Indigenous research excellence scholarship

The aim of the program is to encourage and increase the number of Indigenous Australians undertaking postgraduate research study with a view to increasing the number of Indigenous Australian academic staff.

This scholarship provides support to Indigenous Australians to enrol in a postgraduate degree – including Master of Research (MRes), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – in any field of research.

Key details

Reference number

INDIG-MQRES

For course

MRes, MPhil, PhD

Key dates

Applications close on 30 April 2024 at 11pm

Student type

Domestic

Area of study

All

Stipend value
(Direct payment)

$10,000 – $47,000 p.a.

About the scholarship

The program provides recipients with opportunities to:

  • access mentoring from academic and professional staff and fellow postgraduate students
  • develop career and advanced research preparation skills
  • present research work at local, regional and national conferences.

Candidates who are successful in receiving an Indigenous Research Pathway Program scholarship are welcomed into the host faculty and encouraged to participate fully in academic life. As well as scholarship funding, there may be opportunity to undertake further paid employment such as tutoring, marking or faculty activities.

For MPhil and PhD candidates, leave and other conditions are generally equivalent to that of the Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship and Macquarie University conditions of award.

Availability

The scholarships are available to candidates who:

  • are currently enrolling or already enrolled in a MRes, MPhil or PhD research program
  • identify as Indigenous Australian. You must supply either a copy of your Letter of Confirmation of Aboriginality or a completed Statutory Declaration to confirm your Indigeneity.

Components

Macquarie University will provide support for the base stipend, while Walanga Muru will contribute an additional supplementary stipend.

The value and tenure of the scholarship vary according to which course you are undertaking.

If you have previously enrolled in study toward a research degree, the duration of the scholarship will be reduced by this period of prior enrolment. This is known as advanced standing.

Course

Macquarie base stipend value (in 2024)

Walanga Muru supplementary stipend value (p.a. fixed rate)

BPhil/ MRes (Year 1)$5000 per session$5000 in Session 1, with the possibility of an additional $5000 in Session 2
MRes (Year 2)$35,000 per annum$8000 per annum
MPhil$35,000 per annum $10,000 per annum
PhD$35,000 per annum $12,000 per annum

BPhil/MRes (Year 1)

Students who achieve a minimum overall weighted average of 65 at the end of Session 1 may also be eligible for a stipend in Session 2.

Enrolment in Session 3 units will not be considered when determining a candidate’s eligibility for the stipend in Session 2.

PhD

The supplementary stipend value listed above is for students commencing in 2024. For students who are currently enrolled, the supplementary stipend value remains $12,000 p.a.

How to apply

At the start of your application you should select the ‘Indigenous Macquarie University Research Excellence’ as the scholarship type.