Overview

The University of Newcastle Postgraduate Research Scholarships (UNIPRS) are a prestigious opportunity for international and domestic students aiming to pursue advanced research in a vibrant academic environment. These scholarships provide financial assistance to high-achieving students seeking to undertake a research-based postgraduate degree at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Known for its commitment to innovation, research excellence, and real-world impact, the University of Newcastle is a top destination for research scholars from around the globe. 

These scholarships are designed to attract exceptional researchers who can contribute to the university's cutting-edge projects and expand their knowledge in various fields. UNIPRS is offered annually to a select number of students and supports full-time research in a wide range of disciplines. The scholarship ensures that recipients can focus on their research without financial constraints

Who Can Apply?

• be undertaking a higher degree by research (i.e. a PhD or a Research Masters degree); coursework degrees do not qualify as higher degrees by research
• ensure a complete application is submitted, including supervisor report and other documents required to conduct a complete assessment of an application
• not have previously received an NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarship
• not be a recipient of an Australian Government funded stipend such as a Research Training Program (RTP) stipend at the time of application, during peer review, or for the duration of the grant, if accepted
• not exceed 12 calendar months of full-time equivalent enrolment for a PhD degree, or six calendar months for a Research Masters degree, up to 31 December in the year of application
• include a proposal for a research project based in Australia; elements of the project can be undertaken outside Australia (e.g. data gathering) but the CIA, supervisor and project must be all Australian based and located at an Australian institution
• apply under the Research Stream that their research proposal aligns with.

Application Procedure

1. Apply for Admission: Candidates must first apply for admission to a research degree at the University of Newcastle. This involves submitting a research proposal, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
2. Scholarship Application: Once the admission application is processed, eligible candidates are automatically considered for the UNIPRS. There is no separate application required for the scholarship.
3. Shortlisting and Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or further evaluation of their research proposal.
4. Award Notification: Successful candidates are notified, and they begin their research journey at one of Australia's leading research universities.

What Financial Support is Available?

• Postgraduate Scholarships are funded for a maximum period of three years of full-time equivalent (FTE) study for a PhD degree, and two years for a Research Masters degree. The duration of a full-time or part-time Postgraduate Scholarship will be reduced by any periods of study undertaken towards the nominated degree prior to the commencement of the funding period.
• Full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of the research degree.
• Living allowance: A stipend is provided to cover daily living costs, helping scholars focus on their research without financial stress.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): For international students, the scholarship covers the cost of OSHC, ensuring that they are medically insured while studying in Australia.

Other Details

Each research stream has specific eligibility criteria:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research
  Eligible applicants include medical, dental, and allied health graduates, individuals enrolled in a combined MBBS/PhD program, and other graduates with a degree relevant to the proposed research area.

• Clinical Medicine and Science Research
  Medical, dental, and allied health graduates, as well as those enrolled in a combined MBBS/PhD program, are eligible. Other graduates with a degree relevant to the proposed research may also apply, provided their most recent academic qualification was earned at least five years before 31 December of the application year.

• Dora Lush Basic Science
  Medical, dental, and allied health graduates, and those in a combined MBBS/PhD program, are eligible. Other graduates with a degree relevant to the proposed research can also apply if their most recent academic qualification was obtained at least five years before 31 December of the application year.

• Public Health and Health Services Research
  Medical, dental, and allied health graduates, those in a combined MBBS/PhD program, and other graduates with a degree relevant to the research area are eligible to apply.

Stipend Categories

• Medical/Dental
  The Medical Stipend is available to graduates with an MBBS, DDS, DDM, or similar degree. Applicants must be registered to practice medicine or dentistry in Australia at the time of application, with no conditions or suspensions affecting their registration. Institutions must maintain evidence of registration and provide it to NHMRC if requested.

• Priority
  The Priority Stipend is provided to graduates in nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, pharmacy, and other allied health professions. Applicants must be registered to practice in Australia with no conditions or suspensions on their registration at the time of application. For professions that do not require registration, evidence of the applicant’s authority to practice in Australia must be provided to NHMRC if requested.

• Standard
  The Standard Stipend applies to non-allied health and non-medical/dental graduates. Applicants must have completed their most recent academic qualification at least five years before 31 December in the year of application if applying under the Clinical Medicine and Science Research or Dora Lush Basic Science streams. This does not apply to applicants under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research or Public Health and Health Services Research streams.

• Combined MBBS/PhD
  The Combined MBBS/PhD Stipend is available to graduates enrolled in a combined MBBS/PhD program. The stipend rate is the same as the Standard Stipend.

For More Information

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