Higher Degree by Research (PhD) projects with competitive scholarships
Charles Darwin University (CDU) is seeking Australia’s top Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates to join its project-focused scholarship program for 2026/27.
This program is designed to attract high-performing researchers to the Northern Territory, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research while building a rewarding academic or industry career.
Scholarship Opportunities
A range of scholarships linked to pre-approved HDR projects are available for new applicants only (current HDR students are not eligible).
Domestic Applicants
- RTP Domestic PhD Scholarship – Standard CDU RTP stipend (approximately $35,000 per annum), plus full RTP fee offset to cover the PhD tuition fees for up to 3 years.
- DVCRCC Domestic Strategic Project Scholarship – Standard RTP stipend (approximately $35,000 per annum), an additional top-up of up to @$18,000 per year, and plus full RTP fee offset to cover the course tuition fees for up to 3 years.
International Applicants
International applicants commencing in 2026/27 may be eligible for one of two scholarship opportunities, attached to pre-approved research projects:
- International PhD RTP Scholarship: A Research Training Program stipend of approximately AUD $35,000 per annum, plus a CDU Graduate Full Fee Scholarship covering full tuition for up to three years. Availability is very limited and only very high-quality applicants will be considered.
- Graduate Full Fee Scholarship: Covers international Higher Degree by Research tuition fees for three years full-time. Pre-approved projects span four faculties and cover strategic priority areas including Indigenous studies, ecology, remote health, energy, AI, and sustainability.
Apply now and become part of a research community shaping the future of the Northern Territory and beyond.
PhD projects with competitive scholarships
Applications are now open for HDR projects starting in 2026(Semester 2)/2027, with competitive scholarships available exclusively for new PhD candidates (existing HDR students will not be eligible to apply).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I meet the HDR Program Eligibility Criteria?
To be eligible to start a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at CDU, you need to meet three requirements.
Academic performance You need a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with a Distinction GPA. You’ll need to provide your academic transcripts as evidence.
Research experience You need to have completed research training as part of your previous studies:
- For a PhD: at least 40 credit points, one semester full-time of Post-graduate of (AQF Level 8) research training
If you don’t meet these exact requirements, equivalent research experience may still be considered — as long as you can show a strong research track record.
English proficiency (international applicants only) You’ll need to provide a certificate showing one of the following:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no individual band below 6.0
- Duolingo English Test (accepted)
- Other tests — see the English language proficiency requirements for full details
Do I meet scholarship eligibility criteria?
Competitive applicants will have:
- Strong academic record — Honours or Master’s with a thesis (or substantial research units) at AQF Level 8 or 9, plus a high GPA
- Research outputs — peer-reviewed publications in Q1–Q4 journals or other high-quality research outputs. See scimagojr for journal rankings.
- Relevant experience — practical research experience or a research portfolio
- Aligned skills — knowledge that fits the proposed research area.
Strong applicants will typically have at least one quality publication e.g. one Q1 Journal article, or a Master by Research / MPhil with GPA ≥ 80%.
For HDR Projects – Specific requirements vary by project, so always read the project description and speak with the supervisor before applying.
How to apply?
Send your EOI Email directly to the lead supervisor. Your EOI must include:
- Cover email — outlining your eligibility for the PhD program, your suitability for the project and why you’re interested in this project.
- Curriculum vitae — Include your qualifications, relevant experience and your 4 best publications (if possible) with their quality indicators.
- Postgraduate transcripts — showing grading scheme, GPA, and all thesis/research units
Application outcome
If you’re selected by the Associate Dean of Research (ADR) Review Panel, you’ll receive an invitation to apply via email with further instructions for completing your formal application.
Project specific questions
Contact the lead supervisor for any project-specific or application questions.