HDR STIPENDS CAMPAIGN
Ongoing advocacy for fair HDR stipends and student wellbeing
The MGA is currently advocating for an increase to the RTP stipend rate, aligned with the minimum wage and informed by a framework similar to the lobbying efforts undertaken in 2024.
As part of this ongoing work, our HDR students have also made a formal submission to the University calling for renewed efforts in this area, drawing on key findings from recent graduate student satisfaction surveys. You can read the full proposal here.
While this campaign may not always be visible through public rallies, it remains a consistent and active priority behind the scenes.
The MGA continues to raise the issue of graduate student financial hardship in every relevant University meeting, present evidence directly to Faculty Associate Deans (Graduate Research), and highlight the well-established links between financial insecurity, mental health, and completion outcomes.
This is sustained, ongoing advocacy work that we continue to pursue in the background, recognising how critical this issue is for our HDR cohort.
CAMPAIGN UPDATES
Monash Announces 10.6% Increase to HDR Stipend
Monash University has announced a 10.6% increase to its Higher Degree by Research (HDR) stipend, raising the annual rate from $37,145 to $41,100 from 1 January 2027. This increase places Monash ahead of many of its Group of Eight (Go8) and Victorian university counterparts.
We welcome this announcement and is pleased to see our advocacy and feedback reflected in the University's decision. We thank Monash for recognising the financial pressures facing graduate research students and prioritising their wellbeing by raising the stipend above the current Go8 average.
While this is a significant step forward, there is still more work to be done. HDR stipends must reflect the rising cost of living and recognise the valuable contributions graduate research students make to universities, research and society. Better financial support and conditions are also needed for part-time scholarship holders.
Responsibility for HDR stipend rates does not rest with universities alone. The Federal Government sets the minimum and maximum Research Training Program (RTP) stipend rates and determines the tax treatment of part-time scholarships.While Monash has taken an important step, further action at the federal level is needed to address PhD poverty.
MGA will continue advocating for fairer and more sustainable stipend conditions for all graduate research students, and we welcome Monash's partnership in pushing for meaningful change at the federal level.
MGA Submits Policy Briefing to University Calling for Stipend Increase
Throughout this year, the MGA has been actively working and advocating for HDR stipend increases within Monash. On 16th July 2026, we submitted our stipend policy briefing to Monash Graduate Research Office and on the 29th of July, 2026, we presented our report to the Graduate Research Council. In this briefing we argued that Monash should raise its stipend and commit to a living wage trajectory over four years, supported by a focused external advocacy strategy to shift Federal Government policy on RTP base rates and make RTP scholarships tax-free for part-time students.
You can read the full briefing here.
If you're facing financial hardship, please know that the MGA offers a Welfare Assistance Program and other support programs to assist you. We also have a range of support guides with lists of resources for financial, mental health, and academic success to support you through your graduate studies journey.
Have questions, contributions, or ideas for lobbying? Get in touch with our Campaigns Officer, Jack Kennedy (jack.kennedy@monash.edu) to get involved in our advocacy efforts.