University of Sydney Scholarships 2026 In Australia | Fully Funded

Australia remains one of the world’s most desirable study destinations, offering top-ranked universities, innovative research, multicultural campuses, generous post-study work rights (up to 4 years for PhD graduates), and clear pathways to permanent residency. The University of Sydney, consistently ranked among the global top 20–50 universities (QS 2026), is Australia’s oldest university and a powerhouse in research, teaching, and graduate employability.

For the 2026 intake, the University of Sydney offers some of the most generous fully funded scholarships available to international students — including the prestigious Research Training Program (RTP) and University of Sydney International Stipend Scholarship (USYDIS). These awards cover full tuition, a substantial living stipend, relocation support, thesis allowance, and more, making high-impact doctoral and research master’s study financially stress-free.

Also apply for University of Waterloo Scholarships

What Are the University of Sydney Scholarships?

The main fully funded opportunities for international students in 2026 are:

• Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship
  • Funded by the Australian Government
  • Full tuition waiver + living stipend + relocation/thesis allowance
• University of Sydney International Stipend Scholarship (USYDIS)
  • University-funded award
  • Identical benefits to RTP (full tuition + stipend + allowances)

Key facts:

• Fully funded PhD (3–4 years) & research master’s (1.5–2 years)
• Annual stipend: AUD 42,754 (2026 rate)
• Relocation allowance: Up to AUD 1,500–3,000 (depending on origin)
• Thesis allowance: Up to AUD 840–420
• Health insurance (OSHC) usually arranged by university
• No application fee
• Open to all nationalities (non-Australian/New Zealand citizens/PR)
• Deadline: Rolling / program-specific — main rounds: September 11, 2026 (Research Periods 1 & 2), December 18, 2026 (Periods 3 & 4)

These scholarships are highly competitive and awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, publications, and alignment with university strengths.

More Opportunities:

• DAAD MIDE Scholarship 2026 in Germany
• Budapest Metropolitan University Scholarships

Eligibility Criteria

You qualify if you meet all of these:

• Be an international student (non-Australian/New Zealand citizen or permanent resident)
• Be commencing full-time enrollment in a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program — PhD or research master’s
• Have achieved excellent academic results (usually first-class honours or equivalent)
• Not have previously received an RTP or USYDIS for the same level of study
• Not be receiving another scholarship that covers tuition and living costs from the Australian government or other sources
• Meet the university’s admission requirements for the chosen HDR program
• Have a confirmed supervisor and viable research proposal

English proficiency options:

• IELTS Academic: 6.5–7.0 overall (no band below 6.0)
• TOEFL iBT: 85–96
• PTE Academic: 61–68
• MOI certificate accepted if previous degree was taught and assessed in English
• Some programs waive English tests entirely for MOI holders

Strong opinion: Supervisor support is critical — contact potential supervisors early and align your research proposal with their expertise.

Scholarship Benefits – Fully Funded Package

• Full tuition fee waiver for the entire program duration
• Annual stipend: AUD 42,754 per year (tax-free, indexed annually)
• Relocation allowance: AUD 1,500 (international) or AUD 3,000 (from outside Australia)
• Thesis allowance: AUD 840 (PhD) or AUD 420 (master’s)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – usually arranged by university
• Access to research facilities, conferences, workshops, and professional development

Table: Total Estimated Support (3.5-year PhD)

Living costs in Sydney are not fully covered, but stipend is realistic.

Programs You Can Pick

All HDR programs at the University of Sydney are eligible (research master’s & PhD):

Major fields:

• Arts & Social Sciences
• Business (Business School)
• Engineering & Information Technologies
• Health & Medicine
• Law
• Science
• Architecture, Design & Planning
• Conservatorium of Music
• Sydney Dental School
• Veterinary Science

English-taught programs dominate. Full list: sydney.edu.au/research

Required Documents

• Online application form (via university portal)
• Academic transcripts & degree certificates
• Research proposal (detailed, aligned with supervisor)
• CV / résumé
• 2–3 academic recommendation letters
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or MOI certificate)
• Passport copy
• Supervisor acceptance / endorsement

How to Apply – Step by Step (2026 cycle)

1. Identify research area and potential supervisor (use Research Supervisor Connect)
2. Contact supervisor(s) — send CV, proposal outline, transcripts
3. Receive supervisor endorsement
4. Apply for HDR admission via sydney.edu.au/research/apply
5. Indicate interest in RTP/USYDIS scholarship (automatic assessment)
6. Submit by program-specific deadline (main rounds: September 11, 2026 & December 18, 2026)
7. Faculty nominates top candidates
8. Results: December 2026 – March 2027

Tip: Strong supervisor endorsement + clear, feasible research proposal are the most important factors.

Living Costs in Sydney (Beyond Stipend)

Single AUD 2,000–3,000/month (Numbeo Jan 2026) Rent AUD 800–1,500 shared Food AUD 400–600 Transport AUD 150

Stipend AUD 42,754/year covers most costs with careful budgeting.

Application Checklist

• Find supervisor & get endorsement
• Prepare strong research proposal
• Collect transcripts & certificates
• Secure recommendation letters
• English proof (IELTS/TOEFL or MOI)
• Apply by September 11 or December 18, 2026
• Track status

Common Mistakes to Avoid

No supervisor support. Generic research proposal. Late submission. Weak references. Not confirming MOI acceptance if no IELTS.