School. Because the stipend rate and dates are set each year, confirm the current figures and deadlines on the official ACU page before applying.
What's covered
- Living stipend — An annual stipend of AUD 32,192 (2024 rate, about EUR 19,500 (est.), adjusted each year) toward living expenses.
- Tuition fee scholarship — A tuition fee scholarship valued at AUD 30,000 (about EUR 18,200 (est.)) per year, added by ACU.
- Overseas Student Health Cover — A single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy for international students for the period of study.
- Relocation allowance — A one-time relocation allowance of AUD 2,000 (about EUR 1,200 (est.)) to help international students settle in Australia.
- Industry-linked research project — A funded 3.5-year PhD project run with an industry partner, with funding contributions of AUD 40,000 a year (fully funded) or AUD 20,000 a year each from partner and ACU (co-funded).
How to apply
Prospective candidates and partner organisations contact the ACU Graduate Research School to align a project before formally applying.
- Develop a research proposal — Prepare a well-developed PhD research proposal that aligns with the goals of a prospective industry partner and the scholarship objectives.
- Check eligibility — Confirm you hold a Master's degree or equivalent, meet ACU Research Training Program rules, and satisfy English language and Australian visa requirements.
- Contact the Graduate Research School — Email the ACU Graduate Research School at hdr.projects@acu.edu.au to express interest and discuss matching your project with an industry partner.
- Submit your application — Complete the formal PhD application with your proposal, transcripts, English test results and supporting documents as directed by ACU.
- Confirm partner funding — Work with ACU and the industry partner to confirm the fully funded or co-funded arrangement before enrolment.
Eligibility
Academic qualificationMust hold a Master's degree or equivalent with a strong academic record.
Research proposalMust submit a well-developed research proposal aligned with the scholarship objectives and the industry partner's needs.
English proficiencyMust demonstrate English language proficiency via IELTS or TOEFL where applicable.
Visa requirementsInternational students must meet the visa requirements for studying in Australia.
Industry alignmentThe proposed research must align with the industry partner's interests and the candidate must be willing to collaborate throughout the project.
Research Training ProgramMust meet the eligibility requirements of the ACU Research Training Program.
Organisations can fully fund a scholarship by contributing AUD 40,000 a year for 3.5 years, or co-fund at AUD 20,000 a year with ACU matching. Industry partners may also qualify for the Australian Government Research and Development tax incentive.
Eligible countries
Open to all nationalities (domestic and international)
Deadlines
2026/2027 intake~31 October 2026 (est.)
Expressions of interest~year-round (est.)
Selection
Candidates are selected by ACU together with the industry partner on the strength of the research proposal and its alignment with the partner's goals, the applicant's academic record and Master's-level qualification, English proficiency, and eligibility under the ACU Research Training Program. A willingness to collaborate closely with the industry partner throughout the 3.5-year project is essential.
Verified sources
- ACU Graduate Research Scholarships - official pageacu.edu.auofficial
About the provider
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public university with campuses across Australia and a strong focus on research with social impact. Its Industry PhD Scholarships, run through the Graduate Research School, connect doctoral candidates with industry partners on applied research projects.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for the ACU Industry PhD Scholarships?
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Domestic and international applicants of any nationality who hold a Master's degree or equivalent and have a research proposal aligned with an industry partner.
What does the scholarship pay?
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An annual stipend of AUD 32,192 (2024 rate), a tuition fee scholarship of AUD 30,000 a year, Overseas Student Health Cover and a AUD 2,000 relocation allowance.
How long does the funding last?
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The funded PhD model runs over 3.5 years.
Which subjects are eligible?
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The scholarship is open to all subjects, provided the project aligns with an industry partner.
Can international students apply?
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Yes. The scholarship is open to both domestic and international students regardless of nationality.
Do I need an industry partner?
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Yes. The research must align with an industry partner; ACU helps match candidates and partners through the Graduate Research School.
What qualification do I need?
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A Master's degree or equivalent with a strong academic record.
How is the scholarship funded?
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Either fully by industry (AUD 40,000 a year for 3.5 years plus ACU's tuition scholarship) or co-funded at AUD 20,000 a year each from the partner and ACU.
Are there English language requirements?
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Yes. Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL where applicable.
How do I apply?
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Develop a research proposal and contact the ACU Graduate Research School at hdr.projects@acu.edu.au to discuss matching a project before formal application.
Can industry partners get a tax benefit?
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Partner organisations may qualify for the Australian Government Research and Development tax incentive, which can offset their contribution.
Where can I confirm the current figures and deadlines?
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On the official ACU graduate research scholarships page, which publishes the current stipend rate, tuition value and application dates each cycle.