Scholarships

The Australian National University funds and administers a wide range of scholarships for Doctor of Philosophy and Masters degree research study. It also administers a number of scholarships for which the funds come from the Australian Government or from sources external to the University.

The John Curtin School of Medical Research PhD Scholarship

JCSMR is currently offering PhD scholarships for new students to join our top level, interdisciplinary teams in all our Research Departments. Are you an outstanding student, with a Bachelors Degree with First Class Honours (or equivalent), highly motivated to challenge yourself, and ready to study with a world class research supervisor in our state of the art laboratories? Apply now, and if successful be awarded a 3-year, full fee waiver scholarship (for international students) plus living allowance to study at Australia’s national university in Canberra, Australia’s capital city.

The Australian National University (ANU) is ranked number 1 in Australia and 19 in the world by the QS World University Rankings. The John Curtin School of Medical Research at ANU is home to some of the best medical researchers in Australia. These leading scientists are undertaking ground-breaking work in areas including Neuroscience, Genomics, Immunology & Infectious Diseases and Cancer.

Read about some of the exciting projects currently available.

For more information about applying to join one of our dynamic, multi-disciplinary teams at JCSMR please contact the JCSMR Student Administrator.

Closing dates for applications: 15 April, 31 August and 31 October each year

How to apply

There is no separate application for this scholarship as all eligible applicants will be automatically considered see: http://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/program/9710XPHD#scholarships

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

Taiyang and Loong PhD Scholarships

Each year JCSMR may offer up to four awards known as the Taiyang and Loong PhD Scholarship.

The objectives of the Scholarships are to apply the highest level of computer science and computational knowledge to many of the unsolved problems facing biological and health scientists today.  Successful candidates will accelerate knowledge and skills development and cultivate an entrepreneurial research and learning environment. 

The value of this Scholarship for 2024 is $44,000 per annum per successful candidate. Funding for this Award has been provided by Taiyang Zhang and Loong Wang, as part of the Talo Computational Biology Talent Accelerator.

For inquiry on projects and suitability, prospective applicants should contact potential supervisors from the Centre of Computational Biomedical Sciences (CCBS). Formal applications are done through the JCSMR PhD application page.

Closing dates for 2024 applications: April 15, 2024

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

Shine-Dalgarno Centre PhD Supplementary Scholarships

 The Australian National University (ANU) is offering PhD supplementary scholarships for exceptional candidates interested in studying RNA biology.

As a PhD candidate, you will work with leading researchers as part of the Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, to investigate the mechanisms by which RNA molecules regulate gene expression, protein synthesis and cellular function. You will have access to cutting-edge technologies and state-of-the-art facilities. In addition, you will become part of comprehensive program and network of RNA PhD candidates, with access to opportunities for building professional skills and engaging with industry in order to develop a better understanding around commercialisation and translation.

The successful candidate will have a strong academic record in a relevant field, such as molecular biology, biochemistry or genetics along with previous research experience in RNA biology. The supplementary scholarship will top up the AGRTP rate of the base stipend to $44,000p/a paid fortnightly for three years.

We recommend prospective candidates to contact first potential supervisors to prepare the application. A list of potential supervisors can be found on this page. Formal applications are done through the JCSMR PhD application page. For further information about the admission process to the JCSMR PhD program, please contact JCSMR HDR.

Deadlines: April 15, 2024 (International and Domestic)

Doherty PhD Scholarship

The Doherty Scholarship facilitates interaction between basic biomedical science and clinical research. The purpose of the scholarship is to attract Australian or International students of high calibre with clinical qualifications to pursue postgraduate studies at the JCSMR involving a clinical research project.

» Find out more about joining one of our multidisciplinary medical research teams by contacting Associate Professor Marco Casarotto

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

Eccles PhD Scholarship

This is a scholarship designed to attract overseas students of high calibre to pursue postgraduate research at The John Curtin School of Medical Research. The scholarship will provide for payment of the annual tuition fees for overseas students, and an annual living expense stipend set at the normal rate of the ANU PhD Scholarships. Applications close 31 August each year.

» Find out more about joining one of our multidisciplinary medical research teams

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

Zinkernagel PhD Scholarship

JCSMR has established a named scholarship in honour of Professor Rolf Zinkernagel, who shared the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine with Professor Peter Doherty in 1996 for work done in the JCSMR. One Zinkernagel Scholarship will be awarded annually to an overseas PhD student who was the highest ranked successful JCSMR applicant for an International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS). The scholarship will provide for payment of an annual living expenses stipend set at a normal rate of the ANU PhD scholarship for the duration of the IPRS award. Applications close 31 August each year.

» Find out more about joining one of our multidisciplinary medical research teams by contacting Associate Professor Marco Casarotto

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

John James Memorial Foundation PhD Scholarship for Medical Research

The John James Memorial Foundation PhD Scholarship for Medical Research provides a stipend and other benefits. It is normal for recipients to undertake study on a full-time basis. However, in accordance with strict criteria, the scholarship can be awarded for part-time study. International scholars must undertake study on a full-time basis.

» Find out more about joining one of our multidisciplinary medical research teams by contacting Associate Professor Marco Casarotto

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

James Rice Postgraduate Award

This scholarship is named in memory of the late James Rice, formerly of Alice Springs. It is intended to attract Australian or international students to pursue postgraduate research for a PhD degree at the JCSMR in a field broadly related to Multiple Sclerosis. The scholarship will provide payment of an annual living expenses stipend to an Australian student or annual tuition fees for an overseas candidate, plus other benefits including travel and removal expenses.

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

Fenner Merit Supplementary Scholarship

The purpose of the scholarship is to attract Australian students of high calibre to pursue postgraduate research at The John Curtin School of Medical Research. The award will provide for payment of a supplementary scholarship to an outstanding holder of an JCSMR PhD Scholarship or an AGRTP or some other living allowance scholarship for the duration of that scholarship. The level of the award is currently A$10,000 per annum. Applications close 31 October.

» Find out more about joining one of our multidisciplinary medical research teams

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

Doherty Supplementary Scholarship

The Doherty Scholarship facilitates interaction between basic biomedical science and clinical research. The purpose of the scholarship is to attract Australian or International students of high calibre with clinical qualifications to pursue postgraduate studies at the JCSMR involving a clinical research project. The amount of the supplement is to be determined by the Director of JCSMR and is to be paid to the holder of an AGRTP or similar award. The level of the award is currently A$10,000 per annum. Applications close 31 October.

» Find out more about joining one of our multidisciplinary medical research teams by contacting Associate Professor Marco Casarotto

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

Gordon Ada Supplementary Scholarship in Immunology or Virology

The School has established a named supplementary scholarship in honour of eminent Australian and JCSMR immunologist and virologist Professor Gordon Ada. The scholarship is to be awarded annually as funds permit. The amount of the supplement is to be determined by the Director of JCSMR and is to be paid to the holder of an AGRTP or similar award. In the first instance the scholarship will be awarded in vaccine development. The level of the award is currently A$10,000 per annum. Applications close 31 October.

» Find out more about joining one of our multidisciplinary medical research teams by contacting Associate Professor Marco Casarotto

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

Peter Gage Memorial Supplementary Scholarship in Membrane Physiology

The John Curtin School of Medical Research has established a supplementary scholarship in honour of Professor Peter Gage, an internationally recognised and influential membrane biophysicist. The purpose of the scholarship is to attract Australian students of high calibre to pursue postgraduate research at the John Curtin School of Medical Researchin the area of membrane physiology. The amount of the supplement is to be determined by the Director of JCSMR and is to be paid to the holder of an AGRTP or similar award. The level of the award is currently A$10,000 per annum. Applications close 31 October.

» Find out more about joining one of our multidisciplinary medical research teams by contacting Associate Professor Marco Casarotto

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

Paul Bunyan Memorial Honours Scholarship

This is a scholarship awarded in memory of Paul Bunyan. The Scholarship provides a stipend of $7,000 per annum for one year for a Medical Science Fourth Year (Honours) student in a field normally related to cancer research.

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

Alexander McTaggart Honours Scholarship

This is a scholarship awarded in memory of Alexander McTaggart. The Scholarship provides a stipend of $7,000 per annum for one year for a fourth year (Honours) student in medical science related to cancer research and allied fields.

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

Joyce Fildes Honours Scholarship in Medical Science

This scholarship has been generously endowed by Dr Joyce Fildes, an original member of the John Curtin School of Medical Research. The Scholarship provides a stipend of $7,000 per annum for one year for a fourth year (Honours) student in medical science.

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

Angus Nicholson Honours Scholarship in Science

This scholarship is offered by the ANU College of Health and Medicine & ANU College of Science. The scholarship has been generously established by Mr Jon Nicholson, in memory of his late father, Dr Angus Nicholson.

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

The Helen Winslade Honours Scholarship in Cancer Research

This Scholarship is awarded in memory of Mrs Helen Winslade. The Scholarship provides a stipend of $7,000 per annum for one year for a fourth year (Honours) student in medical science related to cancer research.

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) Stipend Scholarship

Each year the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training provides funding to Universities to award scholarships to domestic and international students undertaking Higher Degree Research programs. AGRTP holders are paid a fortnightly stipend that is indexed annually. Additional benefits include paid sick leave and maternity/paternity leave entitlements, relocation and thesis allowance. Full-time AGRTP scholarships are tax-exempt. Only under exceptional circumstances are AGRTPs able to be held Part-Time.

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) International Fee Offset Scholarship

Each year the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training provides funding to Universities to award scholarships to International students undertaking Higher Degree Research programs. The AGRTP InternationaI Fee Offset Scholarship covers tuition fees for 3 years with the possibility of two six month extensions and provides program length overseas student health cover for the student and their immediate family.

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

ANU University Research Scholarships

The ANU provides the funding. The awards are open to Australian and overseas applicants. Holders are paid a fortnightly stipend that is indexed annually. Additional benefits include paid annual leave, sick leave and maternity/paternity leave entitlements, relocation and thesis allowance.Full-time scholarships are tax-exempt.

» Visit the scholarships and support website for more information

Heart Foundation Scholarships

The Heart Foundation offers the Health Professional Scholarships and the Australian Indigenous Scholarship. Heart Foundation research scholarships complement other PhD funding sources by strategically providing support for the development of cardiovascular research capacity in under-represented areas of expertise.

» Visit the Heart Foundation website for more information

National Health and Medical Research Council Scholarships

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is Australia's peak body for supporting health and medical research; for developing health advice for the Australian community, health professionals and governments; and for providing advice on ethical behaviour in health care and in the conduct of health and medical research. The NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarships scheme funds successful applicants to attain a research based postgraduate degree (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Masters Degree). It aims to support these outstanding health and medical graduates early in their career so they can be trained to conduct research that is internationally competitive and develop a capacity for original independent research within Australia.

» Visit the National Health and Medical Research Council website for more information

Endeavour Scholarships (International students)

Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships are internationally competitive, merit-based scholarships provided by the Australian Government that support citizens around the world to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia and for Australians to do the same overseas. The Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships build Australia’s reputation for excellence in the provision of education and research, support the internationalisation of the Australian higher education and research sectors and offer high-achieving Australians opportunities to increase their knowledge and expertise in their field.

» Visit the Department of Education and Training website for more information

Australia Awards Scholarships (International students)

Australia Awards Scholarships are long term development awards administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. They aim to contribute to the long term development needs of Australia's partner countries in line with bilateral and regional agreements. They provide opportunities for people from developing countries, particularly those countries located in the Indo-Pacific region, to undertake full time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. The study and research opportunities provided by Australia Awards Scholarships develop skills and knowledge of individuals to drive change and contribute to the development outcomes of their own country.

» Visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for more information