Fees and scholarships

As a proudly not-for-profit institution, all tuition fees paid to Bond University help to create an educational experience underpinned by exceptional resources, facilities, and teaching staff. 

We provide higher degree by research (HDR) students at Bond University with substantial support, both academically and financially, to ensure equitable access to research opportunities and offset the cost of living while pursuing intensive postgraduate study. 

Depending on your circumstances and chosen program, tuition fees for HDR programs at Bond University vary. HDR students can defer or pay their tuition fees in several ways, and many students will be eligible for full fee waivers. High-achieving students and those who identify as Indigenous may also qualify for scholarships or stipends designed to offset the living costs associated with a HDR program. 

Fee information

Domestic student fee information

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen, you are classified as a domestic student for the purpose of paying or deferring your HDR fees. Domestic students at Bond University may receive a Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset, which will exempt them from tuition fees for a maximum period of four years full-time / eight years part-time for doctoral programs and two years full-time / four years part-time for research master’s programs. Fees may apply if the thesis is not submitted within these time frames.

Domestic students are also eligible for FEE-HELP, an interest-free Australian government loan that permits you to defer your tuition fees until you complete your studies and meet a minimum earning threshold. Other options for paying or reducing your fees as a domestic student include government assistance, tax deductions, and our loyalty discount. 

Explore domestic fee help options

International student fee information

As an international student, you must pay your tuition fees upfront at the beginning of each six-month enrolment period. Depending on your home country and citizenship, you may be able to pay for some of your tuition fees using loans or available discounts.

International students may also be eligible for a partial fee waiver. If approved, this waiver is valid for a maximum period of 4 years full-time study for doctoral programs, or two years full-time for research master’s programs. Fees may apply if dissertations are not submitted within these time frames. Please get in touch with our HDR support team for more information about fee waivers and eligibility as an international student. 

Explore international fee options

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen, you are classified as a domestic student for the purpose of paying or deferring your HDR fees. Domestic students at Bond University may receive a Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset, which will exempt them from tuition fees for a maximum period of four years full-time / eight years part-time for doctoral programs and two years full-time / four years part-time for research master’s programs. Fees may apply if the thesis is not submitted within these time frames.

Domestic students are also eligible for FEE-HELP, an interest-free Australian government loan that permits you to defer your tuition fees until you complete your studies and meet a minimum earning threshold. Other options for paying or reducing your fees as a domestic student include government assistance, tax deductions, and our loyalty discount. 

Explore domestic fee help options

Disclaimer

Please refer to the program page of your chosen HDR degree for detailed information on our fees and fee structure. All costs are listed in Australian dollars (AUD).

HDR program fees must be paid twice yearly at the beginning of each six-month enrolment period, which falls in January and July every year. 

HDR scholarship

Available scholarships

Bond University values its higher degree research student cohort and provides a substantial level of direct financial support to many students. Bond University allocates funds to support the financial costs of fee offset (waiver) and living stipends.

There are two key overarching principles for determining the distribution of scholarships among applicants. First, scholarships are to be awarded through a competitive merit-based process. Second, scholarship applicants are to be treated equitably and fairly, regardless of their research discipline, and regardless of the source of their scholarship funding.

The University has discretion to use its selection processes to choose the most meritorious scholarship applicants (for example but not limited to; first class honours, Indigenous background, industry experience, undertaking a doctoral degree for the first time).

Several scholarships are available to doctoral (Doctor of Philosophy and Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy) program students at Bond University. Please note that research master’s students are not eligible for any HDR scholarships.

The current full-time stipend rate for all HDR scholarship categories for 2026 is $34,315 AUD per annum

To be eligible to apply for a HDR scholarship at Bond University, you must: 

  • Be studying for a PhD or Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy OR
  • Have completed and submitted a Bond Application for your program before applying
  • Intend to study full time
  • Not have received an equivalent award or scholarship from the Australian Government designed to offset HDR fees

If you have previously applied for a HDR scholarship at Bond University and were unsuccessful, you may submit one additional application for a scholarship that outlines your change in circumstances. Applicants who are unsuccessful in their second application are ineligible to apply for future scholarship rounds.

Bond University Postgraduate Research Scholarship
  • Award basis: Awarded by the Bond University HDR Scholarships Committee through a competitive, merit-based selection process. Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving domestic and international applicants on the basis of academic merit, research potential, and overall competitiveness against the selection criteria.
  • Stipend available for up to 3 years, indexed annually.
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship
  • Award basis: Awarded by the Bond University HDR Scholarships Committee through a competitive, merit-based selection process. Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving domestic and international applicants on the basis of academic merit, research potential, and overall competitiveness against the selection criteria. RTP funding is provided by the Australian Government to support the general living costs of research degree students.
  • Stipend available for up to 3 years, indexed annually.
  • RTP Scholarship Policy: This Policy fulfills the requirements of the Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017 regarding the allocation of Research Training Program funds.
HDR Indigenous Scholarship
  • Award basis: As part of our commitment to providing a culturally safe environment and supporting First Nations students at all levels of study, we are proud to offer the Bond University HDR Indigenous Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of merit and fulfilment of the eligibility criteria.
  • Stipend available for up to 3 years, indexed annually. Please note that all Indigenous students are also entitled to a 100 per cent fee waiver under the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP).
  • Additional eligibility criteria: Applicants must be considered an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person as defined by ABSTUDY, and must enclose proof of their status in the form of confirmation under the common seal of a community organisation alongside their application. In exceptional circumstances, statutory declarations and other approved forms of documentation may be accepted. 
Apply for a HDR scholarship

The first step in applying for a higher degree by research scholarship at Bond University is to submit your application for an eligible doctoral program. Once you have applied, you will need to submit your scholarship application online, using the Bond University Higher Degree Scholarship Application form.

Ready to apply for a HDR scholarship? Be sure to read these frequently asked questions below prior to lodging your application with the Higher Degree Research Unit. 

What documents do I need to submit my application?

In most cases, you do not need to submit additional documents when applying for an HDR scholarship. The HDRU will access the documentation already submitted as part of your HDR admission application, including your research proposal, academic transcripts, CV, publications, awards, and referee details.

If additional information is required, you will be contacted directly. 

Applicants for the HDR Indigenous Scholarship must provide proof of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status if it has not already been submitted.

What criteria does the Higher Degree Research Unit measure scholarship applications against?

The HDR Unit offers scholarships and stipends to high-achieving students who exhibit excellent academic merit and research potential. Applications are considered against several selection criteria by the Bond University Research Scholarship Panel. 

What if my application is late?

Scholarship applications received after the nominated round closure date will not be accepted.

How can I withdraw my application?

If you wish to withdraw a submitted scholarship application, you may contact the Research Scholarships Officer via email and request to withdraw your application. If you formally withdraw your application before the round closing date, you will be permitted to resubmit an application at a later date with no consequences. 

Bond University values its higher degree research student cohort and provides a substantial level of direct financial support to many students. Bond University allocates funds to support the financial costs of fee offset (waiver) and living stipends.

There are two key overarching principles for determining the distribution of scholarships among applicants. First, scholarships are to be awarded through a competitive merit-based process. Second, scholarship applicants are to be treated equitably and fairly, regardless of their research discipline, and regardless of the source of their scholarship funding.

The University has discretion to use its selection processes to choose the most meritorious scholarship applicants (for example but not limited to; first class honours, Indigenous background, industry experience, undertaking a doctoral degree for the first time).

Several scholarships are available to doctoral (Doctor of Philosophy and Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy) program students at Bond University. Please note that research master’s students are not eligible for any HDR scholarships.

The current full-time stipend rate for all HDR scholarship categories for 2026 is $34,315 AUD per annum

To be eligible to apply for a HDR scholarship at Bond University, you must: 

  • Be studying for a PhD or Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy OR
  • Have completed and submitted a Bond Application for your program before applying
  • Intend to study full time
  • Not have received an equivalent award or scholarship from the Australian Government designed to offset HDR fees

If you have previously applied for a HDR scholarship at Bond University and were unsuccessful, you may submit one additional application for a scholarship that outlines your change in circumstances. Applicants who are unsuccessful in their second application are ineligible to apply for future scholarship rounds.

Bond University Postgraduate Research Scholarship
  • Award basis: Awarded by the Bond University HDR Scholarships Committee through a competitive, merit-based selection process. Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving domestic and international applicants on the basis of academic merit, research potential, and overall competitiveness against the selection criteria.
  • Stipend available for up to 3 years, indexed annually.
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship
  • Award basis: Awarded by the Bond University HDR Scholarships Committee through a competitive, merit-based selection process. Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving domestic and international applicants on the basis of academic merit, research potential, and overall competitiveness against the selection criteria. RTP funding is provided by the Australian Government to support the general living costs of research degree students.
  • Stipend available for up to 3 years, indexed annually.
  • RTP Scholarship Policy: This Policy fulfills the requirements of the Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017 regarding the allocation of Research Training Program funds.
HDR Indigenous Scholarship
  • Award basis: As part of our commitment to providing a culturally safe environment and supporting First Nations students at all levels of study, we are proud to offer the Bond University HDR Indigenous Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of merit and fulfilment of the eligibility criteria.
  • Stipend available for up to 3 years, indexed annually. Please note that all Indigenous students are also entitled to a 100 per cent fee waiver under the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP).
  • Additional eligibility criteria: Applicants must be considered an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person as defined by ABSTUDY, and must enclose proof of their status in the form of confirmation under the common seal of a community organisation alongside their application. In exceptional circumstances, statutory declarations and other approved forms of documentation may be accepted. 

Research scholarships

Bond University Postgraduate Research Scholarship

Bond University values its higher degree research student cohort and provides a substantial level of direct financial support to many students.

  • Academic
  • Living stipends
  • 1/8/2026 - 30/9/2026
Find out more

Bond University Indigenous Higher Degree by Research Scholarship

Bond University is committed to providing a culturally safe and supportive learning environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students where they can progress and complete a higher degree education program.

  • Academic, Indigenous Heritage
  • Living stipends
  • 1/8/2026 - 30/9/2026
Find out more

Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship

The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) stipends are provided to support the general living costs of both domestic and overseas students undertaking research doctorate degrees.

  • Academic
  • Living stipends
  • 1/2/2026 - 31/3/2026
Find out more

HDR scholarship applications Close 30th September 2026

FAQs

What research scholarships are offered by Bond University?
What benefits are included in the scholarship?

A scholarship for all successful applicants includes:

  • 100 per cent fee waiver for up to four years (for international students. Domestic students are automatically entitled to a 100 per cent fee waiver under the RTP scheme)
  • stipend (living allowance) for up to three years, and 
  • single overseas health cover for international students (four years)
How do I apply for a research degree scholarship offered by Bond?

The scholarship application process is open to domestic and international HDR students who have submitted an application to Bond University to study either a PhD or a Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. HDR scholarship rounds are held twice per year with closing dates in March and September. Scholarships are awarded through a competitive merit-based process, The assessment criteria can be found here. All applications must be submitted on the Bond online scholarship application form.

I am deferring my program start date, can I defer my scholarship?

Provided you have an approved deferral of your program for a future semester you may defer your scholarship. If you do not commence your program on the new start date you will forfeit your scholarship award and will need to reapply in a future round.

I intend to study part time, am I eligible to apply?

You must be studying your program full-time to be eligible to apply. Scholarship recipients with significant caring commitments, or with a medical condition or disability limiting their capacity to study full-time may submit a request for a part-time scholarship of 0.5 FTE. 

Scholarship recipients will not be permitted to request a part-time scholarship based on employment limiting their capacity to undertake a full-time study load.

I have already started my degree at Bond can I still apply?

Yes, you may apply as a currently enrolled research degree student at Bond. A student's maximum period of HDR Scholarship support is based on the student's HDR course commencement date. If you are awarded a stipend after your commencement date, the duration of your term will be reduced by the number of days you have been enrolled in your HDR program.

Am I eligible for a postgraduate research scholarship if I am enrolling in a coursework degree?

No. To qualify for a scholarship a student must be undertaking a higher degree by research PhD or the Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. 

I have applied for a Scholarship and was unsuccessful. Can I apply again?

You can apply for a scholarship, however, you should only reapply when you have additional information to include with your application that will improve your competitiveness for consideration, such as a research publication. Please note that applicants may only apply a maximum of two times. 

Can I apply while I am completing my current program required for entry into a research degree?

If you are currently completing your degree at an Australian institution and you are enrolled in your final semester, you can submit your application and be considered for a scholarship, and if successful a conditional offer will be provided. If you are currently completing your degree at an overseas institution, you will need to complete your degree before applying for a scholarship.

I am in receipt of a Bond University Higher Degree Research Scholarship. Can I receive another scholarship or award related to my current course of study?

Students are not prevented from applying for additional financial support or awards, however, a student needs to be aware that to continue to be eligible for a stipend, they must not be in receipt of an equivalent award, scholarship or salary related to their course of study that provides a benefit greater than 75 per cent of their annual stipend rate.

Can I apply for an extension to the term of my stipend?

Bond University offers a stipend for a duration of up to three years. The stipend cannot be extended beyond this term.

Programs

  • CRICOS Code: 063455C

    Master of Laws (by Research) - LA-43037

    • Law
    • 2 years (6 semesters)
    • Postgraduate research
    View program

  • CRICOS Code: 072092F

    Master of Philosophy - BU-70001

    • Study areas
      Actuarial Science and Data Analytics / Architecture / Business, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship / Communication, Film, and Creative Media / Construction, Property, and Planning / Health, Biomedical, and Sport Sciences / International Relations, Politics, and Arts / Law / Medicine / Project Management and Innovation / Psychology, Criminology, and Social Sciences
    • 2 years (6 semesters)
    • Postgraduate research
    View program

  • CRICOS Code: 063150J

    Doctor of Philosophy - BU-70003

    • Study areas
      Actuarial Science and Data Analytics / Architecture / Business, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship / Communication, Film, and Creative Media / Construction, Property, and Planning / Health, Biomedical, and Sport Sciences / International Relations, Politics, and Arts / Law / Medicine / Project Management and Innovation / Psychology, Criminology, and Social Sciences
    • 4 years (12 semesters)
    • Postgraduate research
    View program

  • CRICOS Code: 111161D

    Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy - CC-63061

    • Health, Biomedical, and Sport Sciences
    • 4 years (12 semesters)
    • Postgraduate research
    View program

  • CRICOS Code: 093848D

    Doctor of Legal Science (Research) - LA-43040

    • Law
    • 4 years (12 semesters)
    • Postgraduate research
    View program
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Apply for a Higher Degree Research scholarship

How to apply

Discover how to apply for a higher research degree at Bond University.

Research degree options

Bond University fosters innovative and entrepreneurial research that contributes to new ideas in regional, national and global contexts for a competitive economy.

Support for research students

Knowing how to manage a budget is an integral part of being a researcher. Higher Degree Research (HDR) students can apply for funding from Bond in addition to gaining workspace, software and database access to help support their studies.