HDR Philanthropic Living Stipend Scholarships in Surgery at The University of Queensland 2026

On offer, are a selection of philanthropic HDR scholarships in surgery, awarded to exceptional applicants demonstrating outstanding academic merit and research potential.  

• 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: 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): 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 HDR students undertaking research in the field of surgery.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJune 1, 2026
• Value$60,000 per annum
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Queensland, Australia
• School to studyUniversity of Queensland, Australia
• Course to studyHealth and Medicine
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Financial award
• Living stipend

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.

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.

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 and have completed at least 2 years’ practice after graduation to be eligible for this award.

Selection Process

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.
• Any other matters the Executive Dean, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences considers to be relevant to your future research development.

Check also:
ANU Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026
University of Canberra Research Scholarships 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Applications are now open to both current HDR students and new applicants. 

• For current HDR candidates

Submit your application via this form

Please note, for successful applicants:

1. periods of study already undertaken towards the degree prior to the commencement of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum duration of the Scholarship.
2. Recipients must relinquish any existing base living stipend scholarship they are currently receiving upon commencement of the new living stipend.

• For new HDR applicants

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for a?Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)?or a?Master of Philosophy (MPhil).
2. 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.
3. Prepare your documentation.

?When you apply

1. To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for your preferred program.  How to submit an EOI
2. 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

Please also advise the Graduate Research School Partnerships Team via email, once your EOI has been submitted so we can track your application.

For more information, kindly visit the UQ Scholarship webpage.