La Trobe University invites applications for the Flexible Research Scholarship (FLEX), a dedicated support program for graduate researchers with disabilities who currently hold or have accepted an RTP or LTGRS stipend. This scholarship offers extended financial support, additional candidature time, and tailored research assistance to help students overcome barriers and successfully complete their higher degree by research.

Eligible applicants must already hold or have accepted an RTP or LTGRS stipend and have a permanent or long-term disability that significantly impacts their functional capacity in areas such as communication, learning, mobility, self-care, or self-management. Candidates must provide medical evidence or proof of NDIS participation and demonstrate that their disability affects the pace of their research progress, requiring additional time and support beyond standard candidature provisions.

La Trobe University is a public research university established in 1964 in Melbourne, Australia, and is known for its strong focus on research and innovation, particularly in fields like humanities, social sciences, medical sciences, and nursing. The university has a main campus in Bundoora, which is the largest metropolitan campus in Australia, and several regional campuses across Victoria and New South Wales, including Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Mildura, Shepparton, and city campuses in Melbourne and Sydney.

Application Deadline: 31 December 2025

Brief Description

• University or Organization: La Trobe University
• Department: Graduate Research School
• Course Level: Doctoral Degree & Master’s by Research
• Award: $36,000 stipend (RTP or LTGRS) with up to 18 months extension for doctoral candidates and up to 8 months extension for master’s candidates
• Access Mode: Online
• Number of Awards: NA
• Nationality: Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents, New Zealand Citizens, and International Students
• The award can be taken in: Australia

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: All nationalities
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: Any higher degree by research (HDR) program offered by La Trobe University
• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet all the following criteria:
  • Be currently receiving, or have accepted an offer for, an RTP or LTGRS stipend.
  • Have a disability attributable to intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, or psychiatric impairments that are permanent or likely to be permanent.
  • The impairment must result in substantially reduced functional capacity in communication, social interaction, learning, mobility, self-care, or self-management.
  • Provide medical evidence or proof of participation in the NDIS.
  • Demonstrate that the disability impacts the pace of study and requires additional time beyond standard candidature provisions.
  • Priority is given to candidates undertaking research at a La Trobe campus and those with strong academic or research backgrounds (e.g., Masters by Research or high honours for doctoral applicants).

How to Apply

Download and complete the LTFLEX Scholarship Confidential Statement Form.
 Email the completed form along with medical evidence supporting the permanent nature and functional impact of the disability to [email protected]

Benefits

• Research support allowance of up to $3,000 per year for disability-related research costs (e.g., Auslan interpreters, personal care at conferences).
• Extended candidature:
– Up to 12 months (FTE) for doctoral candidates
– Up to 6 months (FTE) for Master’s candidates
• Tuition fee scholarship to cover the extended candidature period.
• Extension of RTP or LTGRS stipend:
– Up to 18 months (FTE) for doctoral candidates
– Up to 8 months (FTE) for Master’s candidates
• Up to 24 months aggregated leave of absence, subject to visa conditions for international students.

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