Introduction

As a driven law researcher, are you interested in pursuing a postgraduate degree in Australia? A substantial boost is offered by the Cooke and Alfred Godfrey Scholarship from the University of Sydney Law School, which offers a living allowance of AU$50,000 per year, fully funded for a maximum of 3.5 years. Focus entirely on creative research without worrying about fees. All of the prerequisites for obtaining a PhD, MCrim (Research), or LLM (Research) are listed on this page.

Background & Origins

Established through generous bequests from WA Cooke, Jane Cooke, and Alfred Godfrey, this scholarship supports legal researchers at Sydney Law School. It reflects the donors’ vision for nurturing top legal research talent and honoring intellectual service toward societal impact The University of SydneyiScholarship Grants+2ScholarshipTab+2iScholarship Grants+2Bankable Wisdom.

Scholarship Overview

• What it covers: AU$50,000 per annum (stipend only)

• Duration: Up to 3 years for PhD (plus optional six-month extension), up to 1.75 years for MCrim/LLM (no extension) The University of SydneyiScholarship Grants

• Eligibility: Open to both domestic and international students enrolled full-time in the relevant research degrees

Eligibility Requirements

You are eligible if you:

1. Have an unconditional admission offer (or are currently enrolled full‑time) in PhD, MCrim (Research), or LLM (Research) at Sydney Law School

2. Are pursuing legal research aligned with the School’s disciplinary priorities

3. Hold a qualifying law degree: Honours (first or upper second class), or equivalent Master’s with distinction-level research component iScholarship Grants+3The University of Sydney+3Bankable Wisdom+3

Who Should Consider This Scholarship

This scholarship is ideal if:

• You’re passionate about legal research and aim for doctoral-level study

• You have stellar academic credentials

• You need financial support without tuition relief (accepting tuition costs elsewhere)

• You seek a focused stipend to support living expenses during research

How to Apply

No separate application for the scholarship is required. You’ll be automatically considered upon applying to a research program in the Law School The University of SydneyThe University of Sydney. Just submit:

• Your research admission application (PhD or Master)

• All supporting documents (CV, transcripts, research proposal)

• Ensure your research aligns closely with law disciplines

Selection Criteria & Process

Selection is based on:

• Academic excellence

• High-quality research proposal

• Alignment with Law School’s strategic research areas

• Nomination by Associate Dean (Research Education) or delegate The University of Sydney

Preference goes to new candidates, though exceptional continuing students may be considered.

Scholarship Benefits

• AU$50,000 annual stipend (indexed each year) iScholarship Grants+2The University of Sydney+2iScholarship Grants+2

• Provided either as primary stipend or as supplementary top-up

• Non-tuition award—you’re responsible for tuition fees separately

Duration & Conditions

• PhD: Up to 3 years, plus possible six-month extension

• MCrim/LLM: Up to 1.75 years with no extension

• Leave entitlements: 20 working days recreation leave, up to 10 days sick/care leave annually—subject to supervisor approval

• Research travel: Up to 12 months overseas research, with prior approval

• Suspension or change in enrollment requires HDRAC/Associate Dean approval The University of Sydney

Obligations & Progress Requirements

To maintain the scholarship, you must:

• Remain enrolled full-time

• Progress through annual academic evaluations

• Adhere to expected research standards and ethics

• Notify the university of any changes to enrolment or candidature

Failure to comply may lead to termination or requirement to repay the stipend.

Comparison with Other University Scholarships

Compared with the Research Training Program (RTP) or other university-funded scholarships, the Cooke & Alfred Godfrey award:

• Offers a higher stipend rate than standard RTP funding

• Is discipline-specific (law-based research focus)

• Does not cover tuition, unlike RTP which may include tuition waiver

• Is ideal for those needing focused stipend support without full tuition remission

Tips for a Strong Application

• Develop a research proposal aligned to Law School priorities

• Highlight your academic merit, publications, and research experience

• Ensure your CV and transcript reflect strong performance

• Build a clear narrative of why this scholarship suits your career path

Success Stories & Impact

While specific recipients aren’t listed publicly, the scholarship has funded researchers whose work aligns with legal history, public law, criminology, and justice policy. Many go on to contribute significantly within academia, policy think tanks, or public institutions.

Timeline & Key Dates

• Apply for the relevant research program based on University of Sydney deadlines

• Scholarship review usually occurs alongside admissions review

• Funding commences at program start—typically the following academic semester

Conclusion

The University of Sydney’s Cooke and Alfred Godfrey Scholarship provides outstanding living-cost assistance to legal researchers, with AU$50,000 each year for a maximum of 3.5 years! If you are prepared to immerse yourself in cutting-edge research, have a good academic background, and are focused on law, this is the ideal opportunity. No tuition assistance, but a substantial stipend allows you to focus on your academic work, which is what really counts.

FAQs

Q1: Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
No. Consideration happens automatically through the research admission process The University of SydneyScholarshipTabThe University of Sydney.

Q2: Will the scholarship cover tuition fees?
No. This is a stipend-only scholarship; tuition fees remain your responsibility.

Q3: Can current PhD students apply if they haven’t received funding before?
Yes—continuing students may be considered if they demonstrate exceptional progress and meet selection criteria.

Q4: Is leave permitted during the stipend period?
Yes. You have up to 20 days annual recreation leave and 10 days sick/carer’s leave—subject to supervisor approval The University of SydneyThe University of Sydney.

Q5: Can I conduct part of my research overseas?
Yes, up to 12 months of overseas research is allowed, pending prior approval from supervisor and School administration The University of SydneyThe University of Sydney.