In partnership with the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA), APS is conducting a short survey to better understand HDR students’ experiences with their living stipend.
Although stipend rates have increased in recent years, the rising cost of living and ongoing rental crises across Australia have significantly reduced the effectiveness of these stipends in covering everyday expenses. For many HDR students, this has led to growing financial stress, poorer mental health, and difficult trade-offs between research, part-time work, and basic needs. In some cases, students report compromising the quality of their research or teaching responsibilities due to financial strain, and in worse cases, considering having to interrupt or withdraw completely from their degree due to these challenges.
Your input will help APS and CAPA build a clearer picture of the current situation and advocate for stronger, evidence-based support. By contributing to this survey, you’re helping drive change that could improve the wellbeing and research conditions of HDR students nationwide.
