Introduction
Have you ever Dreamed of studying in Australia without paying any money in your bank? The Australian National University just made that possible.
ANU is one of the top ranked universities in the world. And now, through the ANU Research Scholarships 2027 2028, international students can study there completely free.
This scholarship covers your full tuition. It also pays you a yearly stipend of AUD 39,069. So you focus on research, not bills.
In this guide, I will walk you through everything. That includes the benefits, the eligibility rules, the documents you need and the exact steps to apply. No jargon. No confusion. Just the facts, explained simply.
Scholarship Overview
The ANU University Research Scholarship supports students who want to pursue a Masters by Research or a PhD. It is one of two major scholarship rounds at ANU. The other is the Australian Government Research Training Program.
Here is the best part. You do not need to fill out a separate scholarship form. Once you apply for admission into an eligible research program, you are automatically considered.
ANU is based in Canberra, Australia’s capital city. That means you get close access to government institutions, national research centers and a truly international student body. Students from over one hundred countries call ANU home.
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Scholarship Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Australia |
| Host University | Australian National University (ANU), Canberra |
| Study Level | Masters by Research, PhD |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Countries | All countries worldwide |
| Subjects | All fields aligned with ANU’s research priorities |
| Deadline (Round 1, International) | 31 August 2026 |
Host Country
Australia keeps its place as one of the world’s favorite study destinations. Why? Strong research output, safety and a welcoming multicultural culture.
Study Level
This scholarship only supports research degrees. That means Master of Philosophy and PhD programs. It does not cover coursework based Masters degrees.
Funding Type
This is a fully funded scholarship. There is no partial coverage. Both your tuition and your living costs are taken care of.
Eligible Countries
Anyone, from any country of the World, can apply. Domestic Australian students can apply too, though their deadline differs slightly.
Deadline
International applicants must apply by 31 August 2026 for Round 1. A smaller Round 2 usually opens later for students starting in the same year.
Scholarship Benefits
So what exactly do you get? Quite a lot, actually.
- Full tuition fee coverage for your entire research degree
- An annual stipend of AUD 39,069, paid every two weeks
- A relocation allowance to help you settle in Canberra
- A thesis allowance for the final stage of your research
- Paid medical, maternity and parental leave during your studies
- Access to ANU’s labs, libraries and research facilities
- Mentorship from respected academics in your field
- Entry into global research networks in science, policy and governance
Eligibility Criteria
Before you start preparing anything, check these boxes first.
- You hold a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification
- You are applying for admission into an eligible Masters by Research or PhD program
- Your academic record shows strong performance
- You have research potential, shown through past projects, papers or experience
- You meet ANU’s English language requirements
- You meet the general admission rules for your chosen program
Meet most of these? Then you are already in a good position to apply.
Available Courses and Fields of Study
This scholarship is not limited to one subject area. It spans nearly every field at ANU, including:
- Science and Medicine
- Engineering and Computer Science
- Social Sciences and Public Policy
- Law
- Business and Economics
- Arts, Humanities and Asia Pacific Studies
- Environment and Sustainability
Your research topic simply needs to match ANU’s current research priorities. So take a moment to check those priorities before you settle on a proposal.
Required Documents
Start collecting these early. It will save you stress later.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- A clear, detailed research proposal
- An updated CV or academic resume
- Two academic reference letters
- Proof of English language proficiency
- A valid passport copy
- Evidence of past research work or publications, if you have any
- A completed application for admission into your chosen program
English Language Requirements
International applicants must prove their English proficiency. Most students do this through IELTS or TOEFL.
Your required score depends on your specific program. But if you already completed a degree taught fully in English, you might qualify for a waiver. Always check your program’s admission page to confirm.
How to Apply
Ready to apply? Here is exactly how it works.
- Find a research program at ANU that matches your background and interests.
- Contact a potential supervisor and discuss your research idea.
- Write a strong, focused research proposal.
- Gather all the documents listed above.
- Submit your application for admission through ANU’s online portal.
- You will be automatically considered for the University Research Scholarship once you apply.
- Check your application status regularly and respond quickly to any requests.
Apply through the official ANU portal here: 👉 https://study.anu.edu.au/scholarships/find-scholarship/anu-university-research-scholarships
👉 https://research.anu.edu.au/postgraduate-research-candidates/research-degree-scholarships
Application Deadline
Mark your calendar. International applicants must submit a complete application by 31 August 2026 for Round 1. This includes every document and referee report.
Domestic applicants have until 31 October 2026. A second, smaller round usually follows later in the year. Always check the official ANU page closer to the date, since timelines can shift.
Selection Process
This scholarship is merit based. That means ANU looks closely at a few key things.
- Your academic grades and record
- The quality and originality of your research proposal
- How well your research fits ANU’s strategic priorities
- Your past research work, including any publications
- The strength of your academic references
There is usually no interview. So your written application does most of the talking. Make it count.
Why You Should Apply
Money aside, this scholarship opens real doors. ANU sits among the top research universities in the world. It also has close ties to Australian government policy circles.
That connection gives graduates a real advantage. Whether you want a career in academia, research or global policy, this is a strong place to start. And because it is fully funded, you graduate without the debt that weighs down so many international students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the ANU Research Scholarship really fully funded? Yes. It covers full tuition plus a yearly stipend of AUD 39,069, along with relocation and thesis allowances.
Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application? No. Applying for admission into an eligible research program automatically puts you in the running.
Can students from any country apply? Yes. This scholarship welcomes international students from every country, alongside domestic applicants.
What is the deadline for international applicants? 31 August 2026 for Round 1. Always double check the official ANU page, since dates can shift slightly each year.
Should I find a supervisor before applying? Yes, it helps a lot. Contacting a supervisor early and discussing your research plan strengthens your application.
Do I need prior research experience? It helps, but it is not always required. Strong academic performance can be enough for some programs.
So, are you ready to build a research career at one of the world’s best universities? Do not wait until the last week of August. Reach out to a supervisor now. Polish your proposal. Get your documents in order.
Full tuition and a stipend of AUD 39,069 a year does not come around often. This is your moment to take it.