Edith Cowan University (ECU) Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Scholarships 2026

If you’re aiming to pursue a research degree in Australia, the 2026 ECU HDR Scholarships Round (RTP & ECUHDRS) is now open. This competitive scholarship supports outstanding research promise through PhD, Integrated PhD or Master by Research pathways at ECU. The window to submit applications is 3 September 2025 to 16 October 2025 (11:59 pm AWST).

Below is a full breakdown — from summary to application steps, including examples of research areas you might propose.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia

• Host Institution: Edith Cowan University (ECU)

• Study Level: PhD / Integrated PhD / Master by Research

• Target Group: Both domestic (Australian) and international applicants with strong research potential

• Fields & Focus: All fields of research offered by ECU, subject to alignment with supervisor and university priorities

• Value & Coverage:

  • Stipend: AUD 35,000 per annum, paid fortnightly

  • Tuition Fee Sponsorship: Full coverage of course fees for the HDR candidature

  • Allowances: Relocation allowance (for domestic students where applicable), partial reimbursement of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students

• Duration: Up to 3 years full-time for PhD / Integrated PhD; up to 2 years full-time for Master by Research

• Application Deadline: 16 October 2025 (11:59 pm AWST)

• Start Date / Commencement Conditions:

  • For PhD: must not commence after 8 May 2026 

  • For Master by Research / Integrated PhD: must begin by Semester 1, 2026

  
  

📚 Scholarship Overview

• ECU runs two HDR scholarship rounds per year (approximately May and September)

• For 2026 Main Round:

  1. Project / Supervisor Expression of Interest (EOI): Supervisors propose projects for scholarship allocation.

  2. School-level allocation / endorsement: Projects are evaluated by Schools (via Associate Deans Research) before forwarding to central review.

  3. Candidate Application & Ranking: Applicants apply via the ECU online portal; selection is merit-based based on academic record, research potential, alignment, and supervisor support.

• Not all scholarships will be project-based; some may be awarded through open calls depending on funding availability

🎁 Scholarship Benefits

• Tuition Fees Covered: Full sponsorship for HDR candidature

• Living Stipend: AUD 35,000 per annum (indexed annually) paid fortnightly

• Relocation Allowance: For eligible domestic candidates (upon moving to area)

• OSHC & Visa Fee Allowance: International recipients may receive partial reimbursement for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and up to AUD 710 reimbursement of visa application fees (excluding surcharges)

• Termination Conditions: Scholarship terminates upon thesis submission, withdrawal, failure to maintain full-time enrolment (unless approved intermission), or failure to meet eligibility requirements.

  
  

📘 Example Research Areas (You May Propose or Select From)

Below are sample topics currently offered (or indicative) under ECU’s 2026 HDR round by various Schools — useful for orientation or proposal brainstorming:

• Arts & Humanities / Social Sciences / Digital Media

  • AI in Digital User Experience (CX): pitfalls, solutions, platform development

  • “Love is more than a four-letter word”: integrating self-love into youth sexual consent knowledge

  • Digital Futures and Global Transformation

• Business & Law

  • Generative AI-driven knowledge reasoner for job-skill assessment

  • Integrating AI and automation in workplaces

  • Climate-related disclosure assurance in Australia & NZ

• Education

  • Outdoor learning across vocational education & training

  • Teachers’ professional knowledge and competencies

  • Student perceptions of mathematics

• Engineering / Energy / Environment

  • Electric vehicle integration & smart grid strategies

  • Geological mechanisms for sustainable hydrogen production

  • Enhancing asphalt performance using waste materials

• Health & Medical Sciences

  • Generative AI for health information access & literacy

  • Mindfulness practice effects on cognition and biomarkers

  • Cancer therapy optimization, prehabilitation, multiomic health in mothers & children

• Nursing / Allied Health

  • Recovery outcomes via complementary therapies

  • Using behavioral activation for post-stroke depression

• Science / Computing / Environment

  • Machine learning in marine ecosystem modelling

  • Copper catalysts for CO₂ electrochemical reduction

  • Wireless covert drone communication

  • Agroecological planting systems to boost climate resilience

These topics illustrate the breadth of ECU’s interests. If you propose your own topic, ensure it aligns with a potential supervisor and the strategic goals of your school. A full list of proposed topics can be found here

✅ Eligibility Criteria

You must satisfy all of the following:

1. Have been (or be awaiting approval of) an offer to undertake a PhD, Integrated PhD, or Master by Research at ECU.

2. Have endorsement from a proposed supervisor (or supervisors) who confirm willingness to supervise.

3. For PhD candidates: commencement must be no later than 8 May 2026 

4. For Master by Research / Integrated PhD: commence by Semester 1, 2026

5. You must not have received an AusAID or Australia Award scholarship in the two years prior.

6. For RTP component: your external (non-project) income must not exceed 75% of the ECU RTP stipend base rate (AUD 35,000)

7. Be a full-time student (unless specific permission is granted for part-time / intermission)

✍🏻 Application Procedure

1. Check eligibility & admission status. You must have (or be awaiting) an ECU HDR offer.

2. Select or propose your research topic. Either apply to an advertised project or propose your own aligned with a supervisor.

3. Contact potential supervisors. You need to obtain their confirmation (endorsement) to supervise your proposed project (if self-proposed).

4. Submit your application. Use the ECU Online Scholarship Application Portal during 3 September 2025 – 16 October 2025.

5. Conditional offers: If your course admission is not fully approved before scholarship ranking, you may receive a conditional scholarship offer pending final admission approval.

🗂️ Documents Typically Required

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

• Proof of admission or pending offer for ECU HDR course

• Research proposal (if proposing your own topic)

• Curriculum vitae / resume

• Supervisor endorsement letter(s)

• English language test scores (if applicable)

• List of publications (if any)

• Additional forms as required by ECU scholarship portal

Note: Always check ECU’s official HDR Scholarship page for latest document lists and formatting rules.

ℹ️ Additional Info & Tips

• Early planning is essential — contacting supervisors well before September is recommended.

• Your proposed research should align with ECU’s strategic research themes (and supervisor expertise).

• Conditional offers are accepted if you meet course admission after ranking.

• Monitor ECU’s internal “Expression of Interest” periods for project proposals (for supervisors)

• Ensure you maintain eligibility during the course (full-time enrolment, deliverables, etc.).

• For international students, keeping your visa, OSHC, and enrollment compliant is critical.

🔗 Official Link

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