Adelaide Scholarships International
The Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI) is the University of Adelaide's premier award for international Higher Degree by Research candidates. It covers full tuition fees, a tax-free living stipend (currently AUD 36,500/year) for up to 3.5 years (PhD) or 2 years (Master's by Research), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and a thesis allowance. Around 30 awards are made annually across the science, engineering, health, humanities, and professions faculties. Selection is centralised on academic merit.
University of Adelaide
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Annual Stipend
AUD 36,500/yr (tax-free)
Duration
2 yrs (MRes) / 3.5 yrs (PhD)
Extras
Full Tuition + OSHC + Thesis Allowance
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
First-Class Honours or Equivalent
Bachelor's degree with first-class honours, OR a Bachelor's plus a research master's with a strong thesis component. Sri Lankan first-class graduates with a published paper or strong honours thesis are typically competitive.
Adelaide HDR Application
You must have applied to (or hold an offer for) a full-time HDR programme at Adelaide. Coursework master's programmes are not eligible.
English Proficiency
IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 (most disciplines). Higher requirements apply for some clinical and humanities programmes.
Supervisor Confirmation
You need confirmation of supervisor availability before the scholarship round closes. Contact prospective supervisors at adelaide.edu.au/research 4-6 months ahead.
account_tree Application Process
Identify and contact a supervisor
Find a research supervisor whose work matches your interests. Email with your CV, transcripts, and a 1-2 page research outline. Supervisor support is essential.
Submit the HDR + scholarship application
Apply via the Adelaide online HDR portal. Tick the ASI consideration option — the same application doubles as the scholarship application.
Round assessment
ASI runs in two main rounds — round 1 closes 31 January (results in May), round 2 closes 31 August (results in October). Apply early in the round window for the best chance.
Outcome + acceptance
Successful applicants receive an offer letter detailing tuition coverage, stipend, and start date. You typically have 4 weeks to accept.
Why University of Adelaide?
Adelaide is one of Australia's Group of Eight research-intensive universities. The city itself is among the most affordable major Australian cities, stretching the scholarship significantly further than Sydney or Melbourne would.
#82
QS World Ranking 2026
Go8
Research Group Member
AUD 36.5k
Annual Stipend
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Australian Government
ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship
Australian National University