Defence and National Security Research Scholarship

Transform your future with a unique research scholarship at Adelaide University

Research scholarships

Your launchpad to a career in defence, national security, and space

Adelaide University’s Defence and National Security Research Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to take charge of your research journey. 

Offered via an Expression of Interest (EOI) process, successful applicants will receive a conditional tax-free* scholarship offer and pay no tuition fees. You’ll then be connected with potential supervisors and industry partners to further define a research project that directly reflects your expertise, strengths and passions.  

Throughout your degree, you’ll gain hands-on experience, build powerful professional networks, and develop the in-demand skills needed to lead in Australia’s rapidly evolving defence and space sectors.

This research scholarship supports both domestic and international students from allied partner nations (US, UK, Canada) aiming to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or alternatively a Master of Research (MRes). Whether you're an honours or master’s degree graduate or already working in industry, our graduate research degrees are designed to be flexible – with part-time options that recognise the importance of balancing study with career and life commitments. 

*Only available to graduate research students who are enrolled in full-time study.

Why pursue a Defence and National Security Research Scholarship?

This unique scholarship empowers you to design your own research project and join an elite cohort at the heart of Australia’s defence and space ecosystem.

An Adelaide University research degree, combined with this transformative scholarship, can provide you with: 

  • A student-led experience

  • Embedded industry learning and real-world impact

  • Purpose, prestige, and employability 

  • Unparalleled access to infrastructure and expertise

  • High-achieving, diverse talent

  • An elite cohort of connected collaborators.

How to apply

Applying for the Defence and National Security Research Scholarship is a two-step process. 

  1. Complete the Expression of Interest form to register your interest.
  2. Once you have submitted the form, email the following documents to research.scholarships@adelaideuni.edu.au:

Expressions of interest will be assessed by Adelaide University’s Graduate Research School, and if you’re selected as a competitive candidate, you will be provided with a conditional admission and scholarship offer. We will then guide you through the next steps to commencement.

Expressions of interest open on Monday 1 September and will close at 11:59pm on Sunday 21 September 2025.

Contact us

Need help or have a question about the Defence and National Security Research Scholarship? 

Email our friendly team at research.scholarships@adelaideuni.edu.au