The Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship 2026 at La Trobe University provides substantial financial support to eligible Indigenous students undertaking a PhD or Masters by Research. For 2026, the scholarship package is valued at $46,000 per year, combining a $36,000 Research Training Program (RTP) stipend with a $10,000 annual top-up.
Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship 2026 at a Glance
Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | La Trobe University |
| Country | Australia |
| Scholarship value | $46,000 per year |
| Study level | PhD or Master's by Research |
| RTP stipend | $36,000 per year |
| Top-up scholarship | $10,000 per year |
| Research support | Up to $3,000 per year |
| Application deadline | 31 December 2026 |
| Payment | Fortnightly stipend |
| Status | Open |
| Eligible applicants | Australian citizens/permanent residents of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin |
What Is the Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship?
The Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship was established at La Trobe University to honour Professor Dennis McDermott, the university's inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous). Professor McDermott was a Koori man from north-western New South Wales and worked as a psychologist, academic and poet, with extensive contributions to health and Indigenous education.
The scholarship supports Indigenous students who demonstrate exceptional research potential and wish to undertake a higher degree by research. Successful applicants can undertake either a doctoral research degree or a Master's by Research in a field where suitable supervision and research resources are available.
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Is the Dennis McDermott Scholarship Fully Funded?
The scholarship offers a comprehensive funding package when combined with a Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship.
Successful applicants can receive:
- $36,000 per year RTP stipend at the 2026 rate.
- $10,000 per year special top-up scholarship.
- Up to $3,000 per year research support grant.
- RTP Fees Offset to cover eligible tuition fees.
- RTP Allowance to assist with relocation and thesis production.
- Access to professional development opportunities and La Trobe researchers.
The $46,000 figure therefore represents the annual $36,000 RTP stipend plus the $10,000 scholarship top-up.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Living Stipend
The RTP stipend is valued at $36,000 per year in 2026 and is paid as a fortnightly stipend. The additional $10,000 top-up significantly increases the annual financial support available to successful candidates.
Tuition Fees
The RTP Fees Offset scholarship covers eligible tuition fees for up to four years for doctoral research or two years for a Master's by Research.
Research Expenses
Recipients may receive a research support grant of up to $3,000 per year. This can assist with expenses such as laboratory consumables, fieldwork and conference attendance.
Relocation and Thesis Support
An RTP Allowance is also provided to support relocation and thesis production costs.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Meet the entrance requirements for their proposed research course.
- Be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident.
- Be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.
La Trobe also prioritises applicants undertaking research at a La Trobe campus.
Academic Requirements
For PhD applicants, preference is given to candidates who have completed a Master's by Research or another significant body of research. This may include a research thesis or peer-reviewed publication assessed at a La Trobe Masters by Research standard of 75 or above.
For Masters by Research applicants, preference is given to candidates who have achieved the equivalent of a first-class honours degree at an Australian university or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas university.
What Research Areas Are Eligible?
The scholarship can support a Master's by Research or doctoral research project on any topic, provided appropriate supervision and research resources are available. Applicants can either develop their own research proposal or apply for an available Graduate Research project.
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How to Apply for the Dennis McDermott Scholarship?
The application process generally involves:
- Reviewing the graduate research admission requirements.
- Developing a research proposal or selecting an available research project.
- Identifying an appropriate La Trobe supervisor.
- Contacting the supervisor and obtaining in-principle supervision agreement.
- Completing the graduate research application.
- Selecting the “Graduate Research Applicants” scholarship option when prompted.
- Submitting the completed application before the deadline.
Dennis McDermott Scholarship Deadline 2026
The published closing date for the Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship 2026 is 31 December 2026. Applicants should begin preparing their research proposal and contacting potential supervisors well before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship?
It is a La Trobe University scholarship supporting eligible Indigenous students pursuing a PhD or Masters by Research.2. How much is the Dennis McDermott Scholarship worth?
For 2026, it provides a $46,000 annual stipend package, including a $36,000 RTP stipend and $10,000 top-up.3. Who can apply for the Dennis McDermott Scholarship?
Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents and of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.4. Can international students apply for this scholarship?
No. The published eligibility criteria require Australian citizenship or permanent residency and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.5. What is the deadline for the Dennis McDermott Scholarship 2026?
The published application deadline is 31 December 2026.Final Thoughts
The Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship 2026 at La Trobe University is a substantial research funding opportunity, offering up to $46,000 per year, tuition fee support, research funding and additional allowances. It is particularly valuable for eligible Indigenous students pursuing a PhD or Master's by Research. Eligible candidates should begin preparing their research proposal, identifying a suitable supervisor and completing the La Trobe graduate research application well before the 31 December 2026 deadline.
