Research Higher Degree Student Grants​

Building our national defence capability is best supported by a collaborative approach. To foster this, DSI offers a Research Higher Degree (RHD) student grant to universities wanting to collaborate with companies, Defence or other institutions. 

Valued at $15,000, the RHD Student Grant is open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian Permanent Residents. It is designed to encourage collaboration between industry, Defence and universities, and facilitates the development of the next generation of Australia’s researchers, helping to build a local workforce that can help meet Defence’s increasingly complex needs.

Grant funding provides universities with the financial incentive to attract high quality post-graduate students looking for applied research opportunities and encourages collaboration across the Defence eco-system. 

Grants are awarded on the basis of the project, which must be collaborative and relevant to Defence or National Security. The student does not yet have to be identified to commence the application process. The Grant is awarded to the university, to be paid as a stipend to the student. Researchers who have not had any prior connection with Defence are particularly encouraged to apply.