The Dennis McDermott Research Scholarships are dedicated to empowering Indigenous students of exceptional research promise to pursue higher degrees by research at La Trobe University. Established in honor of the esteemed Professor Dennis McDermott, La Trobe’s inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), this scholarship celebrates his remarkable legacy. As a Koori man from north-western New South Wales, Professor McDermott was not only a distinguished psychologist and academic but also a gifted poet. Throughout his career, he passionately engaged in writing and teaching within the realms of health and Indigenous education. Despite his brief tenure at La Trobe, he left an indelible mark on the institution, advocating for the imperative to “decolonise the academy.” His visionary call continues to resonate, ensuring that the work he initiated to nurture Indigenous knowledge and values within the university ecosystem will thrive for generations to come.
The scholarships will be awarded to the most outstanding applicants of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent seeking to undertake doctoral or Master’s research degrees at La Trobe. This prestigious award is conjoined with a Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship, which includes an RTP Stipend, an RTP Offset to cover tuition fees, and an RTP Allowance, providing comprehensive support for your academic journey.
About La Trobe University
La Trobe has been one of Australia’s pioneering universities for more than 50 years. Discover our unique history, including our motto and coat of arms. In 1967, 552 students enrolled at La Trobe University, the third university to open in Victoria, which has grown to accommodate more than 36,000 students, with over 7,000 international students from 110 countries.
Dennis McDermott Research Scholarships
La Trobe University in Australia is offering a partially funded scholarship opportunity for interested students to study there.
Why You Should Apply For The Dennis McDermott Research Scholarships
- a Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend for up to three and a half (3.5) years for a doctoral degree or 22 months for a Masters by research degree, with a value of $35,000 per annum (2025 rate)
- a special top-up stipend of $10,000 per annum for three years and six months full-time study for a doctoral degree or for 22 months full-time study for a Masters by research degree
- a research support grant of up to $3,000 per annum, for three years full-time study for a doctoral degree or for 18 months full-time study for a Masters by research degree, to assist with costs such as laboratory consumables, fieldwork and attendance at conferences
- a Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset scholarship for up to four years for a doctoral degree or two years for a Masters by research.
- a Research Training Program (RTP) Allowance to support relocation and production of the thesis
- opportunities to work with La Trobe’s outstanding researchers, and have access to our suite of professional development programs.
Eligibility Requirements for Dennis McDermott Research Scholarships
To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must:
- meet the entrance requirements for the proposed course
- not be receiving another scholarship greater than 75 per cent of the stipend rate for the same purpose
- be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident
- be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin
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 lead authorship of a research thesis or peer-reviewed publication, assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 75 or above
- for Masters by research scholarships, have attained the equivalent of a first-class honours degree at an Australian university or equivalent from a recognised overseas university
Application Deadline for Dennis McDermott Research Scholarships
December 31, 2025
How to Apply For Dennis McDermott Research Scholarships
- Review details on?how to apply for candidature
- Develop a research proposal, or apply for a Graduate Research project (where available)
- Identify an appropriate supervisor via the La Trobe University website and contact them to indicate that you wish to be considered for this scholarship, or contact the pre-determined project supervisor to obtain their endorsement if applying for a graduate research project
- When you have received in-principle agreement for supervision, complete your application, when prompted select the scholarship “Graduate Research – Specialist Research Scholarship”, and submit your completed application for consideration
- If you are already enrolled in a graduate research degree at La Trobe you can apply for scholarship only by starting a new application – select the ‘next’ button when prompted to select a course, and then select the “Graduate Research – Scholarship Only” option to apply for a scholarship only.
For more details, visit La Trobe University Scholarship webpage
