2026 PhD Scholarships

Welcome to the Australian General Practice Research Foundation's online PhD Scholarships application service, powered by SmartyGrants.

The Australian General Practice Research Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the RACGP. Since 2024, we have proudly supported outstanding GPs and GPS in training to undertake PhD research through our PhD scholarships program. This year, we are pleased to offer two PhD top-up scholarships in partnership with university departments of general practice to facilitate the pursuit of rigorous research in general practice.

Award details

Two top-up scholarships are available. Each scholarship provides:

• A stipend of $25,000 per annum for a maximum 3.5 years for full-time PhD candidates, or pro-rata for a maximum 7 years for part-time candidates.
• A bursary of $5,000 per annum (or pro-rata for part-time candidates) provided for use towards professional development and research translation activities.
• A peer cohort experience and opportunities for networking and industry placements within the RACGP, where possible.

Eligibility

• The applicant must be a general practitioner who has attained FRACGP or FACRRM, or a GP in training, or have been accepted into the GP training program commencing in 2026.
• The applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• The applicant must have applied for or received a primary scholarship or other salary support from their university.
• The applicant must undertake a research project that is directly relevant to general practice and RACGP priorities and strategic objectives. The primary context of the research must be based in or on general practice. Medical education research must be situated in general practice.
• The applicant must have commenced their PhD study between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2026.
• The applicant must undertake the PhD at an Australian university.
• An academic GP must be actively involved in the supervision of the applicant's research.

Selection criteria

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Suitability of the applicant (40%)
  • Academic record and relevant research experience
  • Articulated capacity and motivation to contribute to academic general practice post completion of PhD
  • Demonstrated intent to significantly contribute to future general practice research
• Strength of the research project (30%)
  • Quality and feasibility of the proposed research
  • Demonstrated relevance of the research to general practice and at least one RACGP priority area
  • Potential for outcomes that can be translated into general practice
• Strength of the supervision (30%)
  • Contribution of an academic GP to project supervision
  • Experience and suitability of intended supervisors
  • Capacity of the host university to provide appropriate infrastructure and resources to support the research

Applications

Applications for the PhD Scholarships will close at 5pm on Friday 31 October 2025. For more information, please email foundation@racgp.org.au.

Please you have read and understood the information provided in the Information for Applicants handbook prior to submitting your application.