The University of Sydney International Stipend Scholarship, known as USYDIS, is a funding award offered by the University of Sydney to international postgraduate students who want to pursue research degrees in Australia. It is aimed at high-calibre students enrolling in a Master’s by research or a PhD.
For African students with strong academic records and genuine research ambition, this is one of the more substantial pathways into a respected Australian research university. The award assists with both tuition fees and the day-to-day cost of living, which removes two of the biggest barriers to studying abroad.
Courses tied to this round begin in 2027, so applicants need to plan their admission and scholarship paperwork well in advance of the listed deadlines.
Scholarship benefits
- For 2025 awards, the scholarship was valued at $42,754 per annum.
- Assistance toward tuition fees and living costs.
- Can be held for up to 14 research periods (full time) for Research Doctorate (PhD) studies.
- Can be held for up to 7 research periods for Research Masters studies.
Eligibility checklist
- ✔ You must be a commencing or already enrolled international student.
- ✔ You must have an outstanding record of academic achievement and demonstrated research potential.
- ✔ You must hold an unconditional offer of admission, or be currently enrolled, in a Master’s by research or PhD at the University of Sydney.
Application tips for African students
- Start with admission first: this scholarship requires an unconditional offer or current enrolment, so apply for your research degree through Sydney Courses early and submit every required document on time.
- If English-language proof is required for your admission, book your IELTS or TOEFL test months ahead so your scores are ready before the admission deadline — don’t leave testing to the last minute.
- Identify a potential research supervisor and align your project proposal with their work; a clear, focused research plan strengthens both your admission and scholarship case.
- Get your transcripts and degree certificates officially certified, and arrange certified English translations early if your documents are in another language.
- Approach two academic referees who know your research ability well, and give them plenty of notice plus a summary of your goals so they can write strong, specific letters.
- Track the two separate deadlines carefully — research periods 1 and 2 close 11 September 2026, and research periods 3 and 4 close 18 December 2026 — and submit before the cut-off, not on the day.
- Begin gathering passport, proof-of-funds and visa-related documents in parallel so that once an offer comes through you can move quickly.
How to apply
There are two steps. First, apply for admission to a higher degree by research and submit all required admission documentation through Sydney Courses by the relevant deadline. Second, submit the scholarship application form by the same timeline. 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. Visit the official page to access the application form and the full application and award timeline tables: University of Sydney RTP International scholarship page.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the USYDIS?
International students who are commencing or already enrolled at the University of Sydney, have an outstanding academic and research record, and hold an unconditional admission offer (or are currently enrolled) in a Master’s by research or PhD.
What does the scholarship cover?
It assists with tuition fees and living costs. For 2025 awards it was valued at $42,754 per annum.
How long does the funding last?
It can be held for up to 14 research periods (full time) for 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 be admitted before applying?
You must have an unconditional offer of admission or be currently enrolled, so you should apply for admission through Sydney Courses alongside or before submitting the scholarship form.
How many scholarships are available?
The number of awards is not specified — check the official page for details.