Bond University Scholarship in Australia | 2025
About Bond University
On 15 May, 1989, Bond University welcomed the first cohort of 322 students to its brand new, state-of-the-art campus on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
As Australia’s first private, not-for-profit university, the vision was for Bond to offer an exclusive educational experience of the highest international standards, where students from around the world would be mentored in small class groups by renowned academics and high-profile industry leaders.
When those foundation students graduated as the Class of 1989, they were quickly recruited by Australia’s most successful corporations and their subsequent achievements in the workplace firmly established Bond’s reputation for excellence.
During the past 30 years, Bond University has become one of Australia’s leading tertiary institutions, renowned for its expertise in study areas ranging from business, law, medicine, architecture, and data analytics, to film and television, communication, sports management, and occupational therapy.
Bond is Australia’s #1 university for student experience for 16 years.* In 2018, 2019 and 2020, Australian employers said they were more satisfied with Bond graduates than those from any other university.
Bond has achieved far beyond all expectations, meeting every challenge with the unbridled spirit of determination and innovation that has characterised its rich and colourful history.
About Scholarship
As a proudly not-for-profit institution, all tuition fees paid to Bond University help to create an educational experience underpinned by exceptional resources, facilities, and teaching staff.
We provide higher degree by research (HDR) students at Bond University with substantial support, both academically and financially, to ensure equitable access to research opportunities and offset the cost of living while pursuing intensive postgraduate study.
Depending on your circumstances and chosen program, tuition fees for HDR programs at Bond University vary. HDR students can defer or pay their tuition fees in several ways, and many students will be eligible for full fee waivers. High-achieving students and those who identify as Indigenous may also qualify for scholarships or stipends designed to offset the living costs associated with a HDR program.
Domestic student fee information
If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen, you are classified as a domestic student for the purpose of paying or deferring your HDR fees. Domestic students at Bond University may receive a Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset, which will exempt them from tuition fees for a maximum period of four years full-time / eight years part-time for doctoral programs and two years full-time / four years full-time for research master’s programs. Fees may apply if the thesis is not submitted within these time frames.
Domestic students are also eligible for FEE-HELP, an interest-free Australian government loan that permits you to defer your tuition fees until you complete your studies and meet a minimum earning threshold. Other options for paying or reducing your fees as a domestic student include government assistance, tax deductions, and our loyalty discount.
International student fee information
As an international student, you must pay your tuition fees upfront at the beginning of each six-month enrolment period. Depending on your home country and citizenship, you may be able to pay for some of your tuition fees using loans or available discounts.
International students may also be eligible for a partial fee waiver. If approved, this waiver is valid for a maximum period of 4 years full-time study for doctoral programs, or two years full-time for research master’s programs. Fees may apply if dissertations are not submitted within these time frames. Please get in touch with our HDR support team for more information about fee waivers and eligibility as an international student.
Disclaimer
Please refer to the program page of your chosen HDR degree for detailed information on our fees and fee structure. All costs are listed in Australian dollars (AUD).
HDR program fees must be paid twice yearly at the beginning of each six-month enrolment period, which falls in January and July every year.
Available scholarships
Bond University values its higher degree research student cohort and provides a substantial level of direct financial support to many students. Bond University allocates funds to support the financial costs of fee offset (waiver) and living stipends.
There are two key overarching principles for determining the distribution of scholarships among applicants. First, scholarships are to be awarded through a competitive merit-based process. Second, scholarship applicants are to be treated equitably and fairly, regardless of their research discipline, and regardless of the source of their scholarship funding.
Several scholarships are available to doctoral (Doctor of Philosophy and Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy) program students at Bond University. Please note that research master’s students are not eligible for any HDR scholarships.
The current full-time stipend rate for all HDR scholarship categories for 2024 is $32,192 AUD per annum
To be eligible to apply for a HDR scholarship at Bond University, you must:
- You must be studying for a PhD or Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy
- You must have completed and submitted a Bond Application for your program before applying
- Intend to study full time
- Not have received an equivalent award or scholarship from the Australian Government designed to offset HDR fees
If you have previously applied for a HDR scholarship at Bond University and were unsuccessful, you may submit one additional application for a scholarship that outlines your change in circumstances. Applicants who are unsuccessful in their second application are ineligible to apply for future scholarship rounds.
Apply for a HDR scholarships
The first step in applying for a higher degree by research scholarship at Bond University is to submit your application for an eligible doctoral program. Once you have applied, you will need to submit your scholarship application online, using the Bond University Higher Degree Scholarship Application form.
Ready to apply for a HDR scholarship? Be sure to read these frequently asked questions below prior to lodging your application with the Higher Degree Research Unit.
What documents do I need to submit my application?
When applying for a HDR scholarship at Bond University, you must enclose the following documents with your online application form:
- Your research project proposal
- Your academic transcripts, including evidence of the grades/results awarded, information about the institution’s grading scales or criteria, and evidence of completion
- A curriculum vitae including any research publications or conference presentations
- Evidence of any prizes or award certificates to support your application
- The name and contact for two referees
- If applying for the HDR Indigenous Scholarship, proof of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status
For more information please check the Official Website.
