For Indigenous Australian students with strong research ambitions, the Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship 2026 at La Trobe University offers an exceptional opportunity to pursue postgraduate research with substantial financial support. The scholarship is designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who demonstrate exceptional research promise and want to undertake a Masters by Research or doctoral degree at La Trobe University.
The scholarship combines a Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend of $36,000 per year at the 2026 rate with a special top-up scholarship of $10,000 per year. Successful applicants can therefore receive up to $46,000 per year in stipend support, in addition to research funding, tuition fee support, relocation assistance and thesis production support.
Beyond financial assistance, the Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship provides an opportunity to work alongside outstanding researchers and participate in La Trobe University’s professional development programs. It also honours the legacy of Professor Dennis McDermott, La Trobe’s inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), whose work promoted Indigenous knowledge, values and the decolonisation of academia.
The Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship is a postgraduate research scholarship offered by La Trobe University in Australia. It supports Indigenous Australian students of exceptional research promise who wish to undertake higher degree research.
The award is provided as a special top-up scholarship alongside a Research Training Program Scholarship. For 2026, the RTP stipend has a value of $36,000 per annum, while the Dennis McDermott top-up provides an additional $10,000 per annum.
The opportunity is available for eligible doctoral and Masters by Research students. Applicants can propose their own research project or, where available, apply for a Graduate Research project offered by the university.
La Trobe University is an Australian public research university with campuses in Melbourne, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Mildura and Shepparton. Candidates are prioritised if they undertake their research at a La Trobe University campus.
The scholarship is particularly valuable because it combines several forms of financial and academic support. Rather than providing only a living stipend, the package can help students manage tuition, research expenses, relocation and thesis-related costs.
The scholarship also provides an opportunity to develop professionally within a major Australian research university. Successful candidates can work with La Trobe researchers, access professional development opportunities and become part of an academic environment that values Indigenous perspectives and knowledge.
The award is also a meaningful recognition of Professor Dennis McDermott's contribution to Indigenous scholarship and higher education. His legacy provides an important foundation for a scholarship that encourages Indigenous researchers to contribute their knowledge and perspectives to academia.
Successful applicants receive an RTP Stipend of $36,000 per annum, based on the 2026 rate. The stipend is designed to provide financial support for living expenses while candidates undertake their research degree.
For doctoral candidates, the RTP stipend can be provided for up to 3.5 years. For Masters by Research candidates, it can be provided for up to 22 months.
In addition to the RTP stipend, recipients receive a special Dennis McDermott top-up stipend of $10,000 per annum.
The top-up can be provided for three years and six months of full-time doctoral study or 22 months of full-time Masters by Research study.
When combined with the $36,000 RTP stipend, the annual scholarship support can reach $46,000 before considering the additional research and fee-related benefits.
Recipients can receive a research support grant of up to $3,000 per year. This funding can help with eligible research-related expenses, including laboratory consumables, fieldwork and conference attendance.
This component can be particularly useful for candidates whose research requires travel, specialised materials or opportunities to present their findings at academic conferences.
The scholarship package includes an RTP Fees Offset scholarship. This can cover eligible tuition fees for up to four years for doctoral research or two years for a Masters by Research degree.
This means successful candidates can concentrate more fully on their research without carrying the same financial burden associated with postgraduate tuition.
An RTP Allowance is also available to support eligible relocation expenses and thesis production costs.
Together with the stipend and research grant, these benefits create a comprehensive funding package for postgraduate research students.
Scholarship recipients have opportunities to work with La Trobe’s outstanding researchers and access the university’s professional development programs. These opportunities can help candidates strengthen research, academic and professional skills throughout their degree.
Applicants must satisfy the relevant eligibility and academic requirements before applying.
To be considered, applicants must:
Additional academic requirements depend on the degree being pursued.
Applicants for doctoral research scholarships must have completed a Masters by Research or another significant body of research.
Examples of significant research experience can include lead authorship of a research thesis or a peer-reviewed publication. The previous research must be assessed at a standard equivalent to a La Trobe Masters by Research grade of 75 or above.
Applicants seeking a Masters by Research scholarship must have attained the equivalent of a first-class honours degree from an Australian university or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas university.
Because eligibility can depend on the applicant's academic background and proposed research program, candidates should carefully review the university's current requirements before submitting an application.
Applying successfully requires more than simply submitting a scholarship form. Prospective candidates should begin preparing well before the closing date.
Start by reviewing La Trobe University's requirements for applying for graduate research candidature. Confirm that your academic qualifications and research background meet the requirements for the proposed degree.
Prepare a strong research proposal that clearly explains your research question, objectives, methodology and expected contribution. Alternatively, investigate available Graduate Research projects if you prefer to apply for a predetermined project.
A well-developed proposal can help demonstrate your research potential and make it easier to identify a suitable supervisor.
Find an appropriate La Trobe University researcher whose expertise aligns with your proposed research. Contact the prospective supervisor and explain that you would like to be considered for the Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship.
If applying for a Graduate Research project, contact the predetermined project supervisor to obtain the required endorsement.
Once you receive in-principle agreement for supervision, complete your application. Select the “Graduate Research Applicants” scholarship option and submit the completed application for consideration.
Candidates should carefully check that all required documents and supporting information have been included before submission.
Students already enrolled in a La Trobe graduate research degree can also apply for scholarship support.
Start a new application and select the “Graduate Research – Scholarship Only” option when prompted to choose a course. Applicants can consult the university's How to Apply Guide if they need assistance with the application process.
The stated closing date for the scholarship is 31 December 2026. The scholarship is currently open, but applicants should check La Trobe University's official scholarship information for any changes or additional requirements before submitting their applications.
Although the deadline is at the end of the year, prospective applicants should not wait until December. Developing a research proposal, identifying a supervisor and gathering academic documents can take considerable time.
The scholarship combines a $36,000 annual RTP stipend with a $10,000 annual Dennis McDermott top-up, giving eligible recipients up to $46,000 per year in stipend support. Additional benefits include research funding, fee support and an RTP allowance.
The stipend is paid fortnightly, providing regular financial support throughout the funded period.
Yes. The scholarship supports both Masters by Research and doctoral research degrees, subject to the relevant academic and admission requirements.
Eligible candidates can undertake research on any topic, provided appropriate supervision and research resources are available. Applicants can develop their own proposal or apply for a suitable Graduate Research project where one is available.
Yes. Existing graduate research students can submit a scholarship-only application through the relevant La Trobe application pathway.
For further information, prospective applicants can contact the La Trobe University Graduate Research School at Admissions.GRS@latrobe.edu.au. Applicants should also consult the university's scholarship and graduate research pages for the latest application instructions.