The main objectives of the Australian Postgraduate Awards (APA) programme are to:

• support postgraduate research training in the higher education sector; and
• provide financial support to domestic postgraduate students of exceptional research promise who undertake their higher degree by research at an eligible Australian higher education provider.

Participating providers are provided with Commonwealth funding for continuing and new awards each year under the APA programme.

Awards are available for a period of two years for a Masters by research degree or three years, with a possible extension of six months, for a Doctorate by research degree. Award holders receive an annual stipend and may also be eligible for other allowances.

The allocation of funding to participating providers is based on a formula that is reflective of their overall research performance.

Applications by students for an APA should be made directly to a participating provider. Each provider has responsibility for determining the selection process by which awards are allocated to applicants.

More information about APA's can be found at the DIISR APA webpage.