The David Irvine scholarship offers a unique opportunity for talented students to pursue a postgraduate degree in cyber security at one of the CSCRC Participant Universities. Scholars will contribute to cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research addressing real-world challenges in a field critical to Australia’s national interest.
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When is the Application Deadline:
16 February 2026, 11:00pm AEDT
Applicants are encouraged to apply early as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
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Tell Me About The Award:
The David Irvine Postgraduate Scholarship is a prestigious initiative established by CSIRO’s Data61 in honour of the late David Irvine AO, a key leader behind the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre (CSCRC).
The scholarship supports outstanding PhD and MPhil students conducting cyber security research at CSCRC Participant Universities.
Scholars gain access to CSIRO’s world-class research environment, advanced facilities, mentorship, and training opportunities—all designed to develop future leaders in Australia’s cyber security ecosystem.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Eligible fields include:
- Cyber Security
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Related areas aligned with CSIRO’s cyber security research themes
Type:
Postgraduate Scholarship (PhD and MPhil)
– Full scholarship OR
– Top-up scholarship
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Hold First Class Honours or equivalent in Cyber Security, Computer Science, AI, or related fields
- Be admitted into a full-time PhD or MPhil at a CSCRC Participant University
- Be within 12 months of starting their PhD OR within 6 months of starting their MPhil
- Be domestic or international students already residing in Australia with valid visas
- Receive a tuition fee waiver from the university
- Have at least one confirmed university supervisor
- Meet all CSIRO security, police, and character clearance requirements
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Australian citizens
- Permanent Residents
- International students residing in Australia with appropriate visas, from countries permitted under the Defence Trade Controls (Foreign Country) Instrument 2024
Where will the Award be Taken?
At any of the CSCRC Participant Universities in Australia:
- Edith Cowan University
- University of Adelaide
- Deakin University
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- Charles Sturt University
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Students may be based anywhere in Australia while enrolled at one of these institutions.
How Many Awards?
Number not specified, but multiple scholarships (full and top-up) are available across participating universities.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
Full Scholarship (PhD):
- 2026: AUD $44,000
- 2027: AUD $45,000
- 2028: AUD $46,000
- 2029: AUD $23,000
Full Scholarship (MPhil):
- 2026: AUD $44,000
- 2027: AUD $45,000
Top-Up Scholarship:
- 2026: $10,000
- 2027: $10,000
- 2028: $10,000
- 2029: $5,000
Additional Support:
- PhD Training Allowance: AUD $7,000 (distributed annually)
- MPhil Training Allowance: AUD $5,000 (distributed annually)
- Access to CSIRO research facilities, coaching, equipment, and project supervision
Note:
- Tuition fees are NOT covered
- Relocation costs are NOT provided
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Up to 3.5 years for PhD
- Up to 2 years for MPhil
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit:
- Resume/CV + Cover Letter (combined into one document)
- Official academic transcripts showing First Class Honours or equivalent
- Online MS Form for the David Irvine Scholarship, including a project concept proposal
Your proposal must address one of the approved research themes:
- Resilient Systems
- IoT Security & Configuration Management
- Next-Generation Authentication Technologies
- Cyber Threat Prediction, Detection & Investigation
- Cyber Security as a Service Architecture
- Security Automation & Orchestration
- Privacy-Preserving Data Sharing
- Law and Privacy
Your proposal must clearly outline:
- Research problem
- Methodology
- Potential impact on cyber security and critical infrastructure
For assistance connecting with potential CSIRO supervisors, applicants may email marthie.grobler@data61.csiro.au
