Natural Hazards Research Australia’s Postgraduate Research Scholarship program is now open, to support eligible students undertaking full-time study in a research area that aligns with the Centre’s research themes.
Natural Hazards Postgraduate Research Scholarship details
Funding for PhD scholarships is limited to three and a half years from the date of commencement. For applicants that have already commenced their studies at the time of their application, the available funding will be calculated pro-rata, based on the period of study that has yet to be completed.
Preference will be given to students enrolling in full-time PhD studies, but applications from students studying Masters by Research degrees or intending to study part time will also be considered.
We particularly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ people, and people with family and caring responsibilities.
The following scholarships are available:
- Full scholarships: up to $30,000 per year for up to three and a half years for PhD students and up to two years for Masters students (excluding periods of approved leave).
- Top-up PhD scholarships: up to $15,000 per year for three and a half years to either:
- holders of Australian Postgraduate Awards (APA) or similar university research scholarships
- holders of partial scholarships funded by an industry organisation.
Scholarship funds are intended to fund the student stipend. Use of the funds for any other study-related purpose (for example, to support fieldwork) is at the sole discretion of the Centre.
For more information about study areas, eligibility criteria, the assessment process and expectations of scholars, see the buttons at top right corner of this page.
Key dates
- Applications for 2023 scholarships are now open.
- Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application within 12 weeks of submitting their fully completed application.
- Scholarships must be commenced with 12 months of being awarded.
Other support available to scholarship holders
Scholarship holders will be able to:
- apply for additional funding support to attend a relevant conference, and to participate in events and activities run by the Centre.
- participate in professional development activities offered by the Centre, which may include writing skills, media and public speaking training, poster design, and other skills.
- apply for short-term placements in Centre partner organisations.
- apply for a Natural Hazards Early Career Researcher Development or Industry Fellowship through the Centre, in the final stages of their study.
How to apply
Applicants must complete the application form, downloadable from top right corner of this page. If you have any questions or need support completing your application, please email research@naturalhazards.com.au.
For more information about study areas, eligibility criteria, the assessment process and expectations of scholars, see the buttons at top right corner of this page.
Frequently asked questions
Q) Are there any limitations on the amount of paid work I can undertake during my PhD candidature?
A) The amount of paid work would be linked to university policies for PhD students. If the top-up is for full-time research, you would need to comply with the relevant university policies. There would also need to be a demonstration that the paid research work was not likely to have an adverse impact on your PhD research.
Q) What are the leave arrangements provided by the Centre?
A) Leave arrangements will be in accordance with the university policies of the institution students are enrolled at.
Q) What is the maternity leave policy for PhD candidates?
A) We are guided by the relevant university policy for maternity leave. Based on the university policies, we would have a qualifying period of:
- having completed at least 12 months of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) at the time of taking the parental leave, AND
- where the scholarship is awarded after the student commences their study, having completed at least 9 months of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) since receiving a Centre scholarship before the student would be eligible for any parental leave payments.
Q) What is required from my PhD supervisor when it asks for 'your selection as a research student' in the supervisor statement?
A) In the research supervisor’s statement of support, the information regarding ‘your selection as a research student’ should detail why the supervisor chose the applicant as one of their PhD students.
Q) I have completed a draft of my application but would appreciate some feedback on it. Is this something you could help me with?
A) We cannot provide a review of your application draft. We believe that the feedback process at this stage would skew the impartiality of the assessment process.
Q) I am an international student who is undertaking a full time PhD program in Australia and am planning to apply for a top-up scholarship. The application form requires details of my current scholarship and evidence confirming enrolment. Is my Confirmation of Enrolment document sufficient for both queries?
A) Your Confirmation of Enrolment is sufficient as evidence of your enrollment. However, we would need more clarity regarding your scholarship status. Are you currently the recipient of a scholarship/tuition waiver? If yes, do you have any documentation that can show us this information? If you are not, we would need documentation that shows that you have the ability to provide your tuition for the duration of your candidature.