The Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship was established to honour the life and legacy of Professor Dennis McDermott, who served as La Trobe University's inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous).

Professor McDermott was a Koori man from north-western New South Wales. He was a psychologist, academic and poet whose professional career included extensive work in health and Indigenous education. During his time at La Trobe University, he made a significant contribution to the institution and to the advancement of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives within academia.

His vision of “decolonising the academy” continues to influence conversations around Indigenous knowledge, education and research. The scholarship reflects his commitment to strengthening Indigenous representation and values within higher education.

The scholarship is awarded to the top-ranked applicants of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin who demonstrate exceptional research promise and intend to undertake either a doctoral research degree or a Master’s by Research at La Trobe University.

Importantly, the scholarship is awarded in conjunction with a Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship. This provides recipients with an RTP Stipend, an RTP Fees Offset to cover eligible tuition fees and an RTP Allowance.

Successful applicants can receive a comprehensive funding package designed to support both their studies and research activities.

RTP Stipend

Recipients receive a Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend valued at $36,000 per year for 2026.

The stipend is available for:

• Up to 3.5 years for a doctoral degree.
• Up to 22 months for a Master's by Research degree.

Special Top-Up Stipend

In addition to the RTP Stipend, recipients receive a special Dennis McDermott top-up stipend of $10,000 per year.

The top-up is available for:

• Three years and six months of full-time doctoral study.
• Up to 22 months of full-time Master's by Research study.

Research Support Grant

Recipients may receive a research support grant of up to $3,000 per year.

This funding can help with eligible research-related expenses, including:

• Laboratory consumables
• Fieldwork
• Conference attendance
• Other approved research activities

For doctoral candidates, the grant is available for up to three years of full-time study, while Master's by Research candidates may receive it for up to 18 months.

Tuition Fee Support

The RTP Fees Offset Scholarship covers eligible tuition fees for:

• Up to four years for a doctoral degree.
• Up to two years for a Master's by Research degree.

RTP Allowance

Recipients can also receive an RTP Allowance to assist with eligible costs associated with relocation and thesis production.

Research and Professional Development Opportunities

Scholarship recipients can benefit from opportunities to work alongside La Trobe University's researchers and access the University's professional development programs.

These opportunities can help scholars develop their research expertise, academic networks and professional skills while completing their higher degree by research.

Applicants should carefully review the eligibility conditions before applying. Candidates are generally required to meet the following criteria:

Academic and Course Requirements

Applicants must meet the entrance requirements for their proposed higher degree by research course at La Trobe University.

Citizenship and Indigenous Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident.
• Be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.

Location of Research

Applicants should be undertaking research at a La Trobe University campus, with candidates conducting their research on campus prioritised.

Requirements for Doctoral Applicants

Applicants seeking a doctoral research scholarship should have completed a Master's by Research or another significant body of research.

Examples of significant research experience may include:

• Lead authorship of a research thesis.
• A peer-reviewed research publication.
• Other substantial research work assessed at a standard equivalent to 75 or above at La Trobe's Master's by Research level.

Requirements for Master's by Research Applicants

Applicants for a Master's by Research scholarship should have achieved the equivalent of a first-class honours degree from an Australian university or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas university.

Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not necessarily guarantee an award, as scholarships are competitive and applicants are ranked according to their academic and research potential.

6. Application Process

Applicants should prepare their application carefully and follow La Trobe University's graduate research application procedures.

Step 1: Review the Candidature Requirements

Begin by reviewing the requirements for admission to the proposed graduate research course. Make sure that your academic qualifications and research background satisfy the relevant entry requirements.

Step 2: Develop a Research Proposal

Prepare a strong research proposal outlining your proposed research topic, objectives, methodology, significance and expected contribution.

Where applicable, applicants may instead apply for an advertised Graduate Research project.

Step 3: Identify a Supervisor

Identify an appropriate potential supervisor through La Trobe University's website.

Contact the prospective supervisor and explain that you wish to be considered for the Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship.

If you are applying for an advertised Graduate Research project, contact the predetermined project supervisor to obtain the necessary endorsement.

Step 4: Obtain In-Principle Supervision Agreement

Before submitting your application, obtain an in-principle agreement for supervision from an appropriate supervisor.

This is an important part of the graduate research application process and should be arranged before completing the application.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Once supervision has been agreed upon, complete your application and select the “Graduate Research Applicants” scholarship option.

Ensure that all required information and supporting documents are included before submitting the application for consideration.

Step 6: Current La Trobe Graduate Research Students

If you are already enrolled in a graduate research degree at La Trobe University and wish to apply for the scholarship only, you should begin a new application.

When prompted to select a course:

1. Select “Next.”
2. Choose “Graduate Research – Scholarship Only.”
3. Complete and submit the scholarship application.

Applicants who need assistance should consult La Trobe University's How to Apply Guide and carefully follow the instructions provided.