Deakin University PhD Scholarship in Explorations in Space Economics and Law 2026

Deakin University is launching a new research program focused on the future of the space economy - and we’re looking for passionate students who want to help shape the next era of human activity beyond Earth.

This scholarship supports research in Economics, Law, or a combined interdisciplinary approach. You’ll explore how business, policy, and legal systems will guide space-related activities,  from commercial operations and satellite networks to international cooperation and planetary exploration.

Depending on your interest stream, your research may include:

• In Economics, research will apply advanced analytical framework to understand market design, competition, and policy in the space economy. Research may lead to an investigation on how space-related markets and industries function, how to finance large-scale exploration, how governments and private companies collaborate to build space infrastructure, as well as what it means for the global economy to discover a new ‘continent’.
• In Law,  research will focus on how we govern and regulate space-related activities as they expand across civilian, commercial, military and security domains.

This research program within the Faculty of Business and Law is built on collaboration. You’ll have opportunities to engage with government, global agencies, and companies in the aerospace, communications, and technology sectors. The goal is to produce research that shapes real-world policy, supports responsible innovation, and strengthens Australia’s role in the global space economy.

If you're motivated by big questions about our future beyond Earth and you want to help guide how humanity expands into space,  we encourage you to apply.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJanuary 15, 2026
• ValueFully Funded
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorDeakin University
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

This scholarship is available over three years and offers:

• a stipend of $37,450 per annum tax exempt (2026 rate)

For international students, the awardee will also receive:

• tuition fees offset for the duration of four years
• single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.

Requirements

To be eligible you must:

• meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
• enrol full time
• hold an honour's degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.

Additional desirable criteria include:

• Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a background in economics, law, and/or a closely related discipline.
• Applicants with a strong background in quantitative methods, and excellent analytical skills are also encouraged to apply. This includes graduates with an engineering or mathematics background. Prior knowledge of space policy or related fields is welcome but not required.

Check also:
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Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Please email your CV, academic transcript and example of written work, such as journal article, report or student assignment, to Professor Ching-jen Sun (Economics) or Professor Shiri Krebs (Law). Your CV should highlight your skills, education, publications and relevant work experience. If successful, you will be invited to submit a formal application.

If you would like more information or have any questions about this scholarship, please contact the project supervisors.

• Professor Ching-jen Sun (Economics)
• Professor Shiri Krebs (Law)
• Professor Mehmet Ulubasoglu
• Phone: (03) 9244 6592

For more information, kindly visit Deakin University scholarship webpage.