Understanding Indigenous/Pasifika LGBTIQ+ wellbeing and the role of rights-based

School of Social Sciences

Lead Researcher: Prof. Corrinne Sullivan

About the project

The Indigenous/Pasifika student will carry out independent research into family relationships, or other relevant related area as negotiated, focusing on Queer Indigenous/Pasifika intersectional experiences, perspectives, practices, and understandings of wellbeing across complex environments within diaspora communities. The Indigenous/Pasifika HDR student will be investigating topics related to Indigenous/Pasifika LGBTIQ+ diasporas and civil society.

What does the scholarship provide?

• Domestic students will receive a tax-free stipend of $33,511 per annum to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset for 3.5 years
• Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by School/Institute.

Eligibility criteria

Preferably students will be Indigenous/Pasifika.

• 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 international qualifications.
• demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to social, cultural, sexuality and gender diversity.
• have an understanding or appreciation of the importance of Indigenous informed and designed research.
• be willing to learn research methods and approaches in relation to Indigenous peoples, places and philosophies.
• be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
• International applicants are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.

How to apply

1. Review the project’s eligibility criteria. You will need to provide in your application a document which explains how you satisfy the projects eligibility criteria.
2. Contact the lead researcher listed to discuss your eligibility, the project’s requirements and your intention to apply. You should email them to introduce yourself, describe your qualifications and experience, and express your interest in their research project. If they are interested, you may want to arrange a phone call, video call or meeting to discuss your application. You will need to request a letter of support from the lead researcher to support your application for the scholarship.
3. Submit an online application for the project by logging into the Online Portal and selecting 'Project Scholarship'. Note: You do not need to submit an application for Doctor of Philosophy or Research Scholarship.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.

For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researcher;
Prof. Corrine Sullivan - Corrinne.Sullivan@westernsydney.edu.au

For questions and advice about the scholarship application process, please submit your scholarship enquiry:

• Currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here
• Not currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here

Applications close 31 August 2025

*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).

Scholarship reference code: PS2025_CS0579473_SoSS