Defence Science Centre: Research Higher Degree Student Grant

Grant category and funding amount is determined by enrolment. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis.

PhD

Where the project is to be undertaken by a student in a PhD program the funding amount is $15,000 payable in two instalments:

• $10,000 on enrolment or execution of the Funding Agreement, whichever is the latter, and;
• $5,000 on completion of the project.

Masters by Research / Coursework

Where the project is to be undertaken by a student in a Masters by Research or Masters by Coursework program, the funding amount is $10,000 payable in two instalments:

• $6,700 on enrolment or execution of the Funding Agreement, whichever is the latter, and;
• $3,300 on completion of the project.

4th Year Engineering or Honours program

Where the project is to be undertaken by a student in the fourth year of an Engineering degree, or an Honours program, the funding amount is $7,500 payable in two instalments:

• $5,000 on enrolment or execution of the Funding Agreement, whichever is the latter, and;
• $2,500 on completion of the project.

• The RHDSG is open to academic staff of DSC Member Universities.
• Round 7 of the RHDSG will fund projects that align with the Defence IS&T priorities:
  • Hypersonics
  • Directed Energy
  • Trusted Autonomy
  • Quantum Technology
  • Information Warfare
  • Long-Range Fires
  • AUKUS Pillar 1 technologies, or
  • AUKUS Pillar 2 technologies
• Projects can be undertaken within any discipline provided alignment to a theme can be demonstrated.
• Where the grant will support a student who has already commenced on the project, it is preferred that they be within 6 months of commencement at the time of application.
• Projects may consist of extensions to existing research if they are clearly defined as new work.
• The primary supervisor must be employed by, and the student must be enrolled in, a DSC member university. It is desirable for the student to have at least one co-supervisor at either an industry partner, the DSTG or another university.
• The student must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, a citizen of a Five Eyes Alliance countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America), NATO countries, Japan, or South Korea.
• Employees of DSTG are not eligible for support as students on these projects.

Selection Criteria

Eligible applications will be assessed against the following selection criteria:

Criterion 1: Project Impact. The contribution the research is expected to make to the relevant fields, including potential applications to Defence and/or the defence industry.

Criterion 2: Collaboration. Strength of collaboration as reflected in co-supervisors from Defence and/or industry, and opportunities for the student to undertake an industry/Defence internship as part of their study. Other identified opportunities for the student to engage with Defence and/or Defence industry may also be considered.

Criterion 3: Benefit to student, university and defence sector. How the grant is anticipated to benefit, such as career pathways formation of new linkages in the defence sector, and/or how this might develop the capabilities of the university.

Payment of the first instalment of the grant is conditional upon enrolment of the student, or signing of the Grant Agreement by both parties, whichever is the latter.

The student is expected to comply with the reporting requirements. The reporting requirements to DSC are not intended to be overly burdensome but rather assist in facilitating collaboration between stakeholders and measuring opportunities for innovation, industry diversification and job growth benefits for Western Australia. There are four reporting requirements, templates of which will be provided as annexes to the Grant Agreement:

• Project Plan - No more than 30 days after Grant Agreement Execution Date.
• Interim Progress Report - Not sooner than 6 months and no later than 8 months from the Grant Agreement Execution Date.
• Project Completion Summary - Upon completion of the project term.
• Payment of the second instalment of the grant is conditional upon receipt of the Project Completion Summary to DSC’s satisfaction.

For further details about the RHDSG conditions, please see the Research Higher Degree Student Grant - 2026 Guideline for Applicants.

Please also refer to the Research Higher Degree Student Grant - 2026 FAQs.

If you require assistance or guidance to complete this application, or support to connect with potential collaboration partners please email the team at dsc@dpc.wa.gov.au. We will respond to your email within 2 working days, or for urgent assistance please call (08) 6552 6734. 

All applications to the DSC are to be made via the Research Higher Degree Student Grant - 2026 Application Form. 

Applications must be submitted to dsc@dpc.wa.gov.au.  No other way of submission will be accepted. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close at 5.00pm on Thursday 2 April 2026.

The DSC strongly advises that you contact your defence research university liaison for further assistance completing your application or making connections.

The contact details of the DSC-member defence research liaison are as follows:

Curtin University

Gary Hale – Chief Security Officer & Director Defence & Space Research

Phone: 08 9266 1448

Email: defence@curtin.edu.au

Edith Cowan University

Michele Clement – Director, Defence Engagement

Phone: 08 6304 5194

Email: defence.research@ecu.edu.au

Murdoch University

Todd Gillam – Research Fellow

Email: todd.gillam@murdoch.edu.au

University of Western Australia

Gia Parish – Director, Defence and Security Institute

Phone: 08 6488 3390

Email: defencedirector@uwa.edu.au