Vice Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes30 Sep, 2026

The Vice Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship (VCPS) is one of the most prestigious research scholarships offered by RMIT University in Australia. The VCPS provides comprehensive financial support for full-time PhD candidates. Recipients receive a generous annual stipend that is significantly higher than the standard Australian Government RTP rate. In addition, the scholarship may include research support funding and publication-related incentives. International students also receive a full tuition fee scholarship through the RMIT Research International Tuition Fee Scholarship (RRITFS), which makes the award fully funded for eligible candidates. Furthermore, scholars may receive additional support for research activities and academic development.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Vice Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

All fields

GPA / Grade

80-100%

Languages

C1 Advanced 176, C2 Proficiency 176, IELTS 6.5, PTE A 58, TOEFL iBT 79

Tests

Study Levels

Doctoral, PhD

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Result Date

Program Start

March 2027

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

AUD 48,299/ Year

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

AUD $5,000/ Year

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award AmountAUD 48,299/ Year
Deadline30 Sep, 2026
LevelDoctoral, PhD
InstitutionRoyal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
CountryAustralia
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Vice Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship (VCPS) is one of the most prestigious research scholarships offered by RMIT University in Australia. It supports exceptional domestic and international students who wish to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at RMIT University. Moreover, the scholarship targets candidates with outstanding academic records, strong research potential, publications, and relevant professional experience. It is highly competitive and awarded to a small number of top applicants each year.

Background and Purpose

RMIT University established the VCPS to attract and support world-class researchers. The program aims to advance high-impact research across key global challenges and strengthen RMIT’s research reputation. In addition, it encourages innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge creation across academic and industry sectors. Through this scholarship, the university builds a strong community of researchers who contribute to scientific, technological, and social progress.

Vice Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Benefits

The VCPS provides comprehensive financial support for full-time PhD candidates. Recipients receive a generous annual stipend that is significantly higher than the standard Australian Government RTP rate. In addition, the scholarship may include research support funding and publication-related incentives. International students also receive a full tuition fee scholarship through the RMIT Research International Tuition Fee Scholarship (RRITFS), which makes the award fully funded for eligible candidates. Furthermore, scholars may receive additional support for research activities and academic development.

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship is open to both domestic and international applicants applying for a PhD at RMIT University. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and strong research capability. In general, applicants with publications, prior research experience, and high academic grades receive priority. In addition, students must meet RMIT’s admission requirements and secure alignment with a potential supervisor before being considered for the scholarship.

Vice Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Application Process

Applicants must first apply for admission to an eligible PhD program at RMIT University. In most cases, candidates also need endorsement or support from a prospective supervisor before scholarship assessment. The university selects scholarship recipients during the main PhD scholarship round. Selection is based on academic excellence, research potential, publication record, and overall suitability for the program.

Opportunities for Scholars

The VCPS provides scholars with access to advanced research infrastructure, expert academic supervision, and strong industry and academic networks. Moreover, recipients gain opportunities to participate in conferences, publish research, and collaborate on high-impact projects. The scholarship helps students develop advanced research skills and prepares them for careers in academia, industry research, and leadership roles in their chosen fields.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible?

Applicants must have strong academic results such as first-class honors, a research master’s degree, or equivalent research experience, and must be applying for or enrolled in a PhD at RMIT.

How is VCPS different from other RMIT research scholarships?

Unlike standard tuition fee scholarships, VCPS includes a higher stipend, additional research funding, and extra benefits such as relocation support and leave entitlements, making it one of RMIT’s most prestigious PhD awards.