On offer, are a selection of philanthropic HDR scholarships in surgery, awarded to exceptional applicants demonstrating outstanding academic merit and research potential. These scholarships are open to new domestic applicants.
Professor Philip Walker Surgery Research Scholarship
- This scholarship was established in 2020 in memory of Professor Philip Walker to support research in areas related to surgical disease.
Professor William Burnett Research Fellowships
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The fellowship is in honour and acknowledgement of Professor William Burnett’s contribution to Surgery, as the former Head of Surgery at The University of Queensland’s School of Medicine. It was established in 2004 and is maintained by the income of a bequest from Professor Burnett’s sister, Mrs Helen Ann Gordon Rimmer. The purpose of the scholarship is to support a PhD student in the discipline of surgery.
Charles M. Lilley Scholarship (additional scholarship support)
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This scholarship was established in 2025 and is supported from funds held on trust by Perpetual Trustee Company Limited (Perpetual), from the Will of the late Charles Mitford Lilley, who was a medical practitioner based in Brisbane from 1917 to 1955. Charles Mitford Lilley began his career working as a general practitioner, before specialising in surgery where he became a leading figure in Australia, particularly in the area of head and neck surgery. Charles Mitford left a gift in his will in 1955 to establish an endowment fund for post graduate study in the field of Surgery at UQ. This Scholarship is for to HDR students undertaking research in the field of surgery.
Table of Content
Summary
- Application DeadlineJanuary 5, 2026
- Value$60,000 per annum
- Study LevelMasters , PhD
- SponsorUniversity of Queensland, Australia
- Eligible CountryAustralia
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Benefits
- $60,000 per annum for 3.5 years with the possibility of 1 extension in line with UQ and RTP Scholarship Policy.
Requirements
Professor Philip Walker Surgery Research Scholarship
- You are eligible if you are applying to undertake a Higher Degree by Research and are a medical student or medical graduate and have a research focus on areas related to surgical diseases and where at least one member of your advisory team is a member of the Mayne Academy of Surgery within The University of Queensland Medical School.
- The successful applicant must present an update of their research at the annual Phil Walker Memorial Ethics Lecture.
Professor William Burnett Research Fellowships
- You are eligible if you are applying to undertake a PhD with a research focus on areas related to surgical diseases and where at least one member of your advisory team is a member of the Mayne Academy of Surgery within The University of Queensland Medical School.
- The successful applicant must present an update of their research at the annual Academy of Surgery meeting.
Charles M. Lilley Scholarship (additional scholarship support)
- This scholarship may provide an additional $35,000 per annum award (for up to 3 years) to an outstanding applicant who has been successful in receiving the Professor Philip Walker Surgery Research Scholarship or Professor William Burnett Research Fellowships.
- You must be a graduate of a Doctor of Medicine Program from a University in the state of Queensland to be eligible for this award.
- Each subsequent year of the Scholarship (up to a total of 3 years full-time) is conditional upon the recipient demonstrating satisfactory progress.
Selection Process
Professor Philip Walker Surgery Research Scholarship
Your application will be ranked on the basis of:
- academic achievement and potential for scholastic success;
- the potential for the proposed use of the scholarship and if applicable development grant, to advance research in the field of surgery; and
- any other matters the selection committee sees fit.
Professor William Burnett Research Fellowships
Your application will be ranked on the basis of:
- academic achievement and potential for scholastic success;
- the potential for the proposed use of the scholarship and if applicable development grant, to advance research in the field of surgery; and
- any other matters the selection committee sees fit.
Charles M. Lilley Scholarship (additional scholarship support)
Your application will be ranked on the basis of:
- Academic achievement and the potential of scholastic success; and
- Any other matters the Executive Dean, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences considers to be relevant to your future research development.
Check also:
2025 Faculty of Engineering International Tuition Fee Research Scholarship at The University of Sydney Australia
Application Deadline
January 5, 2026How To Apply
Before you apply
- Check your eligiblity for a?Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)?or a?Master of Philosophy (MPhil).
- Identify a supervisor in your field with expertise that's relevant to your proposed project. How to choose a supervisor. At least one member of your advisory team must be a member of the Mayne Academy of Surgery within The University of Queensland Medical School.
- Prepare your documentation.
When you apply
To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for your preferred program. How to submit an EOI
When you submit your EOI, complete the 'Scholarship/Sponsorship' section with the following details:
- Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
- Project: 'Research project scholarship'
- Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: 'HDRSURGERY'
- Link to Scholarship Advertisement: Enter the URL (web address) of this page
Key Dates
- Monday 3 November 2025 - Expressions of Interest (EOI) open.
- Monday 5 January 2026 - Submit your EOI by this date.
- Monday 26 January 2026 - If invited, submit your final application by this date.
- Monday 16 March 2026 - Offers sent from this date.
The successful applicant/s will commence from RQ2 (1 April), 2026.
For more information, kindly visit University of Queensland scholarship webpage.
