UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA (UNISA)
University of South Australia Research Scholarships
full · masters, phd
- ~A$32,500/year (est.)RTPi living allowance
- 3 funding schemesRTPi, ERS, IRTS
- Up to 4 yearsPhD fee waiver (ERS/IRTS)
- OSHC includedHealth cover
- All nationalitiesOpen globally
- PhD / Master of ResearchDegree levels
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Aug 31, 2026
Deadline
Open to students of all nationalities
Country
University of South Australia (UniSA)
Provider
The University of South Australia (UniSA) Research Scholarships support international students pursuing a higher degree by research - a PhD or Master of Research - across all subject areas for the 2026/2027 cycle. The package is delivered through 3 main schemes: the Research Training Program International (RTPi) Scholarships funded by the Australian Government, the Enterprise Research Scholarship (ERS) funded by UniSA and its industry partners, and the International Research Tuition Scholarship (IRTS). RTPi provides a living allowance of at least A$32,500 per year, a tuition fee waiver covering up to 3 years for PhD and 2 years for Master of Research students, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for visa holders, and a thesis allowance. The ERS offers similar benefits plus an extended fee waiver of up to 4 years for PhD students, while the IRTS provides a fee waiver of up to 4 years for PhD and 2 years for Master of Research candidates alongside a living stipend. International applicants must meet English-language thresholds that vary by programme - for example IELTS Academic 6.5 to 7.0 overall, TOEFL iBT 79 to 94, or PTE Academic 58 to 65. Because stipend rates, fee-waiver durations, and closing dates differ by scheme and project, confirm the exact current-cycle figures and deadline on the official UniSA research-degrees page before you apply.
What's covered
- Living allowance (stipend) — RTPi provides a tax-free living allowance of at least ~A$32,500 (est.) per annum; the IRTS and ERS also include a living stipend, with exact rates set each cycle.
- Tuition fee waiver — A fee waiver covering up to 3 years for PhD and 2 years for Master of Research under RTPi, and up to 4 years for PhD under the ERS and IRTS schemes.
- Overseas Student Health Cover — OSHC for students who require a visa (provided by BUPA under the ERS), covering the cost of a compulsory health insurance policy worth roughly ~A$600 (est.) per year.
- Thesis allowance — Additional financial support toward the cost of thesis preparation and submission.
- Research support — Access to UniSA's research facilities, supervision, and - under the ERS - industry-partner collaboration for impact-focused projects.
How to apply
Applications are made through UniSA's secure online research-degrees portal, either against a listed project or via the general postgraduate scholarship channel.
- Run an eligibility check — Begin with UniSA's eligibility check to confirm you meet the academic and English-language requirements for a higher degree by research.
- Find a project or scholarship — Explore UniSA's listed research projects and available postgraduate scholarships, or select from the listed opportunities matching your field.
- Prepare your application — Assemble your academic transcripts, research proposal or project expression of interest, evidence of English proficiency, and supporting documents.
- Apply online via the UniSA portal — Initiate and submit your application through UniSA's secure online platform before the relevant scheme or project deadline.
Eligibility
NationalityOpen to applicants of all nationalities; the schemes are designed for international research students.
Degree soughtMust be applying for a PhD or a Master of Research (higher degree by research) at the University of South Australia.
Academic meritMust demonstrate strong academic achievement and research potential.
English - high-emphasis programmesIELTS Academic 7.0 (minimum 6.0 in each sub-score), TOEFL iBT 94 (minimum 18 each section), PTE Academic 65 (minimum 50 each skill), or Cambridge C2/C1 186+.
English - lower-emphasis programmesIELTS Academic 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each sub-score), TOEFL iBT 79 (minimum 18 each section), PTE Academic 58 (minimum 50 each skill), or Cambridge C2/C1 177+.
Higher English scores are preferable. Specific entry and English requirements vary by programme and project, and applicants should review the Scholarship Benefits and Conditions PDF and the RTP Scholarships policy before accepting an offer.
Eligible countries
Open to students of all nationalities
Deadlines
2026/2027 research intake~31 August 2026 (est., varies by scheme)
Selection
Applicants are assessed on academic merit, research potential, the quality and fit of the proposed research, and the availability of a suitable supervisor or project at UniSA. The schemes are allocated competitively, and the ERS in particular favours candidates whose research is poised to make a significant industry impact. Deadlines and selection rounds vary by scheme and by individual project.
Verified sources
- University of South Australia - Research Degree Scholarshipsunisa.edu.auofficial
- University of South Australia - Homeunisa.edu.auofficial
About the provider
The University of South Australia (UniSA), based in Adelaide, is a public research university that offers higher degrees by research across science, technology, health, business, and the creative industries, supporting international research students through Australian Government and university-funded scholarship schemes.
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.
Are the UniSA Research Scholarships fully funded?
+
Yes. They combine a living allowance (RTPi at least A$32,500 per year), a tuition fee waiver, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a thesis allowance, though exact benefits depend on the scheme. Confirm current figures on the official page.
Who can apply?
+
International applicants of all nationalities who are applying for a PhD or Master of Research at UniSA and meet the academic and English-language requirements.
What scholarship schemes are available?
+
Three main schemes: the Research Training Program International (RTPi), the Enterprise Research Scholarship (ERS), and the International Research Tuition Scholarship (IRTS).
How much is the living stipend?
+
The RTPi living allowance is at least A$32,500 per annum; the IRTS and ERS also include a stipend, with rates confirmed each cycle.
How long is the tuition fee waiver?
+
Up to 3 years for PhD and 2 years for Master of Research under RTPi, and up to 4 years for PhD under the ERS and IRTS.
Which degree levels are eligible?
+
Higher degrees by research: PhD and Master of Research.
What English score do I need?
+
It varies by programme - for example IELTS Academic 6.5 (lower-emphasis) up to 7.0 (high-emphasis), TOEFL iBT 79-94, or PTE Academic 58-65. Higher scores are preferable.
Is health cover included?
+
Yes. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is provided for students who require a visa; under the ERS it is provided by BUPA.
What is the Enterprise Research Scholarship?
+
The ERS is funded by UniSA and/or its industry partners for researchers set to make an industry impact, offering benefits similar to RTPi plus an extended fee waiver of up to 4 years for PhD students.
How do I apply?
+
Start with an eligibility check, find a listed project or scholarship, prepare your documents, and apply through UniSA's secure online research portal.
What is the application deadline?
+
Deadlines vary by scheme and project; a common closing point is around August 2026. Confirm the exact date for your scheme on the official UniSA page.
What documents do I need?
+
Academic transcripts, a research proposal or project expression of interest, evidence of English proficiency, a CV, and letters of recommendation.