phd scholarship unsw

Tyree Foundation Institute of Health Engineering

Phd top-up scholarships.

Potential PhD projects and scholarships

Potential PhD topics:

 1. What ocean do Lagrangian observing platforms (e.g., Argo and drifting buoys) observe ?

In the mid- and high-latitudes the ocean circulation is composed largely of eddies and fronts. In isolation an ocean eddy is relatively stable being in quasi-geostrophic balance and retaining a closed material surface around its core water mass. It is only through the disruption or destruction of this balance through eddy- interactions that an exchange in mass with its environment takes place. Only at these times is it possible for a Lagrangian observing platform to enter or exit the eddy circulation. This poses many interesting questions such as how frequently do these platforms observe eddies and what are the implications for constructing climatologies of the ocean and ocean forecasting. This research would make use of state of the art high resolution ocean models, analysis of altimetry and the in situ Argo and drifting buoy observations available at the Bureau of Meteorology and the global ocean observing system.

2. Characterisation of ocean forecast errors from an ocean forecasting system . A state-of-the-art prediction system makes several assumptions about the errors of the observing system, the ocean models, the atmospheric forcing and data assimilation methodology. Correctly modelling and estimating these errors and validating or improving these assumptions is critical to further improving performance. This project will focus on the available database of forecast innovations and increments from the BLUElink ocean prediction system and determine the systematic bias as well as the statistical distribution. Specific methods will then be developed to deconstruct and attribute error to different components of the system as well as hypothesis testing.

3.  Helen Beggs leads the  GHRSST Tropical Warm Pool Diurnal Variability (TWP+) Project  which aims to quantify diurnal warming of the surface ocean over the Tropical Warm Pool to the north of Australia and to validate and compare various diurnal variation models over this region.

The  International Group for High Resolution Sea Surface Temperature (GHRSST) TWP+ data set  would be a great resource for any PhD student with a background in either physical oceanography, air-sea heat exchange, marine meteorology and/or satellite oceanography. Further information on the TWP+ Project can be found at  https://www.ghrsst.org/ghrsst-science/science-team-groups/dv-wg/twp/  < https://www.ghrsst.org/ghrsst-science/science-team-groups/dv-wg/twp/>  .

The  GHRSST Workshop on Tropical Warm Pool and High Latitude SST Issues  (Melbourne, 5-9 March 2012) would be an excellent opportunity for a new PhD student to choose a TWP+ related research project that matches their interests and abilities. The workshop will focus on presentations relating to initial research for the TWP+ Project and using the TWP+ data set during the three working days of the GHRSST workshop. Further information on the GHRSST Workshop can be found at  https://www.ghrsst.org/ghrsst-science/Meetings-and-workshops/workshop-on...  < https://www.ghrsst.org/ghrsst-science/Meetings-and-workshops/workshop-on...  including a draft agenda which lists the current TWP+ research activities.

4. Impact of East Australian Current observations Tasman Sea eddies in an ocean model

Introduction

Can observations of the East Australian Current using a HF ocean surface radar improve model forecast skill of meso-scale eddies in the Tasman Sea?

The study will use observations at Coffs Harbour (30S, 153E) which extend approximately 100 km east across the East Australian Current (EAC) and perform assimilation impact studies on a domain encompassing upstream of Coffs Harbour, the EAC separation (at approximately Smoky Cape, 31 S), and the Tasman front (across to New Zealand), with a particular emphasis on meso-scale eddies.

OSR observations

The HF OSR measures surface currents in the top few tens of centimetres of the ocean, on a few km resolution with a range of around 100km over 10 minute time scales. The OSR is part of the IMOS ACORN facility and is planned to commence operation in February 2012. Routine data delivery could be expected by mid 2012. Observations show the EAC is largely barotropic, so OSR should be representative of the depth-integrated current.

The Ocean Model CLAM? Assimiliation

The HF OSR provides currents in regions where the two radars overlap (and the subtended angles of the ray are greater than ~20 Outside of this region there is another equally extensive area where there is only one useful current vector component resolved. While not suited to visual interpretation, single current vector components can be assimilated into ocean models.

The model already assimilates altimetry, SST and temperature and salinity profiles, so any skill improvement will be in excess of this. The assimilation of HF OSR observations may also be useful in the situation where altimetry is degraded (due to loss of satellites or other problems). It would be useful to quantify the impact of assimilating OSR currents in the absence (or reduction) of altimetry.

Possible candidate data-sets for skill evaluation are feature tracking, surface drifters (these are probably drogue to a few metres depth), or synTS. The first two sources will probably generate sparse data-sets. Maybe the evaluation will be achieved by looking at the increments in SSH?

Links to other Work

We have previously looked at the impact of observations on models using the error estimates in the data assimilation system (Oke  et al. , 2009). It would be instructive to see how data withholding experiments compare to the observation network design study tool.

Oke, P. R., Sakov, P. & Schulz, E.W., 2009, A comparison of shelf observation platforms for assimilation in an eddy-resolving ocean model,  Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans,  48, 121-142, doi:10.1016/j.dynatmoce.2009.04.002.

5. Predictive mapping of seabed cover, benthic habitats, benthic biodiversity using multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data

Coastal marine benthic environment, which is dreadfully under-studied, has significant economic and conservation values. Sustainable management of this marine ecosystem requires high quality physical and biological datasets on the benthic environment and scientific evidence on the interactions between these physical and the biological variables. Modern mutlibeam sonar systems, with different sonar frequencies, are capable of accurately mapping large area of seabed from water depth of a few metres to thousands metres. They can provide high-resolution and near-complete coverage of bathymetry and acoustic backscatter data for mapping seabed substrata, benthic habitats and benthic biota.

The proposed project would involve intensive field campaigns collecting multibeam data, water column data, sediment samples and biological data. The collaboration with OUC is critical for the collection and analysis of these data. We would provide expertise in the areas of data analysis, modelling and result interpretation.

6. Generalised dependence for the ocean sea drag

The sea--‐drag coefficient is the main property which is employed to parameterise the air--‐sea interactions in large--‐scale models, from engineering applications to climate research. Over the last 30 years, however, scatter of the experimental dependences for the sea drag parameterised as a function of wind speed and/or wave age did not improve. The proposed project would intend to develop a generalised parameterisation of the sea drag as a function of multiple environmental forcings, for use in meteorological, climate and ocean engineering applications.

7. Coastally trapped wave observations and modelling around Australia

Program Code: 1082

Supervisors:  Prof. Xiao Hua Wang ( [email protected] ), Dr Ming Feng, CSIRO, A/Prof Moninya Roughan and Dr Andrew Kiss (UNSW)

Australia is surrounded by major ocean boundary currents – with the East Australian Current off the east coast, the Leeuwin Current off the west coast, and the South Australian Current/Flinders Current off the south coast. The Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) has set up shelf circulation monitoring systems for the major boundary current systems over the past six years. The observing systems include shelf moorings, gliders, and surface radar systems. The ocean boundary current systems vary on different time scales, such as seasonal and intra-seasonal. The aim of this study is to utilise the IMOS mooring networks and numerical models to understand the coastally trapped wave propagations around Australia, forced by wind anomalies on intra-seasonal and whether time scales, and their interactions with the ocean boundary current systems. The intra-seasonal variability of the ocean boundary currents are important in understanding the extreme events in these systems.

8. Remote sensing study on the East Australian Current

Supervisors:  Prof. Xiao Hua Wang ( [email protected] ) and Dr Zhi Huang, Geoscience Australia

East Australian Current (EAC) is a significant boundary current that flows poleward. On the way, it separates and generates many large and small eddies that cause lots of oceanographic dynamic. It has significant ecological impact on the eastern margin of Australia from about 25S. This PhD project aims to use time-series remotely sensed data to map EAC’s spatial structures and investigate the spatial and temporal variability of EAC’s characteristics. The remotely sensed data to be used include more than 10 years MODIS SST and Chlorophyll a datasets. We also intend to use satellite altimetry data in combination with the broad scale BlueLink model to help the mapping and validation, especially in the identification of eddies. This PhD project will further develop the techniques used in supervisor’s (Huang) similar study on the Leeuwin Current of Western Australian margin (Huang and Feng, 2015). Co-supervisor Wang’s expertise in EAC system will be utilised in guiding the design of this study and assessing the results of this study, among others. The successful PhD candidate is expected to have a strong research and analytical skills. Experience and skills in either Remote Sensing or Physical Oceanography field or both are highly desirable.

9.  Mapping and modelling the coastal upwelling along NSW

Supervisors:  Dr Zhi Huang and Prof. Xiao Hua Wang ( [email protected] ), Geoscience Australia

Coastal upwelling is important for marine ecosystems and the economy, because of its elevated primary and secondary productivity and large potential for fish catch. Upwelling along the New South Wales (NSW) coastal areas forms a prominent upwelling system. The upwelling system occurs more or less continuously from austral spring to autumn. It is believed that the East Australian Current (EAC) plays a critical role in this upwelling system.

The ability to investigate the development of individual upwelling events became available in recent years since the production of highly frequent remotely sensed SST data. The Himawari-8 (H-8) is a new generation geostationary satellite carrying an Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI), capable of providing geophysical data at a spatial resolution of 2km and a temporal resolution of 10-mins full-disk frequency. This PhD project contains two main stages. Firstly, this project uses the H-8 SST data to identify and explicitly map the development of individual upwelling events along the NSW coast. The project then uses numerical ocean model(s) to simulate the development of these events to investigate the major underlying mechanisms. The results of this PhD research would significantly advance our knowledge on the NSW coastal upwelling system which is likely to be increasingly influenced by the climate change.

These brief research questions are possible projects for research higher degree students under the supervision of A/Prof.   Stuart Pearson .

• What is the Blue Economic Zone and what will its success bring to society, environment and economy? How will it be monitored and evaluated? What does this show about the research needs for China’s environmental law, science and management? [with A/Prof Ma Yingjie]
• Why is eco-compensation so popular in China? What does this show about the research needs for China’s environmental law, science and management? [with Ma Yingjie]
• How is risk of environmental research, environmental management and environmental policy considered in Australia and China? Current topics for PhDs have related to biofuel policy [with Dong Bo], Antarctica’s research program [with Maozeng Jiang] and so what do you think should be studied next?
• Who cares?  Using a social science approach, how can the values, attitudes and dreams of Australia and China’s young professionals be understood and what scenarios can be plausibly developed? Environmental research, environmental management and environmental policy considerations of young people in Australia and China. How does this contribute to government research? [with Yantai Institute and NSW Government]
• How widely and how appropriate is applying the Kuznets curve thinking in China a rational Natural Resource Management response? China’s rapid development and transition to a eco-civilisation is widely discussed as a stage requiring ‘development first and clean-up second’. What is the nature of the evidence used by narrators to justify this and what are the plausible scenarios?

Climate change implications for Estuaries

Climate variation and change will impact estuaries in a manner and to a degree that is presently poorly understood due to the uncertainties regarding future forcing and theoretical impediments to our quantitative understanding of estuarine processes at management timescales. Estuarine habitats, water quality, shoreline stability, long-term sedimentation, groundwater, freshwater management as well as the inundation of adjacent land and built environment will all potentially be significantly impacted by climate change.

The purpose of this project is to determine likely changes in forcing processes and extreme events (floods, droughts, heat waves, coastal storms) on Australian estuarine ecosystems and their future management.

Specific questions that will be addressed are as follows:

How are estuarine ecosystems anticipated to change with climate?

What options can be exercised to address these changes within estuaries and their catchments?

What appropriate strategies can be exercised to minimise ecological, social and financial risk in estuarine systems?

This project would be supervised in collaboration with suitably qualified ecologists.

Geomorphological behaviour of estuaries under climate change

Estuarine geomorphological behaviour and its response to physical modification and bioturbation provides the physical backdrop for estuary change. A contemporary need is to integrate science and engineering approaches to understand estuaries on a range of nested time scales: the storm event cycle; interannual climate variability; multi-decadal climate variability; centennial to millennial sedimentological and geomorphological processes.

Specifically, marine and terrestrial sedimentation determines the rate of estuarine infilling and changes in estuarine form according to its maturity (Roy  et al ., 2001, Structure and Function of South-east Australian Estuaries,  Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science ,  53 ). Floods play a major role in infilling, flood plain sedimentation as well as scouring during major events.

Following a review of the role of time scale in estuary development, detailed assessment of selected sites would be undertaken as case studies.

PhD Scholarships for International Students from UNSW Canberra

UNSW Canberra will provide a living stipend valued at $35,000 per annum for 3.5 years for suitably qualified students.

INFORMATION ON SCHOLARSHIPS:  www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/hdr-scholarships

UNSW Sydney NSW 2052 Australia Telephone +61 2 93851000 Authorised by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) UNSW CRICOS Provider Code: 00098G ABN: 57 195 873 179

Join the conversation

• Member Group of Eight
• Member Universitas 21
• Member Global Alliance of Technological Universities
• Member Association of Pacific Rim Universities
• Member PLuS Alliance
• UNSW Futures
• Interdisciplinary Research
• World Class Research Infrastructure
• Grand Challenges
• Thought Leadership & Public Engagement
• Knowledge Exchange
• ARTU - Aggregate Ranking of Top Universities
• Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Enterprise)
• Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)
• Applying for a Scholarship
• External Scholarships
• Higher Degree Research Programs
• Submitting an Application
• Finding a Supervisor
• Fees and Costs
• Thesis Preparation
• Examination
• Arc UNSW – Postgraduate Council
• Arc UNSW – Student Life
• Financial Support
• New to UNSW Research
• Events & Workshops
• Study with Us
• Extend Your Career
• Research Career Opportunities
• Biomedical Sciences
• Contemporary Humanities and Creative Arts
• Defence and Security
• Fundamental and Enabling Sciences
• ICT, Robotics and Devices
• Law, Business and Economics
• Next Generation Materials and Technologies
• Social Policy, Government and Health Policy
• Water, Climate, Environment and Sustainability
• Fellows of Learned Academies
• Research News & Stories
• Research Ethics & Compliance Support
• Research Integrity for Staff
• Supervisors and Research Integrity
• Gene Technology
• Animal Research Ethics
• Human Research Ethics
• Radiation Safety
• Research Export Controls
• About the RSO
• Partner with us
• Partner With Us
• Services for Researchers
• Current Funding Opportunities
• Managing your Funding
• Resources and Quicklinks
• Analytical Centre (MWAC)
• Contacts & About Us
• Data Management, Storage and Tools
• Network Labs
• Other Infrastructure Funding Schemes
• Shared Research Equipment
• UNSW Research Infrastructure Scheme
• Pricing Tool
• Researcher Hub (UNSW login)
• Research News
• UNSW Centres and Institutes
• Find a Researcher
• FAQ: Researcher Profiles - Tags & Codes

PhD and Honours student opportunities

We're always looking for talented PhD and Honours students to join us.

About you  .

Students enthusiastic about discovering fundamental principles in biology with an undergraduate degree in relevant disciplines including: molecular/structural/theoretical/cell biology, (bio-)chemistry, (bio-)physics, (bio-)engineering, immunology, virology, and mathematics. We welcome students from all countries, backgrounds and cultures. Contact us if you are interested in PhD positions or Honours projects. Honours is a research year for Bachelor's students at Australian universities. We also offer internships for students who want to gain experience in the lab before embarking on their PhD program.  

About us  

We are the Department of Molecular Medicine within the UNSW Medicine & Health's School of Biomedical Sciences ( SBMS ) at UNSW Sydney. Originally founded in 2015 as the EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science (SMS), we have expanded and continue to host research groups as a part of the EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory Network. We also have links to UNSW Science's School of Physics . We're about 90 researchers from all over the world with different scientific backgrounds. We're committed to people and culture and aim to foster a vibrant and inclusive research environment. Our initiatives include a workplace culture roundtable, professional development programs and creative club. Our student society ( SEAMS ) organises events and retreats to share experience and build a supportive community.

Our labs and microscopes are located in the Lowy Cancer Research building in the biomedical precinct of UNSW Sydney. The campus is located in Kensington, a short distance from the city centre, parks and beaches.

Supervisors and projects

Our core scientific vision is to integrate across length scales how processes at the molecular level – the ‘bottom-up’ perspective of single-molecule biophysics – drive function at the systems level – the ‘top-down’ perspective of cell biology and physiology. We research a broad range of biological questions in areas including molecular self-assembly; intracellular transport; host-pathogen interactions; immune cell activation, migration and swarming; mechanobiology; and development. Our experimental systems range from self-assembly and reconstitution over cells and organoids to whole organisms, with a focus on advanced imaging approaches. The broad aim is to investigate molecular and cellular processes in real-time. We have strengths in theoretical biology that are integrated with laboratory experimentation. Projects also include technology development.

Learn more about our research focus areas.  

Please feel free to contact any of our group leaders if any of these research areas interest you.

PhD program at UNSW

The PhD at UNSW consists of a 3.5 year research project with a final thesis. PhD candidates are accompanied by a PhD panel to review goals, progress and wellbeing.

How to apply

There are three intakes of PhD students per year. Get in touch with potential supervisors at any time and then apply for admission and scholarships in the next available round. Scholarships are available to cover tuition fees and to provide a living allowance.

Step 1: Get in touch with potential supervisors for an interview. This is an informal process for you to meet different supervisors, talk about your interests and motivation, and discuss possible projects. Supervisors can then put you in touch with their students for a chat about their experiences. The aim is to identify a good fit between you and our research groups in the Department of Molecular Medicine. Potential supervisors can also guide you through the application process.  

Step 2: Apply for admission into the PhD program at UNSW and apply for a scholarship. Applications for admission and scholarships are integrated. Find relevant information at the links below. Application deadlines Scholarships for domestic and international students

Honours program at UNSW  

In the Australian system, Honours is a year of research undertaken at the end of an undergraduate degree. If you are a Science or Biomedical Sciences student interested in an Honours project as part of your undergraduate degree, just get in touch with Molecular Medicine group leaders to discuss potential projects. We have (co-)supervised students enrolled in Honours at SBMS  and Schools of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences ( BaBS ) and Physics . Applications are submitted via the respective schools.

Register / Login

• Search & Apply

UNSW Scholarships for International Students Commencing Term 2, 2024

UNSW offers a wide range of scholarships and awards to support international undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students commencing full-time study at UNSW. Some scholarships will provide a full or partial tuition fee payment, while others provide a stipend to assist with the costs associated with your studies. Students wishing to undertake postgraduate research study should contact the  Graduate Research School .

On this page you will find information on available scholarships and awards - some that require an application, and others that do not require you to submit a scholarship application. Further details can be found below.

*This page is only for international students commencing their first term of studies at UNSW in Term 2 2024*

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS THAT REQUIRE AN APPLICATION

To be considered for the scholarships specified in this section, applicants must complete and submit an application for the UNSW Scholarships for International Students Commencing Term 2, 2024 (PUCA1029)  by the deadline.

By applying for PUCA1029 you will be considered for any scholarship in this list that you satisfy the eligibility criteria for. 

Scholarships available in this offering that require an application for PUCA1029:

• International Scientia Coursework Scholarship (PUCA1025)
• Lily and Dr Ben K.C Chng Scholarship (UGCE1129)

Full details of the listed scholarships including the value, eligibility and selection criteria can be found by clicking on the relevant title further down this page. More scholarships and awards may be progressively added to this list.

Applications open on 1 January 2024 and will close at 11:59PM AEST Sunday, 31 March 2024. Please ensure you allow enough time to submit your application as we are unable to accept late applications.

*UAC International applicants expecting an offer after ATAR release may still apply. Any exception requests such as late admission due to pending academic results will need to be emailed to [email protected] .

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE AN APPLICATION

International students commencing in Term 2, 2024 are not required to submit an application for the scholarships and awards listed in this section. Eligible students who have received an offer of admission to commence at UNSW in Term 2, 2024 will be automatically considered for these scholarships and awards.

Offers for these scholarships and awards will be awarded to eligible students on a competitive basis using your application for admission to UNSW. You do not need to submit any specific scholarship application or additional supporting documentation to be considered.

Scholarships and awards available in this offering that  do not  require a scholarship application:

• Australia's Global University Award (PUCA1026) 
• UNSW Global Academic Award (PUCA1027) 
• Future of Change Scholarship (UGCE1283)

Full details of the listed scholarships and awards including the value, eligibility and selection criteria can be found by clicking on the relevant title below. Further scholarships and awards may be progressively added to this list.

The International Student Award has been established to assist students from low income and developing countries to access education at a highly ranked Australian university. It is available to eligible new students commencing in Term 2 2024 and provides a 15% contribution towards tuition fees for the duration of program.

Further information on the International Student Award is available  here .

• Offer 1: Full tuition fee scholarship paid directly towards tuition fees for the minimum duration of program
• Offer 2: $20,000 per annum paid directly towards tuition fees for the minimum duration of program

Recipients of the Scholarship may also be offered the following:

• Invitation to UNSW networking events
• Guaranteed entry to the  UNSW Professional Development Program

Application Process

Submit a UNSW Scholarships for International Students Commencing Term 2, 2024 (PUCA1029)  by  11.59PM AEST Sunday, 31 March 2024.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be an international student; and
• Be  commencing  full-time study on campus in a UNSW undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program (excluding UNSW Online and UNSW Canberra); and
• Have received an offer of admission* into an eligible program for Term 2 2024 by Sunday, 31 March 2024. * Offers of admission must be one of the following:
• Undergraduate or postgraduate Letter of Offer (unconditional); or
• Undergraduate or postgraduate Conditional English Package Offer (UEEC) - students must be enrolled in the UNSW Institute of Languages and successfully complete the program prior to commencing in Term 2 2024.

Selection Criteria

Each applicant will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate:

• Academic Merit
• Leadership skills (school, workplace or community)
• Extra-curricular activities (sporting, cultural activities, volunteer/work experience)
• Reasons for undertaking studies at UNSW

The purpose of the Scholarship is to support and encourage students from Singapore to undertake full-time undergraduate study at UNSW Arts, Design and Architectures’ School of Built Environment.

$5,000 per annum payable for normal minimum duration of degree towards tuition fees (up to 4 years max). 

Application Process:

• Be an International Student and hold a Singapore citizenship. 
• Be  commencing a UNSW undergraduate coursework degree program offered through the Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture's School of Built Environment. 
• Hold a diploma or equivalent course of at least 2 years credit from one of the following institutions: Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic.
• Must have received an offer of admission* into an eligible program for Term 2 2024 by Sunday 31 March 2024 * Offers of admission must be one of the following:
• Undergraduate Letter of Offer (unconditional)
• Undergraduate Conditional English Package Offer (UEEC) - students must be enrolled in the UNSW Institute of Languages and successfully complete the program prior to commencing in Term 2 2024.
• Leadership skills (school, workplace, or community)
• Reason for studying at UNSW.

$10,000 for one year. Payment will be made directly towards tuition fees in the second term of the first year of study.

Recipients of the Award may also be offered the following:

• Invitation to attend the Award Ceremony

There is no application required for this Award. Students that meet the eligibility criteria will be automatically considered for this award.

• Be  commencing  full-time study on campus in a UNSW undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree program (excluding UNSW Online and UNSW Canberra); and
• Have received an offer of admission* into an eligible program for Term 2 2024. * Offers of admission must be one of the following:
• Undergraduate or postgraduate Letter of Offer (unconditional)

Note: Students who have completed a UNSW Global Foundation Studies or Global Diploma Program prior to commencing an undergraduate program are not eligible for this Award. UNSW Global Foundation Studies students will be considered for the UNSW Global Academic Award (PUCA1027).

• Sponsored Students are not eligible to receive this Award.

Each candidate will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate:

The UNSW College Award has been established to support high-achieving UNSW Global students to take undergraduate study at UNSW.

UNSW Global  offers a range of academic and English language pathway programs to international students who have just missed out on direct entry into UNSW.

Students who successfully complete a  UNSW Global Foundation Studies program  and intend on progressing to a UNSW bachelor’s degree are eligible for the UNSW Global Academic Award.

There is no application required for this Award.

Students completing a UNSW Global Foundation Studies program will automatically be considered for this Award.

• Must be completing  a UNSW Global Foundation Studies program  (in Sydney or off-shore); and
• Be  commencing  full-time study on campus in a UNSW undergraduate coursework degree program (excluding UNSW Canberra); and
• Have received an offer of admission* into an eligible program for Term 2 2024.    * Offers of admission must be one of the following:

* Eligible pathway programs include UNSW Global Foundation Program.

$10,000 per annum paid as a stipend for minimum duration of program.

There is no application required for this scholarship. Students that meet the eligibility criteria will be automatically considered for this award.

• Be a citizen of India, and not a permanent resident of Australia; and
• Be residing in India prior to commencing study at UNSW for undergraduate applicants. Postgraduate applicants may have prior residence in Australia; and
• Have received an offer of admission* into an eligible UNSW undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree program for Term 2 2024. * Offers of admission must be one of the following:

UNSW Sydney raises stipends for Higher Degree Research scholarships

UNSW will lift stipends for PhD and other HDR scholarship candidates from 2023, to set the benchmark for living wage stipends in Australia.

UNSW has announced it will raise stipends for all Higher Degree Research (HDR) scholarship candidates in 2023 – and again in 2024 – to help to ease the financial stress they face due to cost-of-living pressures.

All new higher degree research scholarships will be offered at the rate of $35,000 per annum from Term 1 2023.  All current scholarship holders whose stipend is below $35,000 will also receive the increased amount at the same time. The rate will be the second-highest stipend among Group of Eight universities and well above the Department of Education’s standard rate of $29,863 for 2023.

UNSW will further increase the stipend to $37,684 in 2024, which is in line with the current living wage and is expected to be one of, if not the highest, for an Australian university.

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said HDRs are not only core to the university research ecosystem, but HDR graduates are fundamental to Australia’s whole innovation system. The re-examination of the stipend level was driven by an urgent economic and moral imperative, along with a desire to support this critical community.

“UNSW acknowledges the rising cost of living, especially in Sydney, places considerable pressure on our HDR candidates,” Prof. Brungs said.

“We want to support our candidates and provide them with the opportunity to devote undistracted time and effort to their research so that they can explore, develop, and master long-term projects – then contribute to driving innovation for the benefit of all Australians.”

HDR students vital for Australia's R&D productivity

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise Professor Nick Fisk said PhD candidates are an essential but undercompensated part of UNSW’s research firepower.  

“HDRs contribute to more than half of our research outputs, but around 57% have second jobs, taking them away from their projects and thus Australia’s R&D productivity. As a nation, we must attract and retain the best and brightest students at all levels, and increasing stipends will enable the University to recruit the highest quality PhD applicants.

“With 2 per cent of Australians now holding a PhD, impoverishing stipend rates can no longer be ignored. Indeed, this has become a major international issue, affecting almost all PhD students according to a recent Nature survey. HDRs in the UK recently lobbied UK Research & Innovation to gain a modest increase in stipends. UNSW has gone further, now setting the benchmark for living wage stipends in Australia.”

PhD candidate Nora Campbell says she is happy that UNSW is recognising the important work that postgraduate researchers do.

“I think the stipend increase will make a huge difference to many people as it will help offset the high cost of living in Sydney.

“Scientific research is such an important export for UNSW and for Australia, so this is a great step forward in helping UNSW's postgraduate researchers continue to put out high-quality research that benefits Australia and the world.”

Increasing the stipend dovetails with the University’s commitment to increasing scholarship and financial support for coursework students. In August,  UNSW announced an expansion of its Gateway Equity Program , increasing the access rate to 25 per cent over the next five years for first-year students from underrepresented schools and backgrounds.

“The social and economic successes of the individual, the community and the country are built on the transformative power of education,” Prof. Brungs said.

“We want to ensure that anyone, from any background, can consider doing an undergraduate or higher degree research at UNSW.”

HDR candidates are predominantly those studying for Doctor of Philosophy degrees, but also those undertaking Professional Doctorate, Master's by Research and Master of Philosophy higher degree research programs.

• Log in to post comments

• Twitter (X)

HDR Fees and costs

All HDR Candidates

International candidates, bringing family to australia, domestic candidates, example of costs, self-funded candidates.

There are costs that all UNSW students need to pay, and these are outlined on the  UNSW Fees page .

HDR candidates may have additional incidental costs associated with their degree. We have highlighted some of the key costs below but they will vary on a case by case basis.

Living costs: estimated minimum costs $37,684 per year, with $3,000 to cover set up costs. Yearly cost.

When undertaking a higher degree research program, it's important to consider the living costs associated with residing in Sydney including the cost of rent, groceries, transport and utilities.

See this page  for more details.

Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF): 2023 cost $87.75 per term ($351/year). Yearly cost.

The SSAF is charged each term a candidate is enrolled and contributes to the provision of amenities and non-academic services for students. These services include counselling, employment, orientation, career advice, childcare, financial advice, health services, food services, sporting and recreational activities, student advocacy and legal services.

For further information, visit  UNSW SSAF . 

Field Work: varies 

Candidates may be required to participate in field work during their degree. Costs will vary based on type of field work, location, duration, resources required and the level of funding provided by School/Faculty.

Conference attendance: varies 

Candidates may attend conferences as part of their research training during their degree. Costs will vary based on type of attendance and presentation, location, duration, resources required, and the level of funding provided by School/Faculty. 

Note: PhD candidates may apply for the DRTG funding to contribute to their conference funding. 

Thesis submission related costs: varies

There are no costs related to thesis submission unless your Faculty, School or Supervisor, require you to have your thesis professionally edited or proof read prior to submission – contact your Faculty for more information. 

An example of one quote for 100,000 words (average PhD):

Thesis editing: $4,400

Thesis proofreading: $2,500

Further incidental fees can be found here .

Tuition Fees Quarterly cost

If you are an International candidate, you are required to pay  Tuition Fees  for the duration of your candidature unless you have been granted a scholarship or sponsorship that covers these fees. You are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before your initial enrolment. Once you are enrolled, you will receive a fee statement each term.

If you enrol in approved coursework as part of your HDR program, you will not be charged any additional tuition fees.

For further information relating to fee payment and policy, please refer to the  Student Fee Policy and Procedure .

Other costs

In addition to tuition fees, there are some of additional costs associated with your candidature. 

Overseas Student Health Cover One off cost

As an International candidate, it is a condition of your student visa that you have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. You need to purchase your OSHC up front before you can enrol in your program, unless you have been granted a scholarship or sponsorship that covers this cost.

OSHC insurance cannot be paid in monthly or yearly instalments. You need to purchase a policy that covers the entire period of your student visa so that you can provide the DHA with a valid OSHC certificate when you lodge your student visa application.

If the insurance premium exceeds your credit card limit, you can make separate payments as long as you use the correct payment details.

The University's preferred provider is Medibank, however you can choose an alternate OSHC provider if you wish to do so. If you do decide to obtain your OSHC with Medibank, the University may receive a commission - this is used to improve services to students.

Visa Processing Fee 2023 cost $650. One off cost

You may need to pay a processing fee to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs when you apply for your student visa.

If your family plans to relocate to Australia with you, there will be additional costs including Overseas Health Cover (OSHC), visa processing, relocation and living costs for your family members. Some estimated costs are outlined in the table below.

Note: UNSW Research Scholarships aim to support candidates through their UNSW study and are not intended to be used to support dependents. 

Information to support you and your family is provided in the  UNSW Bringing Family Guide . 

Tuition Fees

Domestic HDR candidates at UNSW may be offered an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship for four years for a Doctorate, and two years for a masters.

The RTP Fees Offset is paid to the University by the Australian Government on your behalf and is used by the University to offset your tuition fees so that you may receive free research training.

From 2024 the value of the Australian Government's support is in the range of $40,000 - $50,000 annually (subject to variation in later years based on actual HDR expenditure). UNSW bears any additional cost of tuition for the duration of the RTP.

For information on how to apply for the Domestic RTP Fee Offset, please refer to the HDR Scholarship Guidelines . For further information on UNSW tuition fees, please refer to the  Student Fee Policy and Procedure .

No Coursework Fees

If you are required to enrol in approved coursework subjects as part of your HDR program at UNSW, you will not be charged any additional tuition fees. 

The purpose of this table is to provide an example of the costs for HDR candidates.

The fees and costs provided below are  estimates  only, are not exhaustive, and will vary on a case by case basis.

Please note that the University reserves the right to vary student fees during enrolment in line with relevant legislation.

NOTE: Amounts are based on 2023 rates. Currency used in Australian Dollars (AUD).

*See table 'Additional Costs for Dependents' under Bringing Family to Australia

DISCLAIMER:   (1) Required amounts displayed are flat rates based on 2023 fees only.

(2) Please be aware that tuition fees increase each year by approximately 5% and actual fees and costs charged may exceed the indicative figures listed.

(3) Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change without notice. Fees are reviewed annually and approved fees for the following year are published on the Fees and Payment site in August/September each year. 

Further Resources

• UNSW Student Fees
• UNSW International Student Fees
• UNSW Student Services and Amenities Fee
• Australian Government Research Training Program
• Australian Government Student Visa Pricing
• Medibank Overseas Health Cover (OSHC)

If you plan to fund your studies yourself, you need to provide some additional information to support your application for admission. 

If you plan to fund your fees and living expenses yourself, please attach the following documents to your application for admission:

• Bank statements showing that you have accumulated enough funds over the past 6 months to cover all of your expenses for the duration of your degree. If you are applying for an Engineering degree, you need to show that you have enough funds for 2 years of study (Masters), or 4 years (PhD). For all other Faculties, you need to have enough funds for 1.5 years (Masters) or 3 years (PhD).
• Completed UNSW Financial Declaration form .

Please refer to the “Combined Costs and Tuition Fees” table in the "Example of Costs" tab for a summary of the costs you will need to show that you can cover. 

If the bank statement you have provided is for a bank account that is not in your name, the account holder must declare that the funds will be used for your studies fees and costs on the  UNSW Financial Declaration form .

Please outline your financial capacity to fund your studies in section 3 of the UNSW Financial Declaration form . This outline should be no more than 1-2 sentences in length.

Have questions? Contact us

+61 2 9385 5500

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

• Jump to menu
• Student Home
• Accept your offer
• How to enrol
• Student ID card
• Set up your IT
• Orientation Week
• Fees & payment
• Academic calendar
• Special consideration
• Transcripts
• The Nucleus: Student Hub
• Referencing
• Essay writing
• Learning abroad & exchange
• Professional development & UNSW Advantage
• Employability
• Financial assistance
• International students
• Equitable learning
• Postgraduate research
• Health Service
• Events & activities
• Emergencies
• Volunteering
• Clubs and societies
• Accommodation
• Health services
• Sport and gym
• Arc student organisation
• Security on campus
• Maps of campus
• Careers portal
• Change password

John Monash Scholarships

The John Monash Foundation offers scholarships to postgraduates students to study any discipline from anywhere in the world. Successful applicants will receive $80,000 for each of scholarship: 

$80,000 for a one-year Master’s $160,000 for a two-year Master’s $240,000 for a PhD

The Scholarship’s purpose is to foster Australian leadership, expertise and international networks for the long-term benefit of the country.  Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate academic rigour, the potential for leadership and a strong sense of citizenship.

News and notices

Embrace story-sharing through UNSW's Untold Stories program Published:  20 Jun 2024

Scam Safety Session: Protect Yourself! 26 Jun 2024

The Future of Public Law in Australia: A Conversation 27 Jun 2024

Get the Reddit app

For former, current and future students or staff to discuss UNSW.

Probability of getting a PhD scholarship?

So, I am an international student. I completed my Masters(Physics) in 2021, with a thesis component and later extended the work for another year. Both of which were with well-known groups in my field. However, I don't have any publications.

I applied to UNSW Canberra this year for the November round of PhD scholarships. The supervisor I contacted estimated my WAM at 85+, and commented on the research proposal that I wrote with them as being the "best and most extensive" among all the applicants he had ever been involved with. I also have pretty solid references. Our first meeting was pretty impressive and they hoped I'd get a scholarship.

I recently submitted my application.

So, I wanted to ask, What are my chances at a scholarship? I know WAM matters a lot. But how much do a good proposal and supervisor's interest in the student affect the chances?

Types of graduate scholarships

Where to find graduate school scholarships, tips for applying and winning scholarships, graduate school scholarships: your path to affordable education.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate student loans to write unbiased product reviews.

• Grad school scholarships provide funds to cover your educational costs. 
• In general, you don't have to repay scholarships or grants after graduation. 
• Start your search for grad school scholarships with your school's financial aid office.

Graduate school can help you take your career ambitions to the next level. But the cost can be very high. That's where grad school scholarships and grants come in. Scholarships and grants don't need to be repaid, which means you can leave school with minimum drag on your post-graduation finances.

Merit-based vs. need-based scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on your academic achievements and other achievements. In contrast, need-based scholarships are awarded based on the financial need of the student.

Subject-specific scholarships

Beyond these need-based and merit-based scholarships, you can find specialized scholarships designed for particular fields of study or demographics. For example, you might find a scholarship opportunity based on your prior military experience or your desire to obtain a graduate degree in STEM.

Your university

Before you can snag a scholarship, you'll have to find the opportunity and apply for it . Your school's financial aid office is a good place to start your search because they might have information on school-specific scholarships.

Online scholarship databases

You can also find scholarship opportunities through online search engines, like the U.S. Department of Labor's free tool or Scholarships.com . To locate scholarships specific to you, filter searches by "graduate level" and your field of study.

Professional organizations and employers

Many organizations offer some form of scholarship or tuition reimbursement to students pursuing related careers, or those gaining skills to aid in their existing role.

Grant databases

Grants are another form of funding that you usually don't have to pay back. Below are some of the most popular grants for grad school:

• Federal grants: Some federal grants are available to graduate students, including the TEACH Grant, which is designed to prepare them for teaching at the elementary or secondary school level. After graduation, grant recipients must teach full-time for at least four years in a school that serves low-income students. Skipping the teaching commitment means you'll have to repay the funds. 
• State grants : Many states provide grant opportunities to students. In some cases, these grants are designed to support students pursuing a graduate degree that's relevant to the state's needs. 
• Institutional grants : Many colleges and universities provide grant opportunities to students. You can find out about these opportunities through your school's financial aid office. 
• Private grants: Some organizations and foundations offer grant funding to graduate students. In most cases, you'll need to meet some specific eligibility requirements to apply. 

Tapping into this source of free money for college is a worthwhile option. If you are interested in grant funding, start by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to potentially tap into federal grant opportunities. 

In terms of state-level, institutional, and private grants, you'll need to do some research to find grants that might apply to your unique situation. Consider reaching out to your school's financial aid office, they might have more information on grant opportunities you can apply for.

When you find an enticing opportunity, it's important to craft a compelling application. Many scholarships require an essay, which could make or break your chances. 

"Writing essays for a graduate scholarship is not the same as it was for undergraduates," says Ben Ralston, president of Sachs Foundation , an organization that provides scholarship opportunities to Black Coloradans. 

"You are later in your career and can focus less on what you want to do with your education and more about what you have already accomplished," Ralston says. "Get specific in how graduate studies will develop more professional skills to build on previous accomplishments instead of speaking more generally about future goals."

Start early and apply often

It's important to note that the scholarship search process can take quite a bit of time, and once you've identified scholarships to apply for, you'll need time to prepare. Don't be selective with your scholarship applications; The more scholarships you apply to, the better your chances of winning.

Tailor your applications

When applying, personalize your essays and highlight how your experience aligns with the scholarship's mission. Be sure to triple-check your essays, and ensure that you're not referencing a separate scholarship opportunity from the one you're applying for.

Get strong letters of recommendation

Choose recommenders who can speak to your academic abilities and potential. This can be a teacher, employer, coworker, etc.

Grad school scholarship FAQs

Competition for graduate scholarships can be high, but many scholarships are available. Applying to a wide range increases your chances of success.

No, you don't. Scholarships are typically considered gift aid and don't need to be repaid.

While it's uncommon, there are some full-ride scholarships are available, especially for highly competitive programs or exceptional students.

• Main content