Research scholarships

Macquarie University has an enviable reputation of research excellence and achievement. Our researchers have led or contributed to world-leading research with world-changing impact in a variety of fields.

Despite the strength of our current research reputation and historic achievements, Macquarie’s research future depends upon our ability to adapt, modify and focus our research efforts. Macquarie welcomes international students to join us in undertaking research in all disciplines of study.

Availability

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, you must:

• be a citizen and permanent resident of the People’s Republic of China at the time of your application
• intend to reside in Sydney, Australia during your candidature
• meet the admission criteria for commencement into the Master of Research (MRes - refer to schedule 2.3) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• at the time of application meet the English language requirement for Macquarie research degrees
• satisfy all the criteria for admission to Macquarie University
• have a valid visa enabling the commencement and completion of study in Sydney, Australia
• satisfy all other eligibility criteria as defined by the China Scholarship Council.

If an applicant has a conditional offer of enrolment at Macquarie University contingent on receiving the CSC award, and the CSC award is not granted, they may still enrol at Macquarie but will be responsible for all costs, including tuition and living expenses.

Award holders may consider applying for a Global PhD which involves enrolling at both a Chinese university and Macquarie University to jointly undertake a PhD project, supported by the MQ-CSC scholarship. For further inquiries about the Global PhD, please contact gr.international@mq.edu.au.

Components

Successful PhD applicants will receive:

• iMQRES tuition fee offset for up to 3 years
• co-funded living allowance stipend for up to three years at ($39,700 per annum at the 2026 rate).

Successful MRes candidates will receive:

• iMQRES tuition fee offset for up to 12 months
• co-funded living allowance stipend for up to 12 months ($39,700 per annum at the 2026 rate).

How to apply

1. New applicants will need to apply to Macquarie University for admission and scholarship. For details on how to submit an application, see how to apply.
2. When applying via the online Applicant Portal, ensure you select the course you wish to apply for and the "MQCSC - Macquarie University - China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarship".
3. Applications will be assessed by Macquarie University. If you are successful, Macquarie University will provide a conditional offer letter. You will need this letter to apply to the China Scholarship Council
4. Macquarie University will then provide the China Scholarship Council with a list of suitable candidates to be considered for the scholarship and the program they have received the conditional offer for.
5. The China Scholarship Council will evaluate applications and select students on the basis of merit. The China Scholarship Council will announce the final list of scholarship recipients and send China Scholarship Council award letters to successful applicants.
6. Selected applicants will be contacted by Macquarie University and applicants will need to provide the official China Scholarship Council award letter to Macquarie University.

Macquarie University conditional offers to be issued in March 2026.

Check CSC programs’ details and eligibility requirements.

Lodge your application on the CSC online applicant portal.

CSC typically evaluate the applications from April to May 2026.

Successful PhD applicants will be expected to enrol and start their study at Macquarie in October 2026 or February 2027.

Successful MRes applicants will be expected to enrol and start their study at Macquarie in January 2027.