The Vice Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarships support commencing international PhD candidates-either Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Ministry-who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement in prior studies.
ACU Vice Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarships are open to all applicants whose research aligns with any of ACU’s broad areas of expertise:
- Explore research in the Faculty of Education and Arts
- Explore research in the Faculty of Health Sciences
- Explore research in the Faculty of Law and Business
- Explore research in the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy
- Discover ACU’s Institutes and Centres
Eligible candidates must propose a research project that aligns with the University’s strategic research priorities and/or its established or emerging areas of research strength.
A limited number of scholarships are awarded each year to outstanding applicants, with recipients receiving a comprehensive scholarship package to support them in their studies.
Read on to learn more about the scholarships and how to apply.
About this scholarship
| Scholarship type | Merit |
| Location | Any Australian campus, except online (in accordance with approved supervision arrangements) |
| Student type | Future and Commencing Students |
| Value | Successful applicants will be awarded a scholarship package consisting of: Stipend valued at AUD $33,511* per annum (full-time) to support living expenses, paid as a fortnight stipend for up to 3.5 years Tuition fee scholarship for up to 3.5 years RTP Allowance (Overseas Student Health Care Policy) Scholarship to cover the cost of one single Overseas Student Health Care Policy; and RTP Allowance (Relocation) valued up to AUD $2,000 to support the costs of an overseas candidate’s relocation to Australia for the purposes of commencing a Research Doctorate degree at ACU. *2025 value, indexed annually The ACU Vice Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarships are funded by the Australian Catholic University and are awarded and administered in accordance with the ACU Research Training Program Scholarship Policy. |
| Places available | A limited number of Vice Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarships are awarded annually to the highest-ranked applicants on the order of merit list, based on their prior academic achievement. |
| Eligibility | This scholarship is open to applicants who will meet all the following criteria: Citizenship: all students considered international for fee purposes Faculties: Education and Arts, Law and Business, Health Science, Theology and Philosophy Course: Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Philosophy Recipients are not eligible to receive this scholarship in conjunction with any other ACU scholarship or award. Recipients of this award will need to meet the requirements of enrolment and progress as outlined in Higher Degree Research Policy and ACU’s Research Training Program Scholarship Policy. For full scholarship eligibility and conditions, please see ACU’s Research Training Program Scholarship Policy. |
Applications
Applications close: 1 October 2025, 11.59PM AEST
Applicants will be automatically considered for this scholarship as part of their application process to study at ACU.
The ACU Vice Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarships are competitive and will be awarded following a merit-based selection process in accordance with the University’s scholarship selection policies.
Recipients will be selected by the ODVCRE Scholarship Selection Committee.
