Higher Degree by Research students make an enormous contribution to Australia’s universities, research sector and future workforce. Yet too many are being expected to survive on stipends that do not cover the basic cost of living.
The minimum Research Training Program stipend is currently below the December 2025 Henderson Poverty Line. For many HDR students, this means trying to balance demanding full-time research with financial stress, insecure housing and additional paid work.
This is not sustainable, and it is not how Australia should support the researchers driving new discoveries, innovation and public benefit.
The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations is calling on the Federal Government to honour the recommendations of the Universities Accord and the Strategic Examination of Research and Development by lifting the minimum HDR stipend to $50,000 per year.
HDR students should not have to live in poverty to complete their research.
Sign the petition.