University of Tasmania Research Scholarships 2026/27: Funding for International Master's and PhD Students in Australia
- Country
- Australia
- Level
- PhD, Masters, Research
- Funding
- Fully funded
If you want to pursue a research degree in Australia with strong financial backing, the University of Tasmania (UTAS) research scholarships are well worth a close look. UTAS, founded in 1890 and one of Australia's oldest universities, funds master's-by-research and PhD candidates through two main awards: the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship and the university's own Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS).
Here's an honest, up-to-date guide to what these scholarships provide, who's eligible, the application rounds to plan around, and how to give yourself the best chance. One important nuance up front: "fully funded" depends on winning a tuition offset as well as the stipend, and we'll explain exactly what that means so you can plan realistically.
At a glance
- University: University of Tasmania (UTAS), Australia
- Level: Master's by research and PhD (Higher Degree by Research)
- Stipend: Around AUD 34,315 per year (2026 rate), tax-free, indexed annually
- Relocation: Up to AUD 2,000
- Tuition: A fee offset is awarded competitively to eligible international candidates
- Duration: PhD up to 3.5 years; master's by research up to 2 years (no extension)
- Deadlines: Typically rounds around 1 February and 1 October
What the scholarships cover
The core benefit is a living allowance of roughly AUD 34,315 a year, paid tax-free and adjusted each January. On top of that, there's a relocation allowance of up to AUD 2,000 to help you move to Tasmania.
Here's the part to understand clearly: tuition is separate. International Higher Degree by Research candidates normally pay tuition fees unless they're also granted a tuition-fee scholarship, and that offset is awarded competitively to eligible applicants. So the fully funded scenario (stipend + relocation + no tuition) is real and achievable, but it depends on securing that tuition component, not just the stipend. Budget with that in mind rather than assuming everything is automatically covered.
Who can apply
- Domestic and international students from any country may apply
- For a master's by research, you generally need a bachelor's degree with honours or equivalent
- For a PhD, you generally need a master's degree or equivalent
- You must show a strong academic and research background
- You must not hold another award or salary that exceeds 75% of the stipend rate
- Priority often goes to candidates whose work aligns with UTAS's strategic research areas
How to apply
- Find a research area and a supervisor. Before anything else, identify a project and contact a prospective supervisory team. UTAS strongly expects you to coordinate with a supervisor before you apply.
- Prepare your research proposal and documents: academic transcripts, degree certificates, evidence of research capability, and English-proficiency results if required.
- Apply through the research-degree application. For most scholarships there's no separate form; your research-degree application is assessed for funding at the same time.
- State your scholarship interest clearly in the application.
- Submit before the round deadline and follow up on any additional steps the university requests.
Deadlines
UTAS assesses research scholarships in rounds, with intake deadlines that typically fall around 1 February and 1 October. Because international applications take time to process, students applying from overseas are usually advised to apply several months ahead of their intended start. These dates can change between years and by program, so confirm the current round on the official UTAS page before you apply.
Apply and confirm the details
Check the current stipend rate, tuition-offset eligibility and round deadlines, and start your application, on the official UTAS page: University of Tasmania, Scholarships and fees for research degrees.
Keep exploring: see all our fully funded scholarships, get ready with our free IELTS and English prep, or read how we verify every listing.
Disclaimer: FoundScholar is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Tasmania. Details change between rounds, so always confirm on the official source before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the University of Tasmania research scholarship fully funded?
It can be, but not automatically for everyone. The stipend (around AUD 34,315 a year) and relocation allowance are the guaranteed parts if you win the award. Full funding only happens when you are also granted a tuition-fee offset, which is awarded competitively to eligible international students. Without that offset, international candidates pay tuition themselves.
How much is the stipend?
The living allowance is around AUD 34,315 per year (the 2026 rate), tax-free, and indexed on 1 January each year. There is also a relocation allowance of up to AUD 2,000 to help with the cost of moving to Tasmania.
How long does the scholarship last?
The stipend runs for up to 3.5 years for a PhD and up to 2 years for a master's by research, with no extension. Note the PhD stipend is shorter than the maximum four-year candidature, so plan for that gap.
When is the deadline?
UTAS research scholarships are assessed in rounds, with intake deadlines typically around 1 February and 1 October. International applicants are usually advised to apply several months before their intended start. Always confirm the current round dates on the official UTAS page.