Monash University is Offering PhD Scholarships in Climate and/or Environmental Change – Apply Before 29 September 2025
Monash University – Faculty of Arts
Location: Clayton Campus, Melbourne
Employment Type: Full-time | Duration: 3.5 Years (Fixed Term)
Stipend: $36,063 AUD per annum (2025 rate, tax-free), indexed annually, plus allowances as per RTP scholarship conditions.
The Opportunity
As the world confronts intensifying environmental and climate challenges, the role of the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) becomes increasingly critical. Monash University is offering up to five PhD scholarships for students passionate about investigating the human dimensions of climate and environmental change—spanning values, culture, policy, communication, histories, health, politics, and justice.
Researchers within the Faculty of Arts are addressing issues such as climate communication, resilience, Indigenous knowledge, policy-making, and the social impacts of environmental transitions. These scholarships will support high-impact doctoral research aimed at driving transformative and equitable climate solutions through interdisciplinary approaches.
Successful candidates will be part of a thriving, internationally connected academic environment, working under the guidance of leading researchers and contributing to projects that combine academic rigour with real-world relevance.
Proposed Research Themes
Scholarships will align with ongoing faculty research projects. Applicants are encouraged to develop their research proposals based on the following themes:
- Consulting Geographies: The Growing Climate Economy in Australia – Dr Svenja Keele
- Communicating Data to Advance Community and Ecological Wellbeing – Prof. Libby Lester
- Making Futures Together: Creative Methods for Climate Action – Prof. Stacy Holman-Jones
- National Climate Action Survey: Exploring Climate Futures – Prof. Libby Lester
- The Climate Crisis and the Ethics of Care in Disaster Journalism – Dr Deb Anderson
- Youth-Led Climate Communication and Eco-Anxiety – Prof. Stacy Holman-Jones
- Environmental Histories of the Southern Ocean – Dr Rohan Howitt
- Climate Communication: Data, Discourse, and Disinformation – Prof. Libby Lester
- Subterranean Cities in the Asia-Pacific: Environmental Histories – Dr Samson Lim
- Storymaking Approaches to Climate Adaptation – Prof. Stacy Holman-Jones
- Sonic Vocabularies: Music as Climate Communication – Dr Louise Devenish
- Gender and Environmentalism on Social Media – Dr Deb Anderson
Applicants may propose additional topics, provided they align with the broader aims of climate and environmental change research within Monash Arts.
Candidate Requirements
Monash welcomes applicants from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. Ideal candidates will possess:
- An Australian (or international equivalent) Honours or Master’s degree in a relevant HASS field, with a significant research component
- A First-Class Honours (H1) or equivalent academic achievement
- A demonstrated interest in climate or environmental research from a social or cultural perspective
- Strong written and analytical capabilities
- English language proficiency as per Monash Graduate Research requirements
Note: Individuals who already hold a PhD are not eligible. Scholarship holders must enroll full-time and be based on-campus at the Clayton location.
Enrolment must commence no later than 30 January 2026, though a small degree of flexibility may be considered.
What Monash Offers
Successful applicants will join Australia’s largest university, known for its global research footprint and multi-disciplinary innovation. Monash Arts fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive research culture across its six campuses and global networks.
Benefits include:
- A competitive tax-free stipend with annual indexation
- Access to international mobility grants and professional development opportunities
- Participation in collaborative and interdisciplinary research teams
- Networking with scholars and institutions addressing environmental challenges across the globe
Application Process
Prospective applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) before applying. Prior to submission, it is essential to discuss the proposed project with a listed supervisor.
The EOI must include:
- A cover letter with a brief statement of research preparedness and suitability
- A research proposal (max. 750 words) that:
- Aligns with the scholarship call
- Demonstrates relevance to one or more listed themes
- Shows clear understanding of the research context
- A detailed CV, including research experience, publications, and relevant academic/professional work
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates, with a grading explanation
- English language proficiency results (if applicable)
- Contact details of two academic referees
Once the EOI is reviewed and approved by a prospective supervisor, applicants should submit their formal application via the Expression of Interest form, clearly indicating they are applying for a “PhD Scholarship in Climate and/or Environmental Change”.
Deadline:
Monday, 29 September 2025, at 11:55 PM AEST
Further Information
For more details on eligibility and application steps, please visit:
https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research/application-process/
Monash University acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which its Australian campuses stand and pays respect to Elders past, present, and emerging.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding University. For any inquiries, please contact the Monash University directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
