Project Scholarships
Project scholarships provide a stipend and other benefits to support higher degree candidates undertaking research in a predefined project.
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The list of currently available project scholarships is updated on a monthly basis.
Scholarships closing 30 April
The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development
Lead Researcher: Professor Paola Escudero
paola.escudero@westernsydney.edu.au
This PhD project is part of a funded ARC Discovery Project entitled Understanding the mastery of multiple languages and dialects. This project will provide a unifying theory of how subsequent languages are acquired after mastering two languages or dialects.
Expected outcomes include a deep understanding of how multilingual and multidialect mastery proceeds, how these are represented in the brain, and how they manifest in communicative contexts.
The PhD candidate will work on connecting the project’s computational model with the corpus testing, including linguistic and statistical analysis and write-up of journal articles and a PhD thesis. They will also assist with data management and corpus cleaning. They will also conduct online testing for 250 sessions spread over years 1 and 2, including participant recruitment, and therefore the PhD candidate should have experience with conducting either computational and empirical studies and be interested in learning one of the two methodologies if they do not have experience with it.
Primary supervision will be provided by Professor Paola Escudero, Lead CI of the ARC Discovery project, with external co-supervision by A/Prof Chloe Diskin-Holdaway, Dr Kakeru Yazawa and Dr Jooyoung Lee.
What does the scholarship provide?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,188 (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 $35,188 (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.
- Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by the School/Institute.
Eligibility criteria
We welcome applicants with a background in computational, statistical and corpus linguistics with demonstrated skills in computational programming languages for linguistic analysis.
The successful applicant should:
- Hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following in the area of Corpus or Computational Linguistics (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance in Computational and Corpus Linguistics.
- Have an ability to program in a variety of computational languages.
- Have an understanding of the importance of computational and corpus methods for analysing linguistic data.
- Be willing to learn to program and conduct computational and empirical experiments to collect linguistic data.
- Be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
Applications close: 30 April 2026
PS2026_023_CS0801950_MARCS
School of Built Environment and Design
Lead Researcher: Doctor Jason Jiang
cheng.jiang@westernsydney.edu.au
This PhD project focuses on the development of advanced monitoring technology for modular house construction, with applications across the construction and real estate sectors. The research will combine computer science (CS), artificial intelligence (AI), and smart sensing technologies to improve the quality, efficiency, and reliability of modular housing systems. Particular attention will be given to key building components such as doors, windows, and prefabricated building envelopes.
This project offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to smart construction and digital innovation in modular housing construction, with both academic and industry relevance.
What does the scholarship provide?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $40,000 (AUD) per annum for up to 3.5 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
- International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $40,000 (AUD) per annum for up to 3.5 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record will be eligible for a tuition fee waiver.
- Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by the School/Institute.
Eligibility criteria
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds with strong interests in low-carbon construction, computer science, and property building.
The successful applicant should:
- Hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework master's with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Master's degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and background in subjects relevant to Construction Management, Computer Science, Internet of Things Engineering, and Property Building.
- Demonstrate strong programming expertise in Java, C, C++, or similar.
- Have an ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
Desirable attributes include:
- Relevant work experience in the areas of Property Building and Construction in Australia.
- Prior research experience, journal or conference paper publication record.
- Onshore applicants (those currently based in Australia) or Western Sydney University internal applicants.
Applications close: 30 April 2026
PS2026_027_CS0805525_SoBED
School of Medicine
Lead Researcher: Distinguished Professor David Simmons
Da.Simmons@westernsydney.edu.au
This scholarship is funded by a charitable trust in New Zealand to work with a New Zealand Health Research Council funded cluster randomised controlled trial of diabetes and renal specialists supporting primary care teams to optimise the management of patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease in Auckland/ Tāmaki Makaurau.
Four inter-related projects/analyses are involved relating to diabetic kidney disease:
- Epidemiology of Diabetic Kidney Disease
- Diabetic Kidney Disease and associated management
- Long term renal outcomes among women of reproductive age with diabetes
- Diabetic Kidney Disease among Hospital Inpatients
- Mediators of reduced progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease and its risk factors
The PhD student will have access to different study datasets and gain experience within a randomised controlled trial.
What does the scholarship provide?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $NZ42,170 ($35,188AUD) per annum supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
- International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $NZ42,170 ($35,188AUD) per annum for up to 3 years.
- The student will be based in New Zealand with trips scheduled to Sydney Australia
- As the student is based in NZ, should travel be required to Australia, it is recommended that travel insurance be taken out for the duration of the trip. Australia and New Zealand have a reciprocal agreement for medical treatment/emergencies. Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by School/Institute.
Eligibility criteria
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in diabetes epidemiology. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in: Diabetes, metabolic processes, working with people from the Pacific
The successful applicant should:
- hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
- demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to diabetes
- have an understanding of the importance of diabetes
- be willing to learn epidemiological and laboratory techniques.
- be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
Applications close: 30 April 2026
PS2026_025_CS0800954_SoM
Scholarships closing 31 May
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Lead Researcher: Professor Ajesh George
Diabetes affects almost 1.9 million Australians and is one of the biggest challenges for the nation's health care system, costing the national economy $17.6b annually. Gum (periodontal) disease is the sixth most prevalent complication of diabetes. Diabetes also has a bidirectional relationship with gum disease. However, recent consensus has shown that treating gum disease can significantly improve blood glucose management among people with diabetes.
Both Australian and international guidelines highlight the effectiveness and safety of periodontal treatment for people with diabetes and recommend that all diabetes care providers undertake oral health reviews as part of holistic management. Research, however, has shown that diabetes care providers place little emphasis on oral health due to limited training and knowledge. Currently, there is no system in place that offers people with diabetes regular and effective oral health promotion.
This PhD project will complement a larger randomised controlled trial that will explore the clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness and implementation of a preventive diabetes oral health intervention delivered by diabetes care providers (DIOH), along with a dental service (DS) intervention. The RCT aims to address the above research gaps. The PhD Project will involve analysing and evaluating the implementation and sustainability of the program to better understand its scalability.
The student will be based at the Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH) (www.acioh.com), the leading national research centre in integrated oral health care. The centre is based at the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research (Liverpool Precinct).
What does the scholarship provide?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,188 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
- Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by the School/Institute.
Eligibility criteria
We welcome applicants with a background in public health, nursing, medicine, health science, health promotion, or implementation science.
The successful applicant should:
- Hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework master's with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Master's degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance.
- Have an understanding of the importance of integrated oral health care systems.
- Experience in systematic reviews/meta-analysis, qualitative/quantitative data collection and analysis using relevant software’s (e.g. NVivo, SPSS, Stata).
- Be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
Applications close: 31 May 2026
PS2026_015_CS0590220_SoNM
School of Arts
Lead Researcher: Professor Alison Downham Moore
alison.moore@westernsydney.edu.au
The successful candidate will be required to write a PhD thesis about patient writings, digital sources and art-works referring to experiences of hysterectomy and other major gyaecological surgeries. This is a research training position in gender related medical humanities under the supervision of Prof Alison Downham Moore. It is part of a larger research project funded by the Australian Research Council Discovery schme on the Global History of Hysterectomy (DP260202010).
The candidate will enjoy support within the both the School of Arts, and Translational Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University. An office or hot-desk space will be provided at Parramatta South campus. They will join an international interdisciplinary research group for Gender in the Medical and Health Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, and participate in a 2027 symposium in Parramatta on Biographies of the Uterus, with opportunityfor mentored publications stemming from it.
What does the scholarship provide?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $39,533 (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 $39,533 (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.
- Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by the School/Institute.
Eligibility criteria
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in developmental neuroscience. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in cognitive development.
The successful applicant should:
- Hold qualifications and experience equal to an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, a course work Masters with at least 25% research component, Research Masters degree, or equivalent overseas qualifications.
- Be a highly motivated researcher, having recently completed, or soon to complete, an MRes in medical humanities, history, philosophy, literary studies, medical or bioethics, gender studies, Indigenous studies, cultural studies, anthropology, sociology, gynaecology, or other relevant fields.
Fluent scholarly English competency is essential. Other language fluencies are also an advantage.
Research skills may be of several kinds but most valued are those in close-reading, archival investigation, historical, contexualisation, ethnography, oral history, literary analysis, scientific literature review, and data analysis.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
Applications close: 31 May 2026
PS2026_009_CS0779401_SoHCA
Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment
Lead Researcher: Professor Oula Ghannoum
O.Ghannoum@westernsydney.edu.au
This project will appoint one HDR student as part of the ARC Training Centre for Smart & Sustainable Horticulture collaboration between industry and research institutions to develop new cropping opportunities for the protected cropping industry. The project will contribute to the education and training of students and personnel for the protected cropping industry.
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an exciting research initiative within protected cropping systems (e.g. greenhouses, polytunnels, and indoor vertical farms). This project focuses on developing innovative, end-to-end machine learning models that learn and predict crop growth dynamics directly from sequences of raw images (possibly hyperspectral imagery) or video sequences, conditioned on daily environmental control inputs such as temperature, irradiance, water supply, and nutrient delivery.
Unlike traditional approaches that rely on extracted phenotypic traits (e.g., height, leaf area, or biomass proxies), this work treats visual appearance at each time step as the observable system state. By modelling the temporal evolution of plant images/videos under varying control inputs, the project enables powerful scenario forecasting, for example, predicting how crop development and performance would change if water supply were halved. The models will support a wide range of greenhouse crops and contribute to optimised resource use, stress resilience, and sustainable horticulture.
The project is fully independent, self-contained, and runs in parallel with complimentary imaging research. It offers strong potential for high-impact publications in computer vision, machine learning and Agri-tech journals.
This project is a collaboration between the ARC Training Centre for Smart & Sustainable Horticulture (TC-SaSH) and University of Adelaide (UoA). The project will be conducted at the Western Sydney University node of the TC-SaSH on the Hawkesbury Campus, University of Adelaide and University of Western Australia. The project is led by Associate Professor Oula Ghannoum & Associate Professor Yi Guo, supported by a team of plant physiologists at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE), Professor Zhonghua Chen at the University of Adelaide and Distinguished Professor Sergey Shabala at University of Western Australia. HIE is a research institute within WSU and has rapidly become a research leader in plant environmental and ecological research, with a strong reputation for delivering research outcomes of the highest quality. This research will uncover the novel germplasm for high-level production inside a protected environment.
What does the scholarship provide?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $37,000 (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 $37,000 (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 and an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Policy.
- Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by the Institute.
Eligibility Criteria
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in crop physiology in protected facilities. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in photosynthesis and using state-of-the-art equipment to assess parameters that influence carbon assimilation.
The successful applicant should:
- A Bachelor's degree with First Class Honours (or equivalent) or a Master's degree (by research or coursework with a substantial research component) in Computational/applied Mathematics/physics, Data Science, Computer Science, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
- Demonstrated strong programming skills in Python and experience with deep learning frameworks (preferably PyTorch).
- Solid background in computer vision (e.g., CNNs, autoencoders, vision transformers, or image sequence processing) and some prior knowledge in dynamical systems (e.g., ordinary differential equations, control theory, system identification, neural differential equations, or recurrent/sequential modelling of time-evolving processes).
- Experience or strong interest in time-series modelling, sequence prediction, or video understanding (e.g., video prediction, latent dynamics, or conditional generative models) is highly desirable.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently on complex, interdisciplinary problems at the intersection of machine learning and plant science.
- Good written and oral communication skills in English, suitable for publishing research findings and presenting at international conferences.
- Willingness to engage with real-world greenhouse data collection and collaborate with horticultural researchers.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
Applications close: 31 May 2026
PS2026_029_CS0815197_HIE
Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment
Lead Researcher: Professor Oula Ghannoum
O.Ghannoum@westernsydney.edu.au
The ARC Training Centre for Smart & Sustainable Horticulture is offering two research scholarships to highly motivated PhD candidates to work within a research group addressing the key challenge of optimising the yield and quality of horticultural crops (e.g., vanilla, tomato and snacking capsicum) grown in protected facilities at the Hawkesbury Campus of Western Sydney University.
This project will appoint two HDR students as part of the ARC Training Centre for Smart & Sustainable Horticulture collaboration between industry and research institutions to develop new cropping opportunities for the protected cropping industry. The project will contribute to the education and training of students and personnel for the protected cropping industry.
This project aims to screen crop varieties for optimal performance in protected cropping environments. The project will involve the combination of physiological (gas-exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence), biochemical (enzymes and metabolites) and molecular (gene expression) measurements on selected varieties to generate a full understanding of crop photosynthesis, growth and produce quality (nutritional content). The project will determine how crops respond to changes in environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, carbon dioxide, lighting). Ultimately, these findings will guide the selection of appropriate varieties that are optimised for a defined set of environmental conditions from low to medium / high technology cropping scenarios for optimal photosynthesis for plant growth.
This project is a collaboration between the ARC Training Centre for Smart & Sustainable Horticulture (TC-SaSH) and University of Adelaide (UoA). The project will be conducted at the Western Sydney University node of the TC-SaSH on the Hawkesbury Campus, University of Adelaide and University of Western Australia. The project is led by Associate Professor Robert Sharwood and Professor Oula Ghannoum, supported by a team of plant physiologists at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE), Professor Zhonghua Chen at the University of Adelaide and Distinguished Professor Sergey Shabala at University of Western Australia. HIE is a research institute within WSU and has rapidly become a research leader in plant environmental and ecological research, with a strong reputation for delivering research outcomes of the highest quality. This research will uncover the novel germplasm for high-level production inside a protected environment.
What does the scholarship provide?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $37,000 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
- Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by the institute.
Eligibility Criteria
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in crop physiology in protected facilities. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in photosynthesis and using state-of-the-art equipment to assess parameters that influence carbon assimilation.
The successful applicant should:
- Hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Master's degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to crop photosynthesis, including leaf gas-exchange, biochemistry (assays of enzymes and metabolites), and/or molecular biology (gene expression).
- Demonstrate experience with advanced statistical methods and data-set analysis using statistical software packages (e.g. R).
- Have good oral and written communication skills and be highly motivated to progress research in a timely manner.
- International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
Applications close: 31 May 2026
PS2026_030_CS0815136_HIE
School of Engineering
Lead Researcher: Distinguished Professor
RIFT is widely used but highly sensitive to process and material variability, which can lead to defects such as racetracking, dry spots, voids and porosity. The project will create a digital twin that ingests live sensor data, links it to physics-based models and machine learning, and supports defect prediction and proactive process adjustment during infusion.
About the PhD role (PhD1 – Experimental Stream)
You will lead the experimental program underpinning the digital twin. Your work will focus on:
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Designing, building and commissioning an instrumented lab-scale RIFT rig (flat-panel mould + transparent bagging, injection/vacuum ports).
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Integrating sensors and measurement systems (pressure mapping, temperature sensing, and synchronized video for flow-front tracking).
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Developing repeatable experimental protocols including calibration, data acquisition, and run metadata management.
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Conducting a structured experimental campaign across:
- Oil-substitute runs for rapid iteration and visualisation, and
- A defined program of real resin infusion runs to capture true material behaviour and defect formation.
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Performing controlled parameter studies (e.g., viscosity via temperature, injection pressure, vacuum level, infusion strategy) and defect-induction studies.
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Producing a high-quality, defect-labelled dataset that will be used to validate simulations and train surrogate models for real-time digital twin inference.
You will work closely with the project Research Fellow and other PhD students (modelling and ML streams), and your data will directly drive publications and demonstrations.
What we’re looking for
We are seeking a motivated, hands-on candidate with strong fundamentals and an interest in experimental research. Applicants should have:
Essential
- First-class Honours or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical/Aerospace/Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Mechatronics, or related discipline.
- Interest in experimental work and practical problem-solving in a lab environment.
- Good quantitative skills and comfort working with data (MATLAB/Python desirable).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative team.
Desirable
- Exposure to composites manufacturing (infusion, VARTM/RTM, vacuum bagging), polymer processing, or materials characterisation.
- Experience with sensors/DAQ, calibration, or time-series data processing.
- Familiarity with experimental design/DOE, uncertainty, and reproducible data workflows.
What you’ll gain
- Work on a high-profile ARC project at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, sensing, data, and digital twins.
- Hands-on experience establishing a modern instrumented manufacturing testbed and generating publishable experimental datasets.
- Clear publication pathway with a target of at least three Q1 journal papers plus thesis.
- Mentoring from an experienced, multidisciplinary supervisory team and access to strong lab and computational infrastructure.
Location
Primary location is Penrith campus, with periodic work at Parramatta as required.
What does the scholarship provide?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,188 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
Applications close: 31 May 2026
PS2026_032_CS0820067_SoENG
MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development
Lead Researcher: Associate Professor Mark Antoniou
m.antoniou@westernsydney.edu.au
Learning a second language is difficult, but mastery brings with it socioeconomic advantages. This is particularly relevant for English-speaking countries such as Australia that have large migrant populations. Yet, we do not know why some learners do well while others in the same setting flounder. It must be the case that successful learners have certain attributes that allow them to flourish in the learning setting, resulting in successful learning. Unsuccessful learners, on the other hand, are likely mismatched to their training method.
This project will map the combination of predictors that matter most in successful language learning with the goal of tailoring training proactively to maximise learning outcomes for all learners.
What does the scholarship provide?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,188 (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 $35,188 (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.
- Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by the School/Institute.
Eligibility criteria
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in speech and language training. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in psycholinguistics and cognitive neuroscience.
The successful applicant should:
- Hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following in the area of Corpus or Computational Linguistics (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to psycholinguistics.
- Have an understanding of the importance of cross-language speech perception.
- Be willing to learn fNIRS data collection and analysis.
- Be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
Applications close: 31 May 2026
PS2026_024_CS0802414_MARCS
School of Built Environment
Lead Researcher: Doctor Ehsan Noroozinejad Farsangi
ehsan.noroozinejad@westernsydney.edu.au
Professor Greg Morrison
g.morrison@westernsydney.edu.au
This PhD project, Enabling Rapid Affordable Housing Supply in NSW, investigates how NSW can deliver more affordable housing, faster, without compromising quality, safety, sustainability or long-term value. The successful candidate will be embedded in the NSW Affordable Housing Network and will work closely with academic researchers and a network of government, industry and community partners.
The candidate will be expected to develop an evidence base on what helps, or hinders rapid delivery across the full pipeline: planning and approvals, land and infrastructure readiness, funding and procurement settings, and engineering-led delivery pathways. A key focus is how Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) (e.g., advanced modular and prefabrication, DfMA, platform/standardised designs, industrialised manufacturing, mass timber systems, and digital engineering such as BIM-enabled delivery) can improve speed, cost certainty and scalability, and what policy and market conditions are needed for MMC to succeed in NSW.
The research may combine policy/legislative analysis, governance and institutional analysis, financial and feasibility modelling, construction productivity and supply-chain analysis, life-cycle/embodied carbon assessment, and case studies of affordable housing projects across NSW. The candidate will be encouraged to translate findings into practice-oriented outputs such as policy briefs, delivery frameworks, feasibility tools, and partner-ready recommendations that support faster, scalable and more effective affordable housing supply.
This project will contribute to academic debates on housing supply and urban governance, while delivering decision-useful insights for agencies and delivery partners working to accelerate affordable housing in NSW.
What does the scholarship provide?
The successful applicant will receive:
- Domestic Candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,188 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset (subject to satisfactory progress by the supervisory team).
- Tuition fee support via the relevant fee offset arrangement (as advertised).
- Research support funding (e.g., conference attendance, fieldwork, data access and other approved research costs), subject to School/Institute approval and policies.
- Access to a statewide collaboration platform through the NSW Affordable Housing Network, including opportunities to engage with government, industry and housing-sector partners on real-world problems.
Eligibility criteria
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds who are keen to apply their skills to one of NSW’s most pressing challenges: accelerating the delivery of affordable housing. Suitable applicants may come from (but are not limited to): urban planning, public policy, economics, finance, law, construction management, architecture, civil/structural engineering, quantity surveying, project management, or related disciplines.
The successful applicant should:
- Hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Master's degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to housing, planning, governance, finance/feasibility, infrastructure, construction systems and/or engineering.
- Show an interest in applied research that informs policy and delivery, including evidence-based decision-making.
- Be willing to work with partners and datasets, and to use appropriate methods such as policy analysis, qualitative/mixed methods, feasibility/financial modelling, delivery and supply-chain analysis, or engineering performance/evaluation approaches (experience with MMC/DfMA/BIM is advantageous but not required).
- Be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake advanced research training.
Applications close: 31 May 2026
PS2026_016_CS0782917_SoBE
School of Medicine
Lead Researcher: Associate Professor Mourad Tayebi
This PhD project focuses on developing and evaluating next-generation RNA-based therapeutic strategies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of molecular neuroscience, RNA biology, and translational therapeutics, gaining hands-on experience across advanced laboratory platforms and real-world clinical research environments.
The student will be primarily based at Western Sydney University's School of Medicine and the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, working within an established multidisciplinary team specialising in Alzheimer's biomarkers, therapeutic discovery, and RNA innovation. They will also engage closely with the NSW RNA Research and Translation Network (RRTN), providing access to cutting-edge RNA synthesis, delivery systems, and analytical facilities across the state.
The project will involve (1) designing and optimising RNA constructs targeting pathological pathways implicated in Alzheimer's disease; (2) characterising therapeutic effects using cellular models; (3) performing biomarker validation using ultrasensitive platforms; and (4) contributing to in vivo proof-of-concept studies. The student will also be encouraged to explore complementary approaches, including nanobody-RNA fusion strategies or RNA-based modulation of neuroinflammatory pathways.
Through this training, the candidate will develop competencies in molecular cloning, RNA design and delivery, cell culture, neurodegeneration assays, advanced imaging, and multi-omics data interpretation. They will also participate in collaborative meetings with industry partners, clinicians, and regulatory advisors, gaining valuable translational insight.
The potential impact of this research is substantial. Successful outcomes will contribute to the creation of novel RNA therapeutics targeting early Alzheimer's disease, support NSW's strategic ambition to build a globally competitive RNA ecosystem, and generate preclinical evidence necessary for future clinical translation and commercialisation. The project will position the student as a leader in RNA-based neurological therapeutics and contribute meaningfully to new treatment avenues for a disease with immense societal burden.
What does the scholarship provide?
Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,188 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
Additional Research Support Funding
The scholarship includes project support funds that may be used for:
- research consumables
- RNA technology access charges
- specialist equipment use
- training workshops and professional development
- travel to conferences or RNA network events
Access to NSW-RRTN Research Infrastructure
The candidate gains priority access to state-wide RNA platforms, including:
- RNA synthesis facilities
- high-throughput sequencing and analytics
- viral/vector delivery platforms
- lipid nanoparticle and nanocarrier formulation facilities
- advanced microscopy and high-performance computing
Embedded Training and Mentoring
The student becomes part of the NSW RNA Research & Translation Network, receiving:
- cross-institutional mentoring
- industry engagement opportunities
- structured training modules in RNA science, translation, and commercialisation
- participation in annual symposia, workshops, and cohort activities
Placement or Collaboration Opportunities
The program encourages or supports:
- short placements in partner labs
- industry secondments
- collaborative work with NSW RNA hubs and industry partners
Integration into a Statewide RNA Workforce Pipeline
Scholars receive career development support to position them as emerging leaders in:
- RNA therapeutics
- RNA diagnostics
- regulatory and manufacturing pathways
Eligibility Criteria
We welcome applicants from a range of biomedical, molecular science, and neuroscience backgrounds who are keen to apply their skills to improving diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease through advanced RNA technologies. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in neuroscience, molecular biology, RNA therapeutics, neuroimmunology, or biomarker discovery.
Applicants must:
- Be a domestic student
– Only Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens may apply. - Hold qualifications and experience equivalent to one of the following:
– An Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree; or
– A coursework Master’s degree with at least a 25% research component; or
– A Research Master’s degree; or
– Equivalent overseas qualifications assessed as comparable. - Demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to:
– Molecular biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, biomedical science, immunology, or RNA biology. - Show foundational understanding of neurodegeneration, particularly:
– Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms, biomarker research, or neuroinflammation (or willingness to learn these areas). - Be willing to learn advanced methodologies, including:
– RNA design and delivery, neuro-cellular models, biomarker assays, or related analytical techniques. - Demonstrate enthusiasm, motivation, and capacity for independent research at an advanced level within a multidisciplinary environment.
- Meet English language proficiency requirements, if applicable to domestic applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds.
Applications close: 31 May 2026
PS2026_003_CS0757277_SoM
School of Medicine
Lead Researcher: Associate Professor Mourad Tayebi
Enteric methane emissions from cattle represent a major contributor to agricultural greenhouse gases and a significant loss of dietary energy, adversely affecting livestock productivity and health. Current mitigation strategies offer limited durability, scalability, or biological specificity. This project proposes a next-generation, biologically targeted solution that combines precision RNA-based vaccines against key methane-producing rumen microbes with beneficial probiotic consortia to sustainably reprogram the rumen ecosystem.
The project will focus on the identification and validation of species-specific methanogenic bacterial targets responsible for methane production in cattle. Using advanced molecular and immunological approaches, tRNA-based vaccines will be designed to elicit selective immune responses against these microbes, reducing methanogenesis without disrupting overall rumen function. In parallel, native and health-promoting probiotic strains will be developed to stabilise rumen microbial communities, enhance feed efficiency, and support animal health and immune resilience.
The research will integrate in-silico antigen discovery, in-vitro rumen fermentation models, and controlled in-vivo validation to assess methane suppression, microbial ecosystem dynamics, animal performance, and safety. This dual-intervention strategy is designed to achieve durable methane reduction while avoiding the ecological instability often associated with single-target approaches.
By addressing methane emissions at their biological source while improving livestock health, this project directly supports Australia's Net Zero ambitions, strengthens the circular bioeconomy, and positions Australian agri-biotechnology at the forefront of global climate-responsive livestock innovation.
What does the scholarship provide?
Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,188 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
1. Full PhD Scholarship Stipend
A competitive stipend is provided for up to 3 years (full-time equivalent) to support the candidate while undertaking research within the NSW RNA ecosystem.
2. Additional Research Support Funding
The scholarship includes project support funds that may be used for:
- research consumables
- RNA technology access charges
- specialist equipment use
- training workshops and professional development
- travel to conferences or RNA network events
3. Access to NSW-RRTN Research Infrastructure
The candidate gains priority access to state-wide RNA platforms, including:
- RNA synthesis facilities
- high-throughput sequencing and analytics
- viral/vector delivery platforms
- lipid nanoparticle and nanocarrier formulation facilities
- advanced microscopy and high-performance computing
4. Embedded Training and Mentoring
The student becomes part of the NSW RNA Research & Translation Network, receiving:
- cross-institutional mentoring
- industry engagement opportunities
- structured training modules in RNA science, translation, and commercialisation
- participation in annual symposia, workshops, and cohort activities
5. Placement or Collaboration Opportunities
The program encourages or supports:
- short placements in partner labs
- industry secondments
- collaborative work with NSW RNA hubs and industry partners
6. Integration into a Statewide RNA Workforce Pipeline
Scholars receive career development support to position them as emerging leaders in:
- RNA therapeutics
- RNA diagnostics
- regulatory and manufacturing pathways
Eligibility Criteria
We welcome applicants from a range of biomedical, molecular science, and microbiome backgrounds.
In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in microbiome, molecular biology, RNA therapeutics, or biomarker discovery.
Applicants must:
- Be a domestic student
– Only Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens may apply. - Hold qualifications and experience equivalent to one of the following:
– An Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree; or
– A coursework Master’s degree with at least a 25% research component; or
– A Research Master’s degree; or
– Equivalent overseas qualifications assessed as comparable. - Demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to:
– Molecular biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, biomedical science, immunology, or RNA biology. - Be willing to learn advanced methodologies, including:
– RNA design and delivery, neuro-cellular models, biomarker assays (e.g., SIMOA), or related analytical techniques. - Demonstrate enthusiasm, motivation, and capacity for independent research at an advanced level within a multidisciplinary environment.
- Meet English language proficiency requirements, if applicable to domestic applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds.
Applications close: 31 May 2026
PS2026_033_CS0832535_SoM
School of Built Environment & Design
Lead Researcher: Distinguished Professor Vivian Tam
The desirable candidate must have strong background and experience on inter-disciplinary projects including civil engineering, material engineering or construction management. Experimental work may be required for this project. Candidate may required to perform model development, optimisation and programming.
What does the scholarship provide?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,188 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
- Exceptional candidates will receive an extra $5000 top-up scholarship per annum.
- Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by School/Institute.
Eligibility Criteria
The desirable candidate must have strong background and experience on inter-disciplinary projects including civil engineering, material engineering or construction management. Experimental work may be required for this project. Candidate may required to perform model development, optimisation and programming.
The successful applicant should:
- hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
- demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to civil engineering, chemistry, material engineering or construction management.
- have an understanding of the importance of construction/building.
- be willing to learn modelling and optimization.
- be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
Applications close: 31 May 2026
PS2025_CS0548284_SoEDBE
School of Built Environment & Design
Lead Researcher: Distinguished Professor Vivian Tam
The desirable candidate must have a strong background and experience in interdisciplinary projects, including civil engineering, materials engineering, or construction management. Experimental work may be required for this project. The candidate may be required to perform model development, optimisation, and programming. This project aims to develop a durable recycled concrete using nanotechnology that can store and release thermal energy in response to temperature changes. This research will unveil fundamental insights into producing defect-free few-layer graphene dispersion from graphite and will explore the hybrid nanoreinforcement effect on the properties of phase change material-infused recycled concrete to address critical issues of poor bonding, a porous microstructure, and low thermal performance. The expected outcome is to develop a sustainable building material that can significantly reduce energy demand for heating and cooling in buildings, contributing to a net-zero emissions future and cost savings in the construction industry.
What does the scholarship provide?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,188 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
- Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by School/Institute.
Eligibility Criteria
The successful applicant should:
- hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following: (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Master's with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Master’s degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
- demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to civil engineering, material engineering or construction management.
- have an understanding of the importance of recycled concrete.
- be willing to learn modelling and optimisation.
- be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
Applications close: 31 May 2026
PS2025_CS0430115_SoEDBE
School of Built Environment & Design
Lead Researcher: Distinguished Professor Vivian Tam
This scholarship is discovering latest green wireless communications for applications to sustainability research. The selected candidate will embark on a research intensive program with the goals to innovate and to discover cutting-edged technologies on green and sustainable wireless communications theory with applications to sustainability research, circular economy and modular construction. Signal processing and other possible pertinent fields are additionally expected to be involved in the proposed research program. Candidate is expected to possess strong mathematical background, analytical skills, program skills such as MATLAB, fluency in both speaking and writing English, and effective communications skills such as Quartile-1 IEEE journal article writing and research proposal writing. The supervisory team comprising of two experts in wireless communications and one expert on sustainability will supervise candidate to achieve the set out goals.
What does the scholarship provide?
- Domestic candidates will receive $35,188 (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 $35,188 (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 [and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance (Single Policy).]
- Support for conference attendance, field work and additional costs as approved by relevant personnel is possible.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must possess strong mathematical background and knowledge on wireless communications theory;
- Demonstrate strong academic performance in signal processing, wireless communications and pertinent fields;
- Knowledge on sustainability is an advantage;
- Be willing to learn additional skills and to embark on an intensive research program;
- Be ebullient, motivated and energetic to undertake study at an advanced postgraduate level;
- International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
Applications close: 31 May 2026
PS2025_CS0633068_SoEDBE
Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment
Lead Researcher: Associate Professor Jonathan Plett
Associate Professor Michelle Moffitt
m.moffitt@westernsydney.edu.au
The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is offering a research scholarship to a highly motivated PhD candidate to work within a molecular biology research group addressing how ectomycorrhizal fungi promote tree establishment in plantations and revegetation projects by improving soil biotic health. The project is funded by Western Sydney University's Graduate Research School, and the Australian Research Council.
Forestry production is limited globally by the quality of plantation sites, with many stands established in marginal soils with relatively poor productivity. Ectomycorrhizal fungi can help the establishment of new seedlings and their longer-term health by improving root vigour and supporting plant nutrition and hydration. This project aims to identify and characterise at the molecular level how ectomycorrhizal fungi use secreted secondary metabolites to establish within new soil environments, and test the hypothesis that these metabolites drive the assembly of their surrounding microbiome to promote soil health. The molecular biology project provides an exciting opportunity to test new approaches that will inform management strategies in revegetation in plantation and native forestry.
The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is a research institute within Western Sydney University. The HIE has rapidly become a leader in forestry and plant-microbe research, with a strong reputation for delivering research outcomes of the highest quality. The project will be based at HIE with the opportunity to work with the supervisors on interrelationships between plant-microbe symbioses, mycorrhizal signalling and soil microbiome function.
What does the scholarship provide?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,188 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
- Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by School/Institute.
Eligibility Criteria
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in sustainable forestry and developing novel understanding and management tools to promote healthy soils. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in mycorrhizal molecular biology, metabolomics, and the functional characterisation of microbiomes.
The successful applicant should:
- hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Master’s degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
- demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to microbial ecology, molecular biology, and/or forestry.
- possess a background in plant and/or fungal molecular biology and have an interest in plant:microbe interactions.
- Experience in analysing untargeted and targeted metabolomics, with priority given to applicants with a background in metabolite purification and characterisation.
- be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
Applications close: 31 May 2026
PS2024_155_HIE
Scholarships closing 30 June
School of Science
Lead Researcher: Associate Professor Kristine Crous
This PhD project forms part of an exciting new ARC-funded project: "Revealing heat dose thresholds in Australian forests from leaf to landscape". The project will include research at field sites and in controlled-environment glasshouses and the aims are two-fold 1) to measure heat dose thresholds namely, how high of a temperature leaves can withstand and for how long before vital metabolic functions start to fail, and how these thresholds change with drought and 2) physiological and hydraulic measurements to quantify the mechanistic links between photosynthetic decline, stomatal behaviour and leaf temperatures, providing new insight into when leaf injury is likely to occur. Understanding heat dose thresholds is key for predicting the likelihood of plant mortality and ecosystem collapse due to heat stress. This PhD project addresses a major knowledge gap for plant science and ecosystem management moving into a hotter, drier world.
Applicants should be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level. A good background in plant physiology and plant ecology and interest in climate change research are required. The student will be based at School of Science in Western Sydney University on the Hawkesbury Campus in Richmond, NSW and will join a large and diverse cohort of scientists at all career levels. The student will learn a variety of eco-physiological measuring techniques to assess plant metabolism and growth as well as developing useful analytical skills. The student will be advised by A/Prof. Kristine Crous and Prof. Brendan Choat and work in collaboration with other lab members and colleagues at WSU.
What does the scholarship provide?
Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $33,533 (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 $33,533 (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 and insurance (Single Policy).
Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by School/Institute.
Eligibility Criteria
- demonstrate excellent academic performance in one or more of the following areas: plant physiology or plant ecology
- hold qualifications and experience equal to an Australian First Class Bachelor Honours degree or equivalent overseas qualifications and be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study in plant mechanisms at an advanced level
- have an interest and degree of familiarity with climate change impacts on ecosystem processes. Experience with experiments in controlled environments or fieldwork is desired.
- Have a valid driver’s license and the ability to prepare for and travel to work at field sites.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
Applications close: 30 June 2026
PS2026_022_CS0810719_SoS
School of Science
Lead Researcher: Associate Professor Kristine Crous
This PhD project aims to predict the effect of heatwaves on forest canopy function, using a state-of-the-art process-based dynamic vegetation model. The project forms part of new ARC-supported research: "Revealing heat dose thresholds in Australian forests from leaf to landscape", which will collect new data on the responses of forest trees to extreme temperatures. The PhD candidate will collaborate with other project researchers to develop new model representations of key processes, including how plants use water at high temperatures, and how leaf damage increases with exposure to high heat. The model will then be applied to forests in eastern Australia to quantify the risk of future canopy collapse as a function of combined heat and drought stress.
Increases in heat extremes are already being experienced around the world, with significant consequences for native vegetation and agricultural production. This PhD project is an excellent opportunity for a candidate with a good mathematical background to contribute to efforts to understand and adapt vegetation to future heat extremes. The student will be supervised by Distinguished Prof. Belinda Medlyn and A/Prof. Kristine Crous and will gain research experience in plant ecophysiology, remote sensing and vegetation modelling. The student will be based at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment at Western Sydney University and will join a large and diverse cohort of scientists at all career levels researching global change effects on Australian vegetation.
What does the scholarship provide?
Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,188 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
Eligibility Criteria
- Hold qualifications and experience equal to an Australian First Class Bachelor Honours degree, Research Master’s degree or equivalent overseas qualifications
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance in an area related to the project, such as environmental science (e.g. plant ecology, physical geography) or a quantitative science (maths, data science)
- Have excellent quantitative skills, with demonstrated knowledge of data analysis and computer programming
- Be enthusiastic about the project topic, with demonstrated knowledge of plant ecology/global change biology or keenness to learn
Applications close: 30 June 2026
PS2026_028_CS0596514_SoS
Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment
Lead Researcher: Professor Brendan Choat
This PhD project forms part of a major research program within the Blue Mountains Hub for Ecology and Conservation at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE), Western Sydney University. The project aims to improve understanding of how mature temperate forest trees tolerate increasing drought and heat stress, and to identify physiological thresholds and early warning indicators of canopy decline and forest vulnerability.
The student will investigate tree responses across a broad environmental gradient by integrating continuous, high‑resolution physiological measurements with detailed three‑dimensional forest structural data and process‑based vegetation modelling. A central and innovative aspect of the project is the use of a smart sensing network deployed in natural forest environments, measuring sap flow, in situ xylem water potential, stem growth, and microclimate in mature trees. These data will be complemented by terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to quantify canopy architecture, stem dimensions, and carbon storage. Together, these approaches allow identification of stress thresholds, recovery dynamics, and lagged responses that cannot be resolved through short‑term or seedling‑based studies.
Understanding how forests respond mechanistically to drought and heat is critical for predicting tree mortality, ecosystem resilience, and climate feedbacks in a hotter, drier future. This project addresses a key knowledge gap in forest ecology and provides outcomes directly relevant to conservation and land management of World Heritage–listed ecosystems.
Applicants should be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake advanced research. A background or strong interest in plant physiology, forest ecology, environmental science, or related disciplines is desirable, along with an interest in climate change impacts on ecosystems.
The student will be based at the Hawkesbury Campus (Richmond, NSW) within HIE and will join a large, interdisciplinary research community. The PhD will provide training in advanced field techniques, sensor technologies, data analysis, and ecological modelling, and will be supervised by Professor Brendan Choat in collaboration with Hub researchers and external partners.
What does the scholarship provide?
This scholarship provides generous financial and research support to enable the successful candidate to undertake full‑time PhD study at Western Sydney University.
- Stipend: A tax‑free living allowance of $35,188 per annum (AUD) for up to three years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
- Tuition fees: Full tuition fee offset through the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset for the duration of the scholarship.
- Research support funding: Up to $9,200 per annum in research support funds, which may be used to support fieldwork, conference attendance, travel, equipment, and other approved research‑related costs. This level of support is substantially higher than the standard allocation and reflects the field‑intensive nature of the project.
Eligibility Criteria
- demonstrate excellent academic performance in one or more of the following areas: plant physiology or plant ecology
- hold qualifications and experience equal to an Australian First Class Bachelor Honours degree or equivalent overseas qualifications and be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study in plant mechanisms at an advanced level
- have an interest and degree of familiarity with climate change impacts on ecosystem processes. Experience with experiments in controlled environments or fieldwork is desired.
- Have a valid driver’s license and the ability to prepare for and travel to work at field sites.
Applications close: 30 June 2026
PS2026_034_CS0791892_HIE
Frequently asked questions
All scholarship applicants must review the following frequently asked questions (FAQs) before submitting an application.
No, you can only apply for one HDR scholarship at a time via the application portal. You also cannot apply for a research release scholarship and a project scholarship at the same time.
You should apply based on your first preference of project and supervisor.
The School/Institute may choose to consider your application for another scholarship that is currently available at their discretion.
If your application is unsuccessful, you will be able to submit a new application for a different scholarship.
Contact us
For questions or advice about a project, please contact the Lead Researcher.
You can contact the Graduate Research School through our enquiry forms.