CSIRO Next Generation Graduates Scholarship Program Overview

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has announced its Next Generation Graduates Scholarship Program for 2025, offering generous stipends for domestic students at Honours and all postgraduate levels. This cohort-based, industry-driven program aims to equip students with entrepreneurial thinking and skills needed for breakthrough innovation in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

With 500 scholarships available across Australia from Honours to PhD level, this program provides a unique opportunity for students from any academic background – not just STEM fields – to work with leading scholars and industry specialists to address global challenges.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship offers comprehensive financial support varying by degree type:

  • PhD: $42,483 annual stipend for 3.5 years, 6-month partner placement, $5,000 annual training allowance (for three years), $5,000 travel allowance, $840 thesis allowance, and $5,000 cost of living payment

  • Master of Philosophy: $42,483 annual stipend for 2 years, 3-month partner placement, $5,000 annual training allowance, $5,000 travel allowance, $420 thesis allowance, and $2,000 cost of living payment

  • Masters (RTP Qualified Program): $30,000 annual stipend for 1 year, 20-day partner placement, and $5,000 annual training allowance

  • Honours and Coursework Masters: $10,000 annual stipend for 1 year, 6-day partner placement, and $5,000 annual training allowance

PhD and MPhil stipends will receive a 2% indexation each financial year, with the current figures based on the 2024-25 financial year rate.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications are open to:

  • Australian and New Zealand Citizens

  • Australian Permanent Residents

  • People entitled to stay in Australia, or to enter and stay in Australia, without any limitation as to time

Appointment may be subject to conditions including provision of a national police check and other security/medical/character clearance requirements.

Program Structure and Benefits

The Next Generation Graduates Program offers a multi-disciplinary training approach that prepares students for problem-based environments they will face in their careers. Participants will:

  • Engage with a distinguished national cohort of peers from diverse disciplines and locations

  • Receive actual industry exposure through partner placements

  • Develop valuable skills and professional networks

  • Work on interdisciplinary projects addressing real-world challenges

CSIRO Postgraduate Scholarships at Adelaide University

For the 2026 program at Adelaide University, CSIRO is offering Postgraduate Scholarships specifically for PhD projects in CSIRO priority research areas. Students will be co-supervised by CSIRO and university researchers.

Key details for Adelaide University applications:

  • Applications open: November 5, 2024

  • Applications close: Open until filled

  • Program: Doctor of Philosophy

  • Available in: Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology (SET)

  • Available to: Both commencing and continuing students

These scholarships are available to Australian Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents, New Zealand Citizens, Permanent Humanitarian Visa Holders, and International Students.

How to Apply

Student recruitment for each program is managed by Chief Investigators (CI) of the Programs from participating universities across Australia. Interested applicants should contact these Chief Investigators directly about scholarship applications.

To find the list of 39 program offerings with links to the academic profiles of the Chief Investigators, visit:

View CSIRO Programs & Chief Investigators

For additional information or inquiries, contact the Next Generation Graduates Program team at Data61-NextGenGrad@csiro.au.

Application Deadline

Funded Next Generation Graduates Programs will continue to recruit students throughout the year until all available places have been filled. PhD students must enroll and commence no later than December 31, 2025.

About CSIRO

CSIRO is Australia's national science agency, solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. The organization is committed to values-based leadership, diversity and inclusion, and offers flexible working arrangements. CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea, and waters across Australia and is committed to child safety.

Stay updated with more scholarship opportunities by following our social media channels:

Facebook | WhatsApp | Telegram