The QUT Postgraduate Research Award (QUTPRA) 2027 is a fully funded research scholarship offered by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia. The scholarship supports outstanding domestic and international students undertaking a Higher Degree by Research (HDR). The scholarship provides an annual tax-free living stipend of AUD 37,010 (2026 rate), a tuition fee offset or sponsorship, and Single Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) for eligible international students.

About the QUT Postgraduate Research Award

The QUT Postgraduate Research Award (QUTPRA) recognises students with exceptional research potential and academic excellence. QUT awards the scholarship through its annual research scholarship round to support full-time research across all study areas. The University selects recipients competitively based on academic achievement, research experience, publications, research potential, and faculty-specific selection criteria.

Future students apply for admission to a research degree and the scholarship at the same time. Current eligible research students receive an invitation to apply once the annual scholarship round opens. The number of scholarships varies each year according to available funding.

Why Choose The QUT Postgraduate Research Award?

The scholarship allows outstanding researchers to complete postgraduate research at one of Australia’s leading research universities with comprehensive financial support.

You benefit from:

  • Annual tax-free living stipend
  • Full tuition fee coverage
  • Single Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) for eligible international students
  • Study in any research discipline
  • Supervision by experienced researchers
  • Access to advanced research facilities
  • Annual stipend indexation
  • Opportunity to focus entirely on research

Graduates pursue careers in:

  • Academic Research
  • Higher Education
  • Government Research
  • Industry Research and Development
  • Healthcare
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Information Technology
  • Science
  • Public Policy

QUT Postgraduate Research Award Summary

  • Host Country: Australia
  • Host University: Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
  • Scholarship Name: QUT Postgraduate Research Award (QUTPRA)
  • Study Level: PhD
  • Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
  • Study Mode: Full-Time
  • Study Areas: All research disciplines
  • Scholarship Duration: Up to 3.5 years (including an approved extension of up to 6 months)
  • Eligible Applicants: Australian Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents, New Zealand Citizens, and International Students
  • Application Mode: Annual research scholarship round
  • Annual Scholarship Round Opens:1 April
  • International Applicant Deadline:31 July
  • Domestic Applicant Deadline:31 August
  • Outcome Notifications: From 21 November
  • Scholarship Commencement: January to July following the application round
  • Selection Basis: Academic excellence and research potential

Scholarship Benefits

Successful scholars receive:

  • Annual tax-free living stipend of AUD 37,010 (2026 indexed rate), paid fortnightly
  • Full tuition fee offset or tuition sponsorship
  • Single Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) for eligible international students
  • Annual stipend indexation
  • Financial support for the approved scholarship duration

The scholarship provides funding for up to 3.5 years for a PhD. Approved extensions may be granted where eligible.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Apply for admission to a QUT Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programme.
  • Meet QUT’s admission requirements, including the English language requirements.
  • Demonstrate strong academic achievement and research potential.
  • Enrol as a full-time, internal research student, unless QUT approves another enrolment arrangement.
  • Not receive another living allowance scholarship that provides an equivalent or greater benefit for the same research programme.

Current QUT research students must also have completed less than 1 year equivalent full-time study load (EFTSL) for a PhD.

Required Documents

Applicants generally submit:

  • Online research degree application
  • Academic transcripts
  • Degree certificates
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Research proposal
  • Evidence of English language proficiency (if required)
  • Referee reports (where required)
  • Additional faculty-specific documents

QUT may request additional documents during the assessment process.

Application Process & Timeline

  1. Identify an appropriate research project or supervisor at QUT.
  2. Prepare the required admission and scholarship documents.
  3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) during the annual research scholarship round.
  4. Apply simultaneously for admission to a Higher Degree by Research programme and the QUT Postgraduate Research Award.
  5. Submit all supporting documents before the scholarship deadline.
  6. Wait for the faculty assessment and scholarship selection process.
  7. Receive the scholarship outcome and research admission decision.

Future students submit one integrated application for both admission and scholarship consideration. Eligible current students receive an invitation to apply during the annual scholarship round.