Tips for scholarship success
Below are some tips to help you submit your best application for a scholarship. Selection of applicants for the award of a research degree scholarship involves consideration of a range of selection criteria, with applicants ranked in an order of merit.
You should ensure that all relevant information is included in your application so that it can be taken into consideration in the ranking process.
Scholarship selection criteria
- Academic merit, with emphasis on the grades that you achieved in your qualification that includes a substantial research component, but also taking into account the grades of any other eligible qualification completed.
- The international standing of the institution where your qualification with the substantial research component was completed.
- Your research background, including: the quality of and your contribution to any eligible research outputs; and the level and duration of any prior research work experience that demonstrates your research capacity with regard to the proposed research topic.
- The compatibility/fit of the proposed research with university/academic group research priorities.
- The compatibility/fit between you, the research environment, and supervision.
Tips for success
In addition to the University's requirements for submitting an application for a research program below are some tips to help you submit your best application for a scholarship.
The 'Academic Merit' ranking considers your performance in qualifications with a research component, along with grades from other eligible qualifications. It is important to:
- provide certified academic transcripts and testamurs for relevant degrees.
- include the grading scale used for each qualification, along with translations if needed. Grades from the research-focused qualification, GPA , and thesis grades are crucial for scholarship ranking. This can be an Australian Bachelor Honours Degree, Master's Degree, or equivalent international qualification.
- provide examiners' reports and/or a copy of the thesis, if your thesis is graded pass/fail.
The research component should be at least one full-time semester, resulting in a formally examined thesis. If your qualification lacks the required research, demonstrate a significant publication/output record or research experience for scholarship consideration.
You can refer to the equivalent qualifications page for further information on the academic qualification requirements as well as alternate pathways that are accepted. If you are applying based on an alternate pathway, include the Applicant Statement in Support of an Equivalency Case for HDR Admission (and Scholarship).
The curriculum vitae ( CV ) you include in your application is the primary reference point for evidence of your research background, including:
- any research outputs (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, or creative works with a major research component)
- sustained or industry research experience
- awards and prizes relevant to your application.
If you want to use evidence of your research or industry background towards scholarship consideration, you MUST follow the CV template to provide this information.
Please note that, through the ranking process, your opportunity to publish is also taken into account (e.g., an applicant with a recent Australian Class 1 Honours Degree would not normally be expected to have a significant publication record).
If you do not meet the qualification requirement for scholarship consideration, you MUST follow the template set out in this example CV to provide evidence of your additional achievements and capability. You may also need to complete an equivalency case statement and provide it with your application. Refer to the Equivalent Qualifications for HDR Program Admission webpage for further information.
Download CV Template (PDF 404KB) Download Equivalency Case Statement (PDF 8KB)
Once you have identified supervisors whose research intersects with your proposed research topic, it is important to contact them to explain your topic and academic background to determine if there will likely be a good supervisory ‘fit’.
It will also be useful to seek your proposed supervisor's input and advice on your research proposal. As such, we advise that you get in touch with potential supervisors well in advance of the scholarship round closing date.
Choose your referees in support of your application carefully. You need to ensure you have approval from your referees before including their names on your application. Contact them in advance to let them know they will receive an email from Griffith University asking them to complete the referee report within the given timeframe. Your referees should be in a position to comment on your research capability.
To be considered for a scholarship, you must provide evidence of meeting Griffith's English language proficiency requirements when you submit your application. Applications that do not include this evidence will not be considered for scholarship. You can check the English language requirements on the applicable PhD or research program page on the University's Degree Finder.
Make sure your application is complete
Applications submitted without all the required documentation cannot be considered for the scholarship until the necessary information is provided.
If you are completing your degree at an Australian institution and enrolled in your final semester, you can submit your application and be considered for a scholarship. If you are successful, you will receive a conditional offer. If you are currently studying at an overseas institution, you will need to complete your degree prior to application.
Apply now
You’ll be guided through the step-by-step application process to upload your supporting documentation, and nominate your referees and supervisors.
