David Irvine Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 Now Open – Study in Australia

If you’re passionate about cybersecurity and ready to dive into cutting-edge research, the David Irvine Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 could be your gateway to a transformative career. Offered by CSIRO’s Data61, this prestigious scholarship honors the legacy of David Irvine AO—an influential figure in Australia’s cybersecurity landscape and a founding force behind the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre (CSCRC).

   

This isn’t just a scholarship—it’s a chance to work alongside Australia’s top scientists, tackle real-world cyber threats, and contribute to national security innovation.

Why This Scholarship Stands Out

The David Irvine Scholarship is one of Australia’s most generous postgraduate funding programs for cybersecurity researchers. It supports both PhD and MPhil students conducting CSIRO-aligned research at CSCRC Participant Universities.

You can apply for either a full scholarship or a top-up scholarship, depending on your existing funding status. Beyond financial support, scholars gain access to CSIRO’s advanced labs, expert mentorship, and a collaborative research ecosystem.

Funding Breakdown

Here’s a snapshot of what you could receive:

Scholarship Type	Year	Amount (AUD)
PhD – Full	2026	$44,000
	2027	$45,000
	2028	$46,000
	2029	$23,000
MPhil – Full	2026	$44,000
	2027	$45,000
Top-Up	2026	$10,000
	2027	$10,000
	2028	$10,000
	2029	$5,000
PhD Training Allowance	Over Duration	$7,000 total
MPhil Training Allowance	Over Duration	$5,000 total

These funds cover living expenses, research costs, and training support—allowing you to focus fully on your academic and professional growth.

Who’s Eligible?

To apply for the David Irvine Postgraduate Scholarship 2026, you must meet the following criteria:

• Hold First Class Honours or equivalent in Cyber Security, Computer Science, or Artificial Intelligence
• Be enrolled in a full-time PhD or MPhil program at one of the CSCRC Participant Universities:
  • Edith Cowan University
  • University of Adelaide
  • Deakin University
  • UNSW
  • Charles Sturt University
  • Queensland University of Technology
• Be within 12 months of starting your PhD or 6 months of starting your MPhil
• Be a domestic or international student already residing in Australia with a valid visa
• Have a tuition fee waiver from your university
• Have at least one confirmed university supervisor
• Meet security clearance requirements, including police checks

This scholarship is designed for high-potential researchers who are ready to contribute to Australia’s cybersecurity future.

Recommended for you: University of Queensland Graduate School Scholarships (UQGSS) (Free Tuition + $36,400 per annum)

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Here’s what you need to submit:

1. Resume/CV and Cover Letter (combined into one document)
2. Official academic transcripts showing First Class Honours or equivalent
3. Online MS Form for the David Irvine Scholarship, which includes your project concept proposal

Your proposal must align with one of CSIRO’s key cybersecurity research themes:

• Resilient systems
• IoT security
• Next-generation authentication
• Cyber threat investigation
• Privacy-preserving technologies
• Cybersecurity automation

Be clear and concise. Outline your research problem, methodology, and the expected impact on critical infrastructure or emerging technologies.

Application Deadline

The final date to apply is:

12 January 2026 at 11:00 PM AEDT

Late submissions won’t be considered, so start preparing early and ensure all documents are complete.

Why CSIRO and Data61?

CSIRO is Australia’s national science agency, and Data61 is its digital innovation arm. Together, they lead groundbreaking research in cybersecurity, AI, and data science. As a David Irvine Scholar, you’ll be part of a network that’s shaping the future of secure digital systems.

You’ll also benefit from:

• Access to state-of-the-art facilities
• Collaboration with industry and government partners
• Opportunities to publish and present your work globally
• Career pathways into academia, government, and private sector roles

Top 3 Benefits of the David Irvine Scholarship

• Generous funding: Covers tuition, living expenses, and research costs
• Elite research environment: Work with leading scientists and access advanced tools
• Career acceleration: Build a strong foundation for roles in academia, industry, or government

FAQs

Can international students apply? Yes, but you must already be residing in Australia with a valid visa and meet all eligibility criteria.

Do I need to be enrolled before applying? You must be admitted into a full-time PhD or MPhil program at a CSCRC Participant University.

What if I already have partial funding? You can apply for a top-up scholarship to supplement your existing support.

Is there a specific format for the project proposal? Yes. The proposal must align with CSIRO’s research themes and clearly define your research goals, methods, and expected impact.

What happens after I submit my application? Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further documentation or interviews. Final decisions are typically announced in early 2026.

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