The University offers a number of Postgraduate Scholarship opportunities to students enrolled in the following higher degree by research* programs:

• Doctor of Education by taught component and a Major Dissertation 
• Doctor of Philosophy by Major Thesis only
• Master of Philosophy by Major Thesis only
• Master of Education by taught component and a Major Thesis
• Master of Exercise Science by Major Thesis only
• Master of Midwifery by taught component and a Major Thesis
• Master of Music by taught component and a Major Thesis
• Master of Nursing by taught component and a Major Thesis
• Master of Social Science by taught component and a Major Thesis

^{* A higher degree by research program is defined by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) as having a major thesis equivalent to at least 66% of the
degree requirements.}

Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents
Applications are welcome from Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents for the following postgraduate awards:

• Australian Catholic University Postgraduate Awards (ACUPA) With Stipend
• Australian Postgraduate Awards (APA) With Stipend
  

International Students
Applications are welcome from international students and non-permanent residents in Australia for the following awards:

• Australian Catholic University Postgraduate Awards International (ACUPA) With Stipend
• International Postgraduate Research Awards (IPRA)
  

Australian Postgraduate Awards
The Australian Commonwealth Government Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) in conjunction with Australian higher education institutions operates a postgraduate award scheme, known as Australian Postgraduate Awards (APA) with stipend, to support persons of exceptional research promise to undertake a higher degree by research.

APAs offered at ACU National
may be taken up at any of the University’s six campuses: Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney and Strathfield.  Awards are available to conduct research in any area of research specialisation in which postgraduate supervision is available.

International Postgraduate Research  Awards  (IPRA)
The aims of the IPRA program are to attract top quality overseas postgraduate students to areas of research strength in higher education institutions and to support Australia’s research efforts.  IPRA are funded by the Australian Government for full-time research in areas of research specialisation leading to a research Master or Doctoral degree.

Australian Catholic University Postgraduate Awards (ACUPA)
ACUPAs are available for full-time research leading to a Master or Doctoral degree in an area of research strength, including:

Early Christian Literature, Educational Leadership, Environmental Science, Ethics, Family and Youth Studies, Excercise Science, Lifelong Learning, Mathematics Education, Nursing, Philosophy, Primary and Secondary Education, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Religious Education, Teaching and Learning, and Theology.

Further Information on Postgraduate Scholarships
For further information on postgraduate scholarships for Australian citizens and permanent residents, see the Department of Education, Science and Training website.

Application Process
International students applying for admission to a research degree program may apply for an IPRA and an ACUPA (International).  The IPRA will cover the full tuition fees and the ACUPA provides a basic living allowance.

International applicants wishing to apply for a postgraduate scholarship should hold the equivalent qualification of a First Class Honours degree.

Applications from Australian citizens and permanent residents should be lodged with your nearest Research Services Office.

Applications from international applicants should be lodged with the Research Services Office in Melbourne, Victoria.

NOTE: Applications for Postgraduate Research Scholarships close on 31 October. Application Kits, course and cost information are available from the Research Services webpages or by Email to: res.cand@patrick.acu.edu.au