Introduction
If you’ve been searching for a fully funded scholarship in Australia for 2027, the Macquarie University Graduate Scholarships deserve a spot at the very top of your list. Open to Masters and PhD applicants from all countries, this program covers full tuition fees, an annual living stipend of roughly $39,700, visa application costs, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Together, these benefits remove nearly every financial barrier standing between you and a research degree in Sydney.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know: what the scholarship actually covers, who qualifies, the exact documents to prepare, the step by step application process, key deadlines, and a few practical tips to strengthen your application before the window closes.
Scholarship Overview
Macquarie University, based in North Ryde, Sydney, is one of Australia’s leading research institutions. It’s recognized globally for its strength in linguistics, cognitive science, data science, environmental science, medicine, and finance. Through its Graduate Research Scholarships, the university funds two major schemes for international students:
- International Research Training Program (iRTP), funded by the Australian Government
- International Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship (iMQRES), funded directly by Macquarie University
Both schemes are merit based and support students undertaking a Master of Research (MRes), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). If you apply for the iRTP, you’re automatically considered for the university funded iMQRES within the same round, so one application is enough to be assessed for both.
SEE ALSO >>>Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholarship 2027 (USA): Fully Funded Guide, Deadlines & How to Apply
Scholarship Summary (Table)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Australia |
| Host University | Macquarie University, Sydney |
| Study Level | Master of Research (MRes) and PhD |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Countries | All countries |
| Annual Stipend | Approximately $39,700 (indexed annually) |
| Deadline | October 31, 2026 (Road to Research round)* |
*Macquarie actually runs more than one international scholarship round each year. Head to the Application Deadline section below for the full breakdown of which round fits your situation.
Host Country
The scholarship is hosted in Australia, at Macquarie University’s main campus in Sydney, a city that consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable and multicultural, and one that’s home to a thriving international student community.
Study Level
This funding supports postgraduate research degrees only:
- Master of Research (MRes)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Graduate Diploma of Research, as an entry pathway into MRes or PhD for eligible candidates
Funding Type
This is a fully funded scholarship. Tuition fees, a living stipend, and additional support costs are all covered, so students aren’t expected to pay out of pocket for their research degree. Ready to get started? Jump straight to the step by step application guide.
Eligible Countries
Applicants from all countries may apply, as long as they aren’t Australian or New Zealand citizens and don’t hold Australian permanent residency.
Deadline
- October 31, 2026, for the International Road to Research Scholarship pathway, which has a longer application window
- July 31, 2026, for the main International Research Scholarship Round (Session 1, 2027 intake)
Because Macquarie operates multiple rounds with different closing dates, it’s worth confirming your specific round on the official scholarship search tool before you submit anything.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants may receive a combination of the following:
- A full tuition fee offset for the entire duration of the research degree
- An annual living stipend of approximately $39,700, indexed each year
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Support toward visa application costs for international students
- Access to Macquarie’s research facilities, laboratories, and academic mentorship
- The chance to work alongside internationally recognized researchers in priority research areas
These benefits exist so scholars can focus fully on their research instead of worrying about finances.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Macquarie University Graduate Scholarship 2027, applicants generally need to:
- Be a citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand, and not hold Australian permanent residency
- Intend to live in Sydney for the full duration of their study
- Plan to undertake a Master of Research or PhD on a full time basis
- Meet the minimum academic admission requirements for their chosen course
- Meet Macquarie’s English language proficiency requirements
- Have already completed their previous degree (students in their final semester generally aren’t eligible for the main round, with a few exceptions)
- Hold, or be able to obtain, a valid student visa for onshore study
- Secure confirmation of supervision from an eligible Macquarie researcher, which is compulsory for some faculties and simply desirable for others
Selection is competitive and based mainly on academic merit, research potential, and how well the proposed project fits Macquarie’s research priorities.
Available Courses / Fields of Study
Macquarie funds research across nearly all of its faculties, including:
- Science and Engineering
- Medicine, Health and Human Sciences
- Arts
- Macquarie Business School
- Linguistics and Cognitive Science
- Environmental and Data Science
Before applying, it’s a good idea to review the scholarship search tool on Macquarie’s website so you can confirm which courses and research priority areas are actually funded in your field.
Required Documents
Here’s what to prepare before you start your application:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- A detailed research proposal aligned with Macquarie’s research strategy
- A CV or resume highlighting your research experience and any publications
- Two academic reference or referee reports
- Proof of English language proficiency, or waiver documentation
- A valid passport
- A letter of supervisor confirmation, where your faculty requires one
Once these are ready, you can move on to the full application walkthrough.
English Language Requirements (IELTS/TOEFL or Waiver)
International applicants need to meet Macquarie’s standard English language requirements for research degree admission. This is typically satisfied through one of the following:
- IELTS (Academic)
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- An approved waiver, if you completed prior studies in English at an eligible institution
Score thresholds vary by faculty and course, so it’s worth checking the official Macquarie admissions page for your specific program before you apply.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
You can start your application directly on Macquarie University’s official scholarship page: International Scholarship Round, Macquarie University. This is where you’ll find the live application form, the scholarship search tool, and the most current round dates, so it’s worth bookmarking.
For new applicants to Macquarie University:
- Identify a research area, and where required, a potential supervisor whose work lines up with your interests.
- Complete the combined course and scholarship application through Macquarie’s Online Application System.
- Arrange for two academic referee reports to be submitted directly to the Graduate Research Academy.
- Enter the correct scholarship reference number in the scholarship details section of your application.
- Submit all required supporting documents before the deadline.
For applicants already enrolled, or holding a recent Macquarie offer (within the last six months):
- Download the official guidelines for submitting a Scholarship Only application.
- Complete the online Graduate Research Scholarship Only application form.
- Indicate the correct scholarship reference number.
- Submit supporting documents as instructed.
Macquarie will let successful applicants know their exact scholarship entitlements at the time of offer.
Apply now: mq.edu.au, International Scholarship Round
Application Deadline
Macquarie runs more than one international round each year, so pick the one that matches your timeline:
- International Research Scholarship Round (Session 1, 2027): closes July 31, 2026
- International Road to Research Scholarship: open until October 31, 2026, better suited to applicants who need more time to prepare documents or secure supervision
It’s best to apply as early as you can. Competitive scholarship rounds fill up quickly, and incomplete applications are rarely considered. If you haven’t started yet, revisit the how to apply section to make sure you have every document in order.
Selection Process
Applications are assessed and ranked through a competitive, merit based process, guided by the official Macquarie Scholarship Rating Sheet. Key factors include:
- Academic transcripts and grades (WAM or GPA equivalent)
- Research experience and prior publications
- The strength and clarity of the research proposal
- Alignment with Macquarie’s research strategy and priority areas
- The quality of the referee reports
- The strength of the proposed supervisory team
Why You Should Apply
- Study at a top 200 globally ranked university
- Graduate debt free, with tuition, stipend, healthcare, and visa costs all covered
- Live and study in Sydney, one of the world’s most vibrant, multicultural cities
- Work under internationally recognized supervisors in cutting edge research fields
- Apply as a candidate from any country, since eligibility isn’t limited by nationality
- Build a stronger long term academic or professional career through a funded Australian research degree
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Macquarie University Graduate Scholarship really fully funded?
Yes. It covers full tuition fees, an annual stipend of approximately $39,700, OSHC, and visa application costs for eligible international students.
Can students from any country apply?
Yes, applicants from all countries are eligible, as long as they aren’t Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
Do I need a supervisor before applying?
For some faculties, such as Science and Engineering, and Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, confirmation of supervision is compulsory. For others it’s desirable but not always mandatory, so it’s worth checking your faculty’s specific requirements.
What’s the difference between iRTP and iMQRES?
iRTP is funded by the Australian Government, while iMQRES is funded by Macquarie University itself. Applying for iRTP automatically puts you in consideration for iMQRES in the same round.
What’s the actual deadline, July or October 2026?
It depends on which round you’re applying through. The main International Research Scholarship Round for Session 1, 2027 closes July 31, 2026, while the International Road to Research Scholarship stays open until October 31, 2026.
Where do I officially apply?
Always apply through Macquarie University’s official research scholarships page. Avoid third party sites that ask for payment or personal banking details.
Final Word
The Macquarie University Graduate Scholarships 2027 offer one of the most generous, genuinely accessible pathways into a funded research career in Australia. With tuition, living costs, healthcare, and visa expenses all covered, the only real barrier left is putting together a strong application, so start gathering your documents and reaching out to potential supervisors today. When you’re ready, follow the step by step application process outlined above to submit with confidence.
This article is intended as an informational guide. Always confirm the latest eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application steps on Macquarie University’s official scholarships website before applying.