Scholarships
NICM Health Research Institute (NICM HRI) and Western Sydney University offers a range of project-based scholarships to support higher degree students in undertaking their research. Higher degree students may also be eligible for scholarships offered by other organisations.
The Research Training Program (RTP) (opens in a new window) scheme is administered by individual universities such as Western Sydney University on behalf of the Department of Education and Training.
We are now accepting applications from current and new students for higher degree research scholarships. Domestic and international students are invited to apply. Scholarships will be released periodically throughout the year, and each release has specified dates and residency requirements. You should choose when to submit your application based on your preferred commencement date and residency status.
Read more on how to apply for RTP or contact our NICM HRI team on NICM.HDR@westernsydney.edu.au to discuss your project idea or find out more information.
Please see below a list of project scholarships that are currently open for applications. These scholarships are only available to newly commencing domestic applicants.
Scholarship Opportunity - Healing the Lungs with Australian Indigenous Plant Medicines
Australian Indigenous medicinal plants represent a unique and underexplored source of bioactive compounds with significant potential for the development of novel therapeutics.
This PhD project aims to investigate the biological activities and therapeutic applications of selected Australian native plants, with a particular focus on inflammatory and chronic lung diseases. The successful candidate will be based at the NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, a leading centre for complementary medicine and natural product research. Working within a multidisciplinary team, the student will receive training cellular and molecular biology experimental techniques, advanced in vitro disease models, and data analysis. Depending on the project's progress, opportunities may also be available to collaborate with national and international research partners, and present findings at scientific conferences.
The PhD candidate will be responsible for exploring Australian Indigenous medicinal plants extract and / or its bioactive compounds and further developing advanced drug delivery of selected bioactive compounds, evaluating their mechanisms of action using cellular and molecular approaches, and assessing their therapeutic potential in models of inflammation and related chronic lung diseases. The student will contribute to experimental design, laboratory research, scientific writing, and dissemination of research outcomes through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
This research has the potential to uncover novel plant-derived therapeutic candidates and generate new scientific evidence supporting the medicinal value of Australia's unique flora. The outcomes may contribute to the development of innovative, evidence-based natural medicines while promoting sustainable utilisation of Indigenous botanical resources.
The project also aims to strengthen collaborations between biomedical researchers, natural product scientists, and Indigenous knowledge holders, supporting Australia's growing capability in translational natural products research and fostering the next generation of researchers in this important field.
What does the scholarship provide?
Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $38,707 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $38,707 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record will be eligible for a tuition fee waiver.
International candidates are required to hold an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance policy for the duration of their study in Australia.
Eligibility criteria
We welcome applications from candidates with diverse academic backgrounds who are motivated to apply their skills to key challenges in natural product pharmacology, drug delivery, with a particular focus on respiratory diseases. This project is especially suited to applicants with a strong interest in pharmacology and advanced drug delivery systems, their physicochemical characterisation, and both in vitro and in vivo evaluation.
Applicants should meet one of the following academic requirements:
- (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree (ii) a coursework Master’s degree with a minimum 25% research component (iii) a Research Master’s degree or (iv) an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution.
- Candidates must demonstrate strong academic performance in relevant disciplines, such as drug delivery, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, immunology, or microbiology. A sound understanding of the importance and potential of advanced drug delivery systems is highly desirable.
- The successful applicant will be expected to develop or further their expertise in cellular and molecular techniques and show a clear commitment to interdisciplinary research. A high level of enthusiasm, motivation, and readiness to undertake advanced study are essential.
- International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
Dr Keshav Paudel k.paudel@westernsydney.edu.au and Professor Kamal Dua k.dua@westernsydney.edu.au
Applications close 30 September 2026
For more information about further scholarships, please visit Western Sydney University's scholarship page.