2026 PhD Scholarship in Australian Archaeology at Monash University

Up to 3 PhD scholarships are offered as important parts of an ARC-funded project Katungal: Managing Archaeological Sites Threatened by Sea Level Rise, conducted by a team of transdisciplinary researchers co-ordinated by Elder Uncle Russell Mullett of the GunaiKurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) and Professor Bruno David of Monash University.

These PhD projects will be part of the broader ARC project that aims to investigate the deep-time Aboriginal occupation of the shoreline and near-shore environments of Gippsland, GunaiKurnai Country, Victoria. The successful PhD candidates will each be expected to archaeologically excavate, analyse and write-up for their PhDs the results one or more ancestral cultural sites such as shell “middens” in GunaiKurnai Country. The successful PhD candidates are expected to have reasonable excavation experience, but will be mentored into fine-grained excavation methods approved by both GLaWAC and Professor David at Monash. Applications that focus on specialised topics such as those relating to archaeological faunal remains, geoarchaeology, stone artefact analysis, the specialised use of the coast and/or offshore islands, impacts of people and/or climate change on coastal landscapes, and/or the archaeology of settlement systems are welcomed.

Table of Content

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

Summary

• Application DeadlineMarch 9, 2026
• Value$37,145
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorMonash University
• City to studyVictoria
• School to studyMonash University
• Course to studyArchaeology
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• The successful applicant will receive a Research Living Allowance, at current value of $37,145AUD per annum 2026 full-time rate (tax-free stipend)
• indexed plus allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions at: https://www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/scholarships/scholarship-policy-and-procedures.

Requirements

• The successful applicants will each have an excellent academic track record in archaeology and related disciplines, and preferably also some undergraduate training in social anthropology or Indigenous studies. Competence in both quantitative and qualitative research methods is desirable.
• In its assessment, the selection committee will prioritise applicants who hold an Australian (or equivalent international) Honour’s or Master’s degree (both in a relevant field), with a significant research component and with first-class Honours/H1 awarded.
• Details of eligibility requirements, including English-language proficiency skills, to undertake a PhD in the Faculty of Arts are available at www.monash.edu/arts/graduate_research/how-to-apply Applicants should ensure they familiarise themselves with these requirements before deciding whether they should apply.
• Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus. Please note: applicants who already hold a PhD in archaeology will not be considered.
• The successful candidates will need to abide by GunaiKurnai cultural protocols as guided by the GunaiKurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation when undertaking this research, and by the Monash and AIATSIS Codes of Ethics.
• The successful applicants will be expected to enrol by 1 June 2026, with earlier enrolment possible. There may be some flexibility as to the date of commencement of the PhDs.

Application Documents

EOIs shall comprise:

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability
• A brief research proposal not exceeding 750 words in length that fits within the broad project aims and objectives, and demonstrates some understanding of the area of research
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works, conference presentations and relevant work experience
• A full statement of academic records, degree certificates and official grading system (if available), supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
• English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
• Names and contact details of 2 academic referees
• Copy of your current passport (if available)

Check also:
ANU Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026
University of Canberra Research Scholarships 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• You are required to discuss your research proposal with Professor Bruno David, Monash Indigenous Studies Centre, Monash University. Email: [email protected] before you submit an Expression of Interest.
• Once you have discussed your EOI with Professor Bruno David, please submit your Expression of Interest Form and indicate that you are applying for a “Special Scholarship Scheme – PhD Scholarship in Australian Archaeology”.

For more information, kindly visit the Monash University website.