UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USydIS)
full · masters, phd
- Tuition + stipendCoverage
- ~AUD 41,000/yr (est.)Living stipend
- Sydney, AustraliaLocation
- Master's by research & PhDStudy level
- Up to 3 yearsDuration (PhD)
- Founded 1850University
At a glance
full
Funding
€45k
Max amount
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
Open to international students (non-Australian/New Zealand citizens, non-permanent residents)
Country
University of Sydney
Provider
The University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USydIS) supports international students undertaking a postgraduate research degree — a master's by research or a PhD — at the University of Sydney in Australia. The university was founded in 1850 and is Australia's oldest university. The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a living-allowance stipend of around ~AUD 41,000 per year (est.), indexed annually. It is tenable for up to 3 years for a doctoral degree (with a possible 6-month extension) and up to 2 years for a master's by research, subject to satisfactory progress, and it is aimed at applicants with a strong research background who have secured a place and a supervisor for their research project. Applications are assessed in rounds through the year, with a representative closing date around 30 September (est.) for one of the main intakes. Treat the stipend figure and date here as estimates and confirm the current rate, number of awards, and deadlines on the University of Sydney's official scholarships pages.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — Full coverage of the research-degree tuition fees for international students.
- Living stipend — A tax-free living allowance of around ~AUD 41,000 per year (est.), indexed annually.
- PhD duration — Up to 3 years for a doctoral degree, with a possible 6-month extension on academic grounds.
- Master's by research — Up to 2 years for a master's by research.
- Conditions — Continuation depends on satisfactory academic progress each year.
How to apply
Secure a supervisor and admission to a Sydney research degree, then apply for the scholarship in the relevant round.
- Find a supervisor — Identify a University of Sydney academic whose research matches your project and make contact.
- Apply for admission — Submit your research-degree admission application with your research proposal.
- Apply for the scholarship — Complete the USydIS scholarship application (often part of, or linked to, admission) by the round deadline.
- Provide evidence — Include transcripts, research outputs, English results, and references.
- Competitive ranking — Applications are ranked competitively within the round.
- Offer & enrolment — If successful, accept the scholarship and place, arrange your visa, and enrol.
Eligibility
International studentAn international (non-Australian/NZ) applicant for a research degree.
Research degreeApplying for a PhD or master's by research at the University of Sydney.
Academic meritA strong academic and research record (e.g. honours/master's with research).
Supervisor & placeA confirmed research project, supervisor, and admission (or eligibility) to the degree.
English proficiencyMeeting the university's English-language requirements.
The scholarship is awarded competitively in rounds; securing a supervisor early strengthens an application. Stipend rates are aligned with national research-training rates and indexed each year.
Eligible countries
Open to international students (non-Australian/New Zealand citizens, non-permanent residents)
Deadlines
Main round2026-09-30
Selection
The University of Sydney ranks scholarship applicants competitively within each round on academic merit, research potential, the quality of the proposal, and references, with the strength of the proposed supervision taken into account. The strongest-ranked international research candidates receive the tuition-plus-stipend award.
Verified sources
- University of Sydney — Scholarshipssydney.edu.auofficial
About the provider
The University of Sydney, founded in 1850, is Australia's oldest university and a member of the Group of Eight research-intensive universities. Its International Research Scholarship (USydIS) funds international PhD and master's-by-research candidates with tuition coverage and a living stipend.
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.
What is the University of Sydney International Research Scholarship?
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A competitive scholarship (USydIS) for international students undertaking a PhD or master's by research at the University of Sydney, covering tuition fees and a living-allowance stipend.
What does it cover?
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Full research-degree tuition fees plus a tax-free living stipend of around ~AUD 41,000 per year (est.), indexed annually.
How much is the stipend?
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Approximately ~AUD 41,000 per year (est.), aligned with national research-training rates and adjusted each year. Confirm the current rate on the university's pages.
Who is eligible?
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International students (non-Australian/NZ) applying for a PhD or master's by research who have a strong research background and a confirmed supervisor and project.
How long does it last?
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Up to 3 years for a PhD (with a possible 6-month extension) and up to 2 years for a master's by research, subject to satisfactory progress.
Do I need a supervisor first?
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Yes — you should identify and secure a University of Sydney supervisor whose research aligns with your project before or as part of applying.
Is it for coursework master's degrees?
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No — it is for research degrees (PhD and master's by research), not coursework master's programmes.
How do I apply?
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Apply for admission to the research degree (with a proposal and supervisor) and complete the scholarship application by the round deadline; the two are often linked.
When is the deadline?
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Applications are assessed in rounds; the 30 September 2026 date here is a representative estimate. Check the official scholarships pages for current round deadlines.
How competitive is it?
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Awards are ranked competitively each round on academic merit, research potential, and the proposal, so selection is decided among the strongest applicants.
How old is the University of Sydney?
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It was founded in 1850 and is Australia's oldest university.
Where can I confirm current details?
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On the University of Sydney's official scholarships pages, which list the current stipend rate, duration, eligibility, and round deadlines.