2026 La Trobe Flexible Research Scholarship (FLEX) - Candidates with Disabilities

In order to maximise opportunities for students with disabilities to study higher degrees by research, La Trobe University is offering the Flexible Research Scholarship to eligible applicants with disabilities, who already hold a Research Training Program (RTP) stipend or a La Trobe University Graduate Research Scholarship (LTGRS) stipend (valued at $36,000 p.a. in 2026 full-time). This scholarship provides individually tailored support, providing a longer period of time for completion of a graduate research degree and payment of a stipend, extended periods of leave of absence, and provide access to additional funding for research related costs associated with having a disability.

Applications are open all-year to graduate researchers who are currently receiving a Research Training Program (RTP) stipend or a La Trobe University Graduate Research Scholarship (LTGRS) stipend, or who have accepted an offer for the RTP or LTGRS stipend. If you do not currently hold an RTP or LTGRS stipend, you should apply for one of our available Project Scholarships to become eligible to apply for the FLEX scholarship. Alternatively, if you have your own project please wait to apply for the Graduate Research Scholarships - RTP and LTGRS in the 2026 mid-year scholarship round to become eligible to apply for the FLEX scholarship.

• Table of Content
• About La Trobe University
• La Trobe University Postgraduate Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of La Trobe University Postgraduate Scholarship
• Requirements for La Trobe University Postgraduate Scholarship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

La Trobe University Postgraduate Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of La Trobe University Postgraduate Scholarship

Successful applicants will receive:

• a research support allowance of up to $3,000 per annum for research related costs associated with a disability, including for example costs for Auslan interpreters or personal attendant care for conferences
• candidature extended for up to an additional 12 months (FTE) for doctoral candidates, or up to 6 months (FTE) for Masters by research candidates (subject to visa conditions and approvals for international candidates)
• a tuition fee scholarship to cover the above period of extended candidature
• RTP or LTGRS stipend extended for up to 18 months (FTE) for doctoral candidates, and up to 8 months (FTE) for Masters by research candidates.
• an aggregated total of up to 24 months leave of absence (subject to visa conditions and approvals for international candidates)

Requirements for La Trobe University Postgraduate Scholarship Qualification

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must:

• currently be receiving a Research Training Program (RTP) stipend or a La Trobe University Graduate Research Scholarship (LTGRS) stipend, or have accepted an offer of RTP or LTGRS, and
• have a disability that is attributable to one or more intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, or physical impairments or to one or more impairments attributable to a psychiatric condition; and

(a) the impairment or impairments are, or are likely to be, permanent; and

(b) the impairment or impairments result in substantially reduced functional capacity to undertake, or psychosocial functioning in undertaking, one or more of the following activities:

1. communication;
2. social interaction;
3. learning;
4. mobility;
5. self-care;
6. self-management; and

(c) the above may be demonstrated through provision of medical information or evidence that the applicant is a participant in the NDIS.

• The candidate’s disability has a demonstrable impact on the pace at which they are able to study that means additional time is required for completion beyond the standard candidature provisions.

In selecting successful applicants, we prioritise applications from candidates who:

• will be undertaking their research at a La Trobe University campus
• for doctoral research scholarships, have completed a Masters by Research or other significant body of research, such as lead authorship of a research thesis or peer-reviewed publication, assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 70 or above
• for Masters by research scholarships, have attained the equivalent of at least a high honours 2A grade degree at an Australian university or equivalent from a recognised overseas university

Please note that the FLEX scholarship can only be awarded if the applicant is currently receiving an RTP or LTGRS stipend, or if they are successful in their application for the RTP or LTGRS stipend.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

• Download a copy of the LTFLEX Scholarship Confidential Statement Form and email it directly to [email protected],along with medical evidence of the permanent and ongoing nature of your disability in relation to your functional capacity as discussed in the impact statement in the Form, for consideration.

Contact:

• [email protected] for queries
• Send supporting documentation directly to [email protected]

For more information, kindly visit La Trobe University scholarship webpage.