Introduction

Are you passionate about climate change, disaster management, human geography, or public policy? Monash University is offering an outstanding fully funded PhD scholarship for students interested in researching climate displacement in Australia.

Funded through an Australian Research Council (ARC) project, this PhD will investigate the lived experiences of communities displaced by climate-related disasters such as floods and bushfires. The research aims to better understand how displacement affects wellbeing, financial security, and social participation while identifying ways to improve Australia’s future climate displacement policies.

The successful candidate will join an internationally recognized research team led by Dr. Colette Mortreux at Monash University’s School of Social Sciences. In addition to receiving generous financial support, the scholar will gain valuable fieldwork experience, research funding, publication opportunities, and expert academic supervision.

If you’re looking for a fully funded PhD with real-world policy impact, this is an excellent opportunity.

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Overview

Monash University invites applications for a 3.5-year fully funded PhD Scholarship in Climate Displacement in Australia. The scholarship is part of the Australian Research Council-funded project titled “Addressing Long-Term Climate Displacement in Australia.”

The research will focus on understanding the experiences of individuals and communities displaced by climate-related disasters. Using qualitative research methods, the project will examine how displacement intersects with government policies and institutional responses to identify practical improvements for future disaster planning and climate adaptation.

The selected candidate will contribute to the broader ARC project while also developing an independent PhD research project aligned with the overall objectives.

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Area of Study

Applicants from the following disciplines are encouraged to apply:

• Human Geography
• Social Sciences
• Sociology
• Environmental Studies
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Disaster Risk Reduction
• Sustainability
• Public Policy
• Development Studies
• Political Science
• Community Development
• Urban and Regional Planning
• Migration and Mobility Studies

Research themes may include:

• Climate displacement
• Disaster recovery
• Flood and bushfire impacts
• Community resilience
• Climate adaptation
• Social vulnerability
• Public policy
• Institutional governance
• Human mobility
• Community wellbeing
• Financial security
• Social inclusion
• Environmental justice

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Scholarship Benefits

The successful applicant will receive an excellent funding package, including:

• Fully funded PhD for 3.5 years
• Annual tax-free stipend of AUD $37,145 (2026 rate)
• Tuition fee scholarship
• Single Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) for international students
• Funding for fieldwork and research activities
• Conference travel support
• Research transcription support
• Publication opportunities
• Potential co-authored journal articles
• Participation in funded research workshops and symposia
• Expert supervision by leading researchers
• Access to Monash University’s world-class research facilities

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Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold an excellent academic record in Human Geography or a closely related social science discipline.
• Possess an Australian Honours degree (First Class/H1) or an equivalent international Honours or Master’s degree with a significant research component.
• Meet Monash University’s English language proficiency requirements.
• Be eligible for admission to a PhD in the Faculty of Arts.
• Be available to study full-time and on campus at the Clayton campus in Melbourne.
• Applicants who already hold a PhD are not eligible.
• The successful applicant is expected to commence by 29 January 2027, although some flexibility may be available.

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Application Process

Before submitting your application, you must first discuss your proposed research with Dr. Colette Mortreux.

After this discussion, prepare the following documents:

• Cover letter explaining your suitability
• Brief research proposal aligned with the project
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• English language test results (if applicable)
• Contact details of two academic referees

Submit your application through the Monash University online application portal.

During the application:

• Select Admission Only as the application type.
• Choose Yes when asked if you are applying for a scholarship.
• Enter “PhD Scholarship in Climate Displacement in Australia” under the Research Program Funding section.
• Upload all required documents in PDF format.

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Important Dates

Applicants should keep the following timeline in mind:

• Application Deadline: 2 August 2026 (11:55 PM AEST)
• Expected Enrollment: 29 January 2027

Early applications are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for proposal discussions and document preparation.

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Why Apply?

This scholarship offers far more than financial support.

Fully Funded Research

Receive a generous tax-free stipend, tuition coverage, and health insurance, allowing you to focus entirely on your research.

Work on a High-Impact Project

Contribute to an Australian Research Council-funded project addressing one of today’s most urgent global challenges—climate displacement.

Expert Supervision

Work alongside experienced researchers specializing in climate adaptation, human geography, and disaster resilience.

Strong Research Environment

Monash University consistently ranks among the world’s top universities and provides excellent research infrastructure and support.

Career Development

Gain opportunities to publish in leading journals, present at international conferences, collaborate on grant applications, and expand your professional network.

Real-World Policy Impact

Your research has the potential to influence future government policies on climate adaptation, disaster management, and community resilience.

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How to Successfully Apply for Acceptance

To improve your chances of selection, consider the following tips:

• Contact Dr. Colette Mortreux well before the deadline to discuss your research interests.
• Prepare a research proposal that closely aligns with the ARC project’s objectives.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of climate displacement and social science research.
• Highlight any experience in qualitative research, policy analysis, disaster management, or community-based research.
• Showcase publications, conference presentations, or relevant professional experience where applicable.
• Submit a well-structured, error-free application with all required supporting documents.
• Obtain strong academic references who can speak to your research abilities and potential for doctoral study.

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Official Link

Interested applicants can access the complete scholarship details, eligibility requirements, admission information, and online application portal through the official Monash University website. Applicants are encouraged to review all instructions carefully before submitting their applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for this scholarship?

Students with an excellent academic background in Human Geography or related social science disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Is the scholarship fully funded?

Yes. It includes a tax-free annual stipend, tuition fee scholarship, and health insurance for eligible international students.

What is the annual stipend?

Successful applicants will receive AUD $37,145 per year (2026 rate), indexed annually.

Is this scholarship open to international students?

Yes. International students are eligible and will receive tuition coverage and Single Overseas Health Cover (OSHC).

Where will the PhD be based?

The successful applicant will study full-time at Monash University’s Clayton campus in Melbourne, Australia.

What research methods will be used?

The project will primarily use qualitative research methods to examine community experiences of climate displacement.

Do I need to contact the supervisor before applying?

Yes. Applicants must discuss their research proposal with Dr. Colette Mortreux before submitting their application.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2 August 2026 at 11:55 PM AEST.

When will the successful applicant begin?

The expected commencement date is 29 January 2027, with some flexibility if required.

Why should I apply?

This is a rare opportunity to complete a fully funded PhD at one of Australia’s leading universities while contributing to research with significant social and policy impact.