RMIT Indigenous HDR Scholarships (RIHS)

RMIT Indigenous HDR Scholarships (RIHS)

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and research potential to Indigenous candidates undertaking a research doctoral degree.

The RMIT Indigenous HDR Scholarships (RIHS) are funded by the Research Training Program.

Scholarship applications are now open for commencement of study in March 2025.

All scholarship applications must include evidence of contact with the proposed senior supervisor. This should be uploaded as an additional document with your application. You must provide the names of academic staff who have agreed to supervise your proposed research in the relevant section of application, along with email evidence of support.  

You will also need to provide documentation that you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to our Ngarara Willim Centre (ngarara.willim@rmit.edu.au)

Please visit Indigenous Eligibility for more information.

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The RIHS provides the following benefits to recipients:

  • a stipend of $47,821 per annum pro rata (full-time study) which represents a generous RMIT top-up of approximately $12,000 above the RTP rate
  • All candidates are provided with an RTP Fee Offset scholarship. Applicants in receipt of an RTP Fee Offset scholarship are not required to pay tuition fees for the maximum duration of their candidature
  • a relocation allowance for the cost of relocating in order to take up their postgraduate research program, up to $515 per adult and $255 per child to a maximum of $1,540
  • paid sick, maternity and parenting leave (within the limits of the Scholarship Terms and Conditions). .

The duration of a RMIT Indigenous HDR Scholarship depends on the degree undertaken. The duration of support for a PhD is three and a half years full-time. The duration of a Masters by Research is two years full-time. These allowances will be reduced by any periods of study undertaken towards an equivalent research degree prior to the commencement of the program at RMIT University.

RMIT Indigenous HDR Scholarships are awarded through a fair, transparent, merit-based selection process which takes into account the University’s commitment to equity and diversity.

To be considered for a RIHS scholarship you must meet RMIT scholarships eligibility criteria. You will also be considered for scholarship if you have previous publications or significant research experience.

Part-time RIHS may be approved for candidates with exceptional circumstances (e.g. for medical reasons or due to significant care commitments). Part-time scholarships are not tax exempt. Please refer to the Scholarship Terms and Conditions for further details.

Competitive selection

These scholarships are awarded through the University’s research scholarship rounds. All scholarship applications are ranked in accordance with the ranking model that has been approved by RMIT’s Research Committee.

Applications for RMIT Indigenous HDR scholarships are welcomed throughout the year.

For information about how to apply for a scholarship, please refer to the instructions detailed on research scholarships.

Please note, these scholarships are subject to candidates registering with the Ngarara Willim Centre, RMIT’s dedicated support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

As the holder of this scholarship you:

  • must commence your studies in the scholarship commencement period in which you are applying
  • are not able to defer your studies to another year. If a deferral is required, you must apply again the following year if you are unable to take up your award.

SGR Admissions and Scholarships Team

Phone: +61 3 9925 5570 (Contact hours 12:00pm - 5:00pm AEST)

Prospective applicants and Educational Agents

Please submit a guest enquiry through RMIT Connect.

Make sure you direct your question to the Admissions team by selecting Ask about HDR Admission when submitting your query.

Check the guide (PDF 343 KB) if you need assistance submitting an enquiry as a guest.

Currently enrolled HDR candidates 

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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