IPRS enables international students to undertake a
postgraduate research qualification in Australia and gain experience with
leading Australian researchers.
The objectives of the IPRS scheme are to:
- attract top quality international postgraduate students to areas of research strength in Australian higher education providers (HEP) ; and
- support Australia's research effort.
Scholarships are open to international students of all
countries (except New Zealand) and are available for a period of two years for
a research masters degree or three years for a research doctorate degree. The
scholarship covers tuition fees and health cover costs for scholarship holders,
and health cover costs for their dependants. From 2011, commencing IPRS
recipients will be able to apply for an Australian Postgraduate Award.
A total of 330 IPRS places are awarded to HEPs each year at
a cost of around $20m per annum. Section 46 of the Higher Education Support Act 2003
and the Commonwealth Scholarships
Guidelines (Research) 2012 provide the legislative basis for the
provision of funding to this scheme. The department is currently consulting
with the sector and stakeholders on changes to the guidelines.
The allocation of IPRS funding to
participating universities is based on a formula that is reflective
of their overall research performance.
Important note:
Applications for an IPRS need to be made directly to participating
universities.
Universities are
responsible for the management of IPRS applications, the selection process and
offers. International students and researchers need to approach their chosen
university for direction about how to apply for an IPRS. Contact details for
participating universities and general information about courses offered in
Australia may be obtained from the Study in Australia
website.
