Monash Indigenous Research Scholarships

Monash Indigenous Research Scholarships

The University is committed to supporting and enhancing graduate research access to Monash in line with our Impact 2030 commitment ‘to fostering a society that recognises, respects and includes Indigenous peoples, cultures and knowledge by working with and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as well as Indigenous peoples of other places where Monash has a campus or major presence’.

As part of this commitment, scholarships are provided by Monash University to support Indigenous Australian students to undertake a Research Doctorate or Research Masters degree at a Monash campus in Australia.

From 2025, all Indigenous applicants who are eligible for admission and who will be undertaking enrolment as a full-time on-campus student will receive the RTP Stipend - Indigenous, which is paid at the top of the RTP range as published by the Department of Education. There is no change to the scholarship arrangements for students who commenced prior to 2025.

Scholarships may also be provided for external and/or part-time enrolment in accordance with the RTP Policy and Procedures.

At Monash, all our supervisors complete cultural safety training and undertake professional development to support enabling supervision practice. We understand this as an important and on-going area of professional development for all our supervisors.

Additionally, the Indigenous Research Team supports Indigenous students in all areas of their education and are committed to their success.

Applications

At any time*

Total scholarship value

$53,608 (2026 rate for students who commenced from 2025 onwards)

Number offered

Unlimited

PhD candidate, Research Assistant (Wominjeka Djeembana Lab) and proud Pitta Pitta woman.

Jahkarli Romanis

Having a strong support network of Indigenous researchers and practitioners is essential. Being supported by peers who understand your cultural context can help you produce your best work. I’ve been fortunate to have a positive experience at Monash, particularly due to the advocacy of mentors like Professor Brian Martin and being around a cohort of incredible Indigenous makers and thinkers.

Am I eligible?

You must meet the following criteria:

This scholarship package is also available to students undertaking Joint Research Awards when Monash University is the Home institution.

Benefits

A support package that is designed to ensure access to and success in your Monash graduate research degree.

Selection criteria

If successful, please note that the standard terms and conditions as outlined the RTP Scholarship Procedures apply, with the exceptions outlined in the eligibility criteria above.

How to apply

Graduate research scholarships applications are submitted at the same time as your course application, unless you are already enrolled.  Whether you are a new applicant or a current student, the myApp Portal is used for both course admission and scholarship applications.

Applicants are required to submit a scholarship application in order to be eligible for consideration and indicate that they would you like to be considered for a Monash Indigenous Research Award and any other Monash scholarships for Australian Indigenous students. Additionally, applicants must provide a Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Heritage certificate or a certified Statutory Declaration form to the William Cooper Institute.

* Applicants need to submit an application for scholarship in order to be considered. Applicants will need to select  one of the following rounds:

DOMESTIC (Round 2)
closes 31 May

DOMESTIC (Round 4)
closes 31 October

Different scholarships may have varying application requirements, so it's important to carefully review the details and ensure your application is submitted by the specified deadline.

To apply and find more information visit our How to Apply website or contact our Graduate Research Admissions team on E: mgro-apply@monash.edu or T: +61 3 9905 1538

For additional support with your application or for questions relating to support available for Indigenous HDR students, please contact the Indigenous Research team at indigenous@monash.edu.