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Study in Australia | David Irvine Postgraduate Scholarship 2026

November 19, 2025 6:53 am

Study in Australia | David Irvine Postgraduate Scholarship 2026

The David Irvine Postgraduate Scholarship, administered by CSIRO’s Data61 for the 2026 academic year, represents a pinnacle opportunity for emerging leaders in cybersecurity. Established to honour the profound legacy of David Irvine AO, the former Director-General of Security and a pivotal force behind Australia’s Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre (CSCRC), the scholarship is designed to cultivate the next generation of cyber defenders. It goes beyond conventional funding by integrating recipients directly into Australia’s most advanced scientific and research ecosystem, providing them with a platform to tackle national and global security challenges from within a world-class institution.

This prestigious award offers a comprehensive package that includes not only generous financial stipends but also unparalleled access to CSIRO’s state-of-the-art laboratories, proprietary datasets, and a network of leading scientists and industry partners. Scholars are immersed in a collaborative environment where theoretical research meets practical application, working on real-world problems in critical areas such as resilient systems, threat intelligence, and privacy-preserving technologies. By bridging the gap between academic research and operational cybersecurity, the program ensures recipients are equipped not just with a qualification but also with the experience, connections, and insights to become influential figures in shaping a more secure digital future.

Comprehensive Financial Support

The scholarship provides two primary funding options for candidates pursuing PhD or MPhil degrees at CSCRC partner universities:

Full Scholarship Package:

PhD candidates receive between $44,000-$46,000 annually for three years, plus $23,000 in their final year
MPhil candidates receive $44,000-$45,000 over two years
Additional training allowances of $7,000 for PhD and $5,000 for MPhil students

Top-Up Scholarship:

$10,000 annually for three years, plus $5,000 in the final year for PhD candidates
Designed to supplement other primary scholarships

Beyond financial benefits, scholars gain entry to CSIRO’s advanced research infrastructure, specialized mentorship programs, and collaborative networks within Australia’s cybersecurity research community.

Eligibility Requirements

Prospective applicants must satisfy these essential criteria:

Hold First Class Honours or equivalent qualifications in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or Artificial Intelligence
Secure admission to a full-time PhD or MPhil program at participating CSCRC universities, including Edith Cowan University, University of Adelaide, Deakin University, UNSW, Charles Sturt University, or Queensland University of Technology
Be within the early stages of their research program (within 12 months of PhD commencement or 6 months of MPhil start)
Maintain appropriate visa status for international candidates
Receive a tuition fee waiver from their host university
Have at least one confirmed academic supervisor
Meet all security clearance requirements, including police checks

Application Process

The application deadline is January 12, 2026, at 11:00 PM AEDT. Candidates should prepare these essential documents:

Combined CV and cover letter document
Official academic transcripts demonstrating First Class Honours equivalence
Completed online application form, including a detailed research proposal

Click Here to Apply

The research proposal must align with CSIRO’s strategic cybersecurity priorities, including resilient systems, IoT security, next-generation authentication, cyber threat investigation, privacy-preserving technologies, and cybersecurity automation. Successful proposals clearly articulate the research problem, methodology, and potential impact on critical infrastructure or technologies.

Strategic Advantages for Recipients

This scholarship represents more than financial assistance—it provides a direct pathway into Australia’s national science agency and cybersecurity research ecosystem. Recipients benefit from professional mentorship, access to classified research projects, and opportunities to collaborate with industry partners addressing real-world cybersecurity challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the David Irvine Postgraduate Scholarship offers a transformative opportunity for cybersecurity researchers to advance their careers while contributing to Australia’s national security capabilities. We strongly encourage eligible candidates to begin preparing their applications well before the January 2026 deadline, ensuring sufficient time to develop compelling research proposals and secure necessary university admissions.