Paper publications are important for PhD scholarships because they demonstrate a candidate's research aptitude, critical thinking skills, and commitment to academic work, which makes them a much stronger applicant. Publications show that a candidate can conduct and complete original research, a key requirement for a PhD, and can make an application more competitive, especially for funded positions.
(a) They prove your research ability
PhD scholarships (like the Research Training Program – RTP) are awarded to candidates who show strong research potential.
A published paper demonstrates that you:
• Can design and complete a research project.
• Know how to collect, analyze, and interpret data.
• Can write academically and communicate results clearly.
(b) They strengthen your scholarship ranking (my tentative idea)
Most Australian universities rank applicants for research scholarships using a scoring system:
• Academic result (CGPA): 50–60%
• Research output / publications: 20–30%
• Research experience: 10–20%
Publications can therefore add valuable points and boost your total ranking.
(c) They help you impress supervisors
• Before admission, most PhD applicants must contact a potential supervisor.
• If your email includes something like:My recent paper was published in Applied Poultry Research (2024), examining herbal feed additives on broiler growth performance.
• The professor will instantly recognize your research capability and alignment with their interests.
This makes them more likely to accept you as a supervisee.
(d) They demonstrate commitment to research
Publishing requires patience, revision, and discipline qualities that scholarship committees value highly.
It shows that:
• You’re not just applying for funding.
• You’re genuinely passionate about contributing new knowledge.
(e) They increase your chances for competitive scholarships
• Top PhD scholarships receive hundreds of applicants with similar GPAs.
• Having publications helps your application stand out in the top 10–15% of candidates.
(f) Other benefits of publishing before PhD
• Builds confidence in academic writing.
• Opens networking opportunities (through conferences or journals).
• Helps define your research interests early.
• Adds professional recognition and citation record.
How publications help in each stage of the PhD scholarship application:
1. Pre-application stage
• Makes your potential supervisor take your inquiry or email seriously.
• Demonstrates that you already have research experience and dedication.
2. Application review stage
• Adds valuable points to your research output score in the ranking system.
• Shows evidence of strong analytical and academic writing ability.
3. Interview stage (if applicable)
• Allows you to discuss real research experience confidently.
• Strengthens your answers on methodology, data handling, and contribution.
4. Scholarship ranking stage
• Serves as a tiebreaker between applicants with similar GPAs or qualifications.
• Increases your chances of being placed in the top group for funding.
Example:
Two candidates have an 85% GPA.
• Candidate A: No publications.
• Candidate B: One first author/co-authored paper.
Candidate B will usually receive the scholarship first.
Publications + GPA = scholarship power
Australian PhD programs prefer balanced candidates strong academics and proven research ability.
• High GPA + publications:
Very strong profile — highly likely to win funding or scholarship.
• High GPA only:
Good candidate — but competition is intense among similar applicants.
• Medium GPA + strong publications:
Still competitive — research output can compensate for slightly lower grades.
• Low GPA + no publications:
Unlikely to succeed — weak academic and research record.
Post Credit:
Anjuara Khatun Anjana
Assistant Professor, BAU, Bangladesh
PhD student, UQ, Australia.