Research Higher Degrees Fees and Support
Financial Support
The Australian Government, through the Research Training Program, provides funding to universities to assist with meeting the tuition fees for eligible domestic research higher degree candidates, whether you are studying full time or part time, on campus or online. Scholarships are also available to assist with the cost of living and ancillary costs while undertaking a research higher degree. Students who are not eligible for allocation of an RTP Offset Scholarship, or who have exceeded the standard duration of enrolment, will be liable for tuition fees.
Tuition-Free and Discounted Study
If you are an Australian or New Zealand Citizen, or Australian Permanent Resident you may be eligible for allocation of a Research Training Program (RTP) Offset Scholarship:
- For doctoral candidates: up to four years full-time (or part-time equivalent)
- For masters by research students: up to two years full-time (or part-time equivalent)
Candidates who are awarded an RTP Offset Scholarship will not be required to pay tuition fees for the standard duration of their course.
For further information about RTP Scholarships and Allowances at CQUniversity please refer to the Research Training Program and Research Higher Degree Scholarships Policy and Procedure. For more information on the cost of a research degree without an offset, view our tuition fees.
On top of project and conference funding, international students may also be eligible for the International Student Scholarship and the International Student Scholarship – Regional. New students who will commence their studies at CQUniversity from Term 2, 2020 onwards will be awarded up to the value of 25 per cent off their course tuition fees.
Stipend and Allowance Scholarships
Under the Australian Government’s Research Training (RTP) Program, research higher degree candidates in receipt of an RTP Offset Scholarship may also eligible to receive a RTP Stipend Scholarship and RTP Allowance, to assist with the living and ancillary costs of undertaking a research higher degree.
Applications for scholarships are accepted year-round, however applicants must be endorsed by their principal supervisor as a condition of being invited to apply during the admissions process.
How We Support You
As a research higher degree candidate, you are eligible to attend a comprehensive calendar of training events staged throughout the year, at either our research-active campuses or by online or video-conference sessions. This provides an opportunity to hone your skills in statistics, research ethics, oral presentations, thesis writing and many more areas. Attendance at these events is free and travel support may also be available.
Funding is also provided by CQUniversity to support research higher degree student project costs, to support national and international conference presentations and to enable offshore candidates to travel to Australia as part of their studies.
| Project Support | Conference Support | Visitation Fund |
Grad Cert Research | N/A | N/A | N/A |
PhD by Portfolio | $2000 | $2000 | N/A |
Masters | $4000 | $3000 | N/A |
PhD, Prof Doc, EdDoc | $6000 | $4500 | N/A |
PhD Offshore | $2500 | $2000 | $6000 |
Masters Offshore | $1500 | $1500 | $4000 |
As a research higher degree candidate, we will support you with the following:
- A RHD Mentor to assist you with your transition into research studies in your first year.
- Five hours free Statistical Support consultation.
- Access to a range of annual events and activities, such as 3MT, VYT, Selfie, Great Debate and more.
- Free access to career training programs, such as PhD2PostDoc (by application).
- Access to CQUniversity’s RHD Academies, offering additional support and opportunities such as training and workshop events, peer-support and collaboration opportunities with experts. We currently have academies in creative arts and clean energy technologies.
- Free access to “English for Research” coursework unit.
- 10 hours free one-on-one English assistance (by application).
- For international candidates, a dedicated Case Management Officer.
- Where available, full-time, on-campus candidates will be provided with access to a dedicated workstation space. Part-time or online candidates are encouraged to make use of research hot desk areas.
- The University will provide laboratory space, where appropriate, and will meet the occupational health and safety needs of the approved research project, identified through risk assessment processes (e.g. immunisations, health surveillance, four-wheel drive training).
- eResearch Facilities are provided for CQUniversity research higher degree candidates, including access to AARNET Cloudstor, and High Performance Computing access.
- Research higher degree candidates are able to access reasonable free access to interlibrary loan and document delivery services through the Researchdoc service.
Why CQU?
World-class Research
22 areas ranked 'at', 'above', or 'well above' world standards.
Focus on Impact
We focus on research that directly impacts the industries and communities we serve.
Research Higher Degree Fees
Tuition fees for CQUniversity’s PhDs and Masters by Research courses can be determined using the Domestic Tuition Fee Schedule.
For more information, visit Understanding Course Fees.
Eligible Research Higher Degree candidates may be able to study tuition-free or at a reduced cost by accessing a scholarship.
The Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio (CD84) is a full fee-paying course which will enable candidates to complete a PhD thesis incorporating pre-existing peer-reviewed research outputs. Candidates will enrol for a minimum of one year to complete this course. Students enrolled in a PhD by Portfolio are not eligible for the award of an RTP Offset Scholarship, and separate course fees apply.
Tuition fees for this course can be determined using the Domestic Tuition Fee Schedule and the relevant Cost Per Unit spreadsheet on the Understanding Course Fees page.
Eligible Research Higher Degree candidates may be able to study tuition-free or at a reduced cost by accessing a scholarship.
Tuition fees for this course can be determined using the Domestic Tuition Fee Schedule and the relevant Cost Per Unit spreadsheet on the Understanding Course Fees page. There are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for eligible students.
CQUniversity domestic candidates will be charged a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) levy. The Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee charged by universities and other higher education providers to fund and improve services and amenities of a non-academic nature.
Visit Other Study Costs for more information and SSAF fee schedules.
