PhD scholarships and opportunities
Advanced Geotechnical Strategies for Safeguarding Coastal Cliffs
Closing Date: 07 June 2026 Apply Now
PhD Scholarship
Develop an integrated framework to monitor, model, and predict the erosion and retreat of coastal rock cliffs by analysing how rock debris aprons and ocean forces interact under extreme storms and sea-level rise.
An Exploration of how Cultural Factors shape Sports Coaching Practices and Sporting Experiences
Closing Date: 30 June 2026 Apply Now
PhD Scholarship
This PhD explores how cultural factors shape coaching practices and sporting experiences for participants. It examines ways to strengthen cultural capability across the sports sector to support inclusive, positive participation.
Developing Physical Literacy through Sport
Closing Date: 30 June 2026 Apply Now
PhD Scholarship
This PhD explores organised sport as a key setting for developing physical literacy in children and adolescents.
Nonlinear Topology Optimisation for Stretchable Mechanical Structures
Closing Date: 01 July 2026 Apply Now
PhD Scholarship
This project aims to develop a novel computational framework for design of stretchable mechanical structures with tailored, exceptional performance.
The Acute and Longitudinal Effects of Muto Supplementation on Physiological Outcomes in Endurance/Resistance Training
Closing Date: 05 July 2026 Apply Now
Top-up Scholarship
This PhD aims to examine the acute and longitudinal effects of a multi-pathway NAD⁺ supplement on exercise performance, training adaptations, and inflammaging profile in middle-aged, physically active adults in a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
Stealth Integrated Sensing and Communications
Closing Date: 15 December 2026 Apply Now
PhD Scholarship
Keep military drones hidden from enemies! This PhD develops cutting-edge stealth communication tech so UAVs can coordinate and sense their environment without ever revealing their presence.
AI Integrated Design of Zwitterionic Lipids for Extrahepatic RNA Delivery
PhD Scholarship
This project aims to develop next‑generation zwitterionic ionizable lipids (ZILs) to enhance the delivery, safety, and tissue targeting of RNA therapeutics beyond the liver. The candidate will join a multidisciplinary team investigating how lipid chemistry, nanoparticle formulation, and biological interfaces together shape RNA delivery performance.
Developing a Technical Framework for Testing Printed Solar Technology
PhD Scholarship
Help shape the future of solar energy. This iPhD project will develop a new technical framework for testing printed solar technologies—an emerging class of ultra-lightweight, flexible photovoltaics. Current international standards were designed for traditional, rigid panels and don't adequately address the unique characteristics of printed solar. Your research will fill this gap, leading to new testing methods that could accelerate the commercial adoption of printed solar and enable its use on structures that can’t support conventional panels. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the next generation of clean energy technologies with real-world impact.
Glenn and Ken Moss PhD Scholarships in Engineering Research
PhD Scholarship
This donor funded supplementation scholarship has been established and funded for University of Newcastle students studying PhD (Mechanical Engineering) or PhD (Mechatronics). If a candidate is not available in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics, then the scholarship may be offered to a student from another Engineering Discipline.
Marathon Health supported Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) HDR Scholarship
PhD Scholarship
The project focuses on understanding the impact of the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone on the local health service system through the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) program.
Media Representation & Public Perception of RNA Vaccines and Therapeutics in Australia
PhD Scholarship
This project will examine how RNA vaccines and therapeutics have been portrayed in Australian media and how these messages shape public understanding, trust, and attitudes.
The Impact of PFAS Contamination on Shorebird Health and Behaviour
PhD Opportunity
The project will measure environmental PFAS levels in the shorebird food chain and in shorebird tissue and relate these to shorebird health and movement ability studied using Motus automated telemetry.
Understanding, Optimizing, and Safeguarding the Thermal Desorption and Destruction of PFAS
PhD Scholarship
The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a research training program, focusing on applied research that benefits industry by solving real-world challenges. It aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia.
Progressive Voices/Movements in Islamic Theology in the (Post-)Secular Society of 21st Century
PhD Opportunity
PhD research on “Progressive Voices/Movements in Islamic Theology in the (Post-)Secular Society of 21st Century”
Recently expired PhD Scholarships
Global Carbon and Biodiversity Market Design for Equity: Environmental and Economic Outcomes across Nations
Closing Date: 02 May 2026 Apply Now
PhD Scholarship
This project will use existing modelling and planning tools to evaluate and refine global carbon and biodiversity market design strategies. The student will gain expertise in stakeholder engagement, scenario development, and environmental modelling.
Recommendations for Australia’s Forest-Based Carbon and Biodiversity Market Expansion
Closing Date: 02 May 2026 Apply Now
PhD Scholarship
This PhD project will develop an Australian-focused modelling framework to assess carbon and biodiversity market designs, comparing environmental and economic outcomes to inform policy. It will involve expert workshops, and stakeholder engagement.
Driving Change Through Research: NSW Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Doctoral Training Centre (DTC)
Closing Date: 15 May 2026 Apply Now
PhD Scholarship
Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence (DFSV) is a significant social issue in NSW that intersects with other forms of systemic and structural inequality, with life threatening consequences.
Photosynthetic Production of Valuable Microbial Biochemicals
Closing Date: 01 June 2026 Apply Now
PhD Scholarship
This project aims to develop a carbon-negative biomanufacturing platform, using cyanobacteria, to produce sustainable biochemicals for agriculture, health, and environmental applications.
Water world Exoplanets: Atmospheric Characterisation with James Webb Space Telescope
Closing Date: 03 June 2026 Apply Now
PhD Scholarship
Use James Webb Space Telescope observations to study exoplanet atmospheres, focusing on the most promising water world candidates. Develop new methods to disentangle planetary signals from instrumental artefacts and stellar noise.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.