The University of New England (UNE) in Australia has officially announced the opening of applications for its 2026 Fully Funded Postgraduate Research Scholarship, an outstanding opportunity for international and domestic students aspiring to pursue advanced doctoral research in the field of Machine Learning and its applications in healthcare and education.
This prestigious scholarship is offered in collaboration with Cogninet Australia, a recognized industry partner, and is designed to provide not just financial support, but also a unique blend of academic excellence and real-world industry exposure.
About the University of New England (UNE) Scholarship 2026
The University of New England has consistently ranked among Australia’s reputable research-intensive institutions, known for its supportive research environment and innovation-driven academic culture. The UNE Scholarship 2026 aims to attract bright minds with a strong background in computer science, programming, and artificial intelligence, and equip them with resources to make groundbreaking contributions to the future of healthcare and education technology.
Unlike many scholarships that only partially fund students, the UNE Fully Funded Scholarship goes further by covering tuition fees, living costs, and health insurance, making it a golden opportunity for aspiring PhD candidates.
Key Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the University of New England 2026 Fully Funded Scholarship will enjoy the following:
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: All tuition fees are fully covered for the duration of the scholarship.
- Living Stipend: Recipients will receive an annual living allowance of AUD $36,862 (2025 rate), which is tax-free and paid fortnightly. This ensures that students can focus entirely on their research without financial distractions.
- Health Coverage: International students will benefit from Single Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire study period.
- Duration: The scholarship is tenable for 3.5 years of full-time study, making it ideal for a standard PhD program.
- Industry Collaboration: In partnership with Cogninet Australia, recipients will also gain access to industry training and collaborations, preparing them for careers beyond academia.
Eligibility Criteria
The University of New England Fully Funded Scholarship 2026 is highly competitive, and applicants are expected to meet the following requirements:
- Must hold an academic background in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or related fields.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Python programming is mandatory.
- Ability and willingness to engage in industry-based collaboration and professional training.
- Preference will be given to candidates who can pursue their research on-campus at UNE in Australia, though online options may be considered in special cases.
- Applicants must meet the standard entry requirements for doctoral research at UNE.
Research Focus
This scholarship is tailored for candidates who want to apply Machine Learning technologies to solve real-world problems in healthcare and education. The University of New England believes that Artificial Intelligence, when properly harnessed, has the potential to revolutionize patient care, medical diagnostics, digital education systems, and global learning access.
Students admitted under this scholarship will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, mentorship from top academics, and collaborations with industry experts.
Why Choose UNE for a PhD?
The University of New England offers a unique research environment that blends academic excellence with community support. International students especially benefit from:
- A cost-friendly city environment in Armidale, New South Wales.
- Access to high-quality supervision and mentoring.
- Opportunities for professional development and industry partnerships.
- Exposure to an international research community that values innovation and interdisciplinary studies.
Application Process
Applications for the UNE Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2026 are now open and will close on 3rd November 2025. Interested candidates are strongly advised to prepare their applications early to avoid last-minute issues.
Applicants will typically be required to:
- Prepare a research proposal aligned with the scholarship’s focus area of machine learning in healthcare and education.
- Provide evidence of academic qualifications (transcripts, certificates, and prior research experience).
- Submit a CV highlighting programming expertise, particularly in Python.
- Attach references and recommendation letters from academic supervisors or industry mentors.
- Complete the University of New England PhD admission application alongside the scholarship application.
Deadline
- Application Closing Date: 3rd November 2025
- Commencement of Studies: Successful candidates are expected to begin their PhD studies in 2026.
Final Thoughts
The University of New England Scholarship in Australia 2026 represents a life-changing opportunity for ambitious students passionate about artificial intelligence, healthcare, and education innovation. With its full financial coverage, generous stipend, and professional training, it stands out as one of the most attractive postgraduate research scholarships currently available in Australia.
For students across the world, this is more than just a scholarship — it is a gateway to advanced knowledge, international research exposure, and a chance to impact the future of technology and society.
If you have a background in computer science and Python programming, and a passion for solving real-world problems through machine learning, then this fully funded scholarship at the University of New England is a perfect opportunity not to be missed.