The University of Sydney International Stipend Scholarship (USYDIS) is funded by the University of Sydney and aimed at high-achieving international students who want to pursue a master’s by research or a PhD at the university. It provides a yearly award that helps with both tuition and living costs while you focus on your research.
For African students, this is a meaningful route into a world-class Australian research environment without shouldering the full financial burden alone. If you have a strong academic record and clear research potential, the USYDIS can make a higher degree by research in Sydney genuinely achievable.
Study takes place at the University of Sydney in Australia, with courses beginning in 2027. The scholarship is open to international students across disciplines offered at the university.
Scholarship benefits
- For 2025 awards, the scholarship was valued at $42,754 per annum.
- Assistance with tuition fees and living costs.
- May be held for up to 14 research periods (full time) for Research Doctorate (PhD) studies.
- May be held for up to 7 research periods for Research Masters studies.
Eligibility checklist
✔ You must be a commencing or enrolled international student.
✔ You must have an outstanding record of academic achievement and research potential.
✔ You must hold an unconditional offer of admission, or already be enrolled, in a master’s by research or PhD at the University of Sydney.
Application tips for African students
- Secure your admission first — the scholarship requires an unconditional offer or current enrolment, so begin your application to a higher degree by research early through Sydney Courses.
- Plan any required English-language test (such as IELTS or TOEFL) well in advance; book your test date months ahead so your scores are ready when you apply for admission.
- Get academic transcripts and certificates officially certified, and translated into English where needed, before you start uploading documents.
- Identify and contact a potential research supervisor early — strong research-degree applications often hinge on a supervisor who supports your proposed project.
- Approach referees who know your research ability well, and give them plenty of lead time to write detailed, specific recommendation letters.
- Write a focused research proposal and statement that clearly shows your achievement and research potential, since these are central to the selection criteria.
- Note the two deadlines and work backwards: submit your admission documents and your scholarship application form ahead of the relevant cut-off rather than at the last minute.
How to apply
There are two steps. First, apply for admission and submit all required documentation for a higher degree by research through Sydney Courses by the relevant deadline. Second, submit the separate scholarship application form by the relevant deadline. For research periods 1 and 2 in 2027 the deadline is 11 September 2026, while for research periods 3 and 4 in 2027 the deadline is 18 December 2026. Visit the official website to access the application form and detailed instructions: https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/australian-government-research-training-program/rtp-international.html
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the USYDIS?
International students who are commencing or already enrolled in a master’s by research or PhD at the University of Sydney, with an outstanding academic record and research potential, and an unconditional offer of admission or current enrolment.
What does the scholarship cover?
It assists with tuition fees and living costs through an annual award. For 2025 awards it was valued at $42,754 per annum.
How long can the scholarship be held?
Up to 14 research periods (full-time) for Research Doctorate (PhD) studies, or up to 7 research periods for Research Masters studies.
What are the deadlines?
For research periods 1 and 2 in 2027, the deadline is 11 September 2026. For research periods 3 and 4 in 2027, the deadline is 18 December 2026.
Do I need to apply for admission separately?
Yes. You must apply for admission and submit all required documents through Sydney Courses, and also submit the separate scholarship application form, both by the relevant deadlines.
How many awards are available?
Not specified — check the official page.