The University of Groningen and Macquarie University are offering a scholarship to support an exceptional student to undertake doctoral research on how to realise the 15-minute city in Sydney and Rotterdam (The Netherlands). This project will study sustainable transport and urban climate resilience with a focus on the implementation of the so-called ‘15-minute city’ concept through a comparative study of Sydney and Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
With increased investment in housing and major transport infrastructure (such as metro and light rail), and the need to reduce emissions and congestion from car use, this project aims to contribute to rethinking the role of neighbourhoods in urban planning through a focus on the ‘15-minute city’. This concept refers to the goal of people being able to fulfill their daily needs close to home, with:
- easy access to grocery stores and social, recreation, health and education needs on foot or bicycle
- public transportation to reach more distant needs, such as employment, hospitals, high schools, universities and cultural opportunities.
This proposed research focuses on urban planning in Sydney and Rotterdam where walkable and cyclable green corridors are being created with an emphasis on neighbourhood and citizen engagement. Green areas and corridors, which may incorporate blue water elements as well, are important:
- for climate mitigation, to replace car use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- as climate adaptation to incorporate green into city neighbourhoods for amenity reasons as well as mitigating the heat-island effect.
The social significance of the proposed research lies in its contribution to understanding how climate resilience and quality of life may be enhanced through development of the 15-minute city concept and the strengthening of neighbourhood social connections. Delivering observable improvements at the neighbourhood level in terms of walkability and cyclability, urban greening, parks and other neighbourhood amenities, social interactions and improved connectivity has the potential to build social capital and improve climate resilience.
The kinds of research questions this project could explore include:
- To what extent are cities striving in their urban planning actions to implement potential synergies between their climate change agenda (mitigation and adaptation) and neighbourhood resilience?
- How are cities implementing concepts related to the neighbourhood 15-minute city concept, in terms of walking and cycling, and what factors enable or constrain the realisation of this planning goal?
- How are equity issues being incorporated into planning and action toward the 15-minute neighbourhood?
- How are the two cities of Rotterdam and Sydney, part of the C40 Leadership Group on Climate, developing neighbourhood projects incorporating elements of nature based solutions and walking and cycling corridors, with community engagement?
This research project would suit someone who is interested in:
- active transport, including improved cycling and walkability
- community engagement and social connections
- governance
- housing access and infrastructure
- sustainable transport
- urban climate resilience
- urban green spaces
- urban planning
- urban sustainability.
Table of Content
Summary
- Application DeadlineJanuary 20, 2026
- ValueFully Funded
- Study LevelPhD
- SponsorMacquarie University
- Eligible CountryAll Countries
Subscribe for Scholarship Alert!
Benefits
The scholarship comprises the equivalent of a full-fees award and stipend for a period of up to 36 months. Scholarship holders will be expected to have submitted their thesis for examination by the end of that period.
The Macquarie scholarship contribution will include the following components:
- 36-month tuition fee scholarship for Macquarie fees
- stipend scholarship at an annual rate of AUD $39,700 (tax exempt, 2026 rate), paid pro-rata for the period spent on campus at Macquarie
- airfare allowance for flights between the country of the Partner University and Sydney up to AUD $4000.
The University of Groningen contribution will include the following components:
- salary for 12 months in salary scale of €3059–€3881 gross per month (November 2025 rate, subject to change depending on when the candidate starts the project at Groningen).
Unless otherwise specified, the scholarships do not cover:
- any continuation, extension, or resubmission period/fees
- a research training grant or another equivalent award for research expenses
- support for travel, immigration, health insurance and related charges between the partner institutions.
Requirements
Admission and scholarship criteria of both universities must be met:
Additional criteria
Applicants must not already:
- hold a doctoral degree
- be matriculated for a doctoral degree at the University of Groningen, Macquarie University, or another institution.
We are particularly interested in candidates with a background in human geography or urban planning, however, we are also keen to welcome interested candidates from cognate disciplines, including:
- anthropology
- environmental studies
- political science
- social sciences
- sociology
- spatial sciences
- sustainability studies
- urban studies.
Check also:
2025 Faculty of Engineering International Tuition Fee Research Scholarship at The University of Sydney Australia
Scholarship winning strategies for 2026
Application Deadline
January 20, 2026How To Apply
Applicants are to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) via email directly to both:
- the Macquarie supervisor Associate Professor Fiona Miller, Deputy Director of the Macquarie University Housing and Urban Research Centre, at [email protected]
- the Groningen supervisor Professor Ronald L Hozhacker at [email protected].
Use the subject line ‘The 15 Minute City’.
Include the following documents:
- CV including information about publications
- transcripts of most relevant/recent degrees
- information about research thesis components (thesis mark, word count, weight and length in comparison to the degree overall, thesis examination process)
- statement of interest in and suitability as a candidate for the project (max 500 words)
- indication that you meet the English language requirements for entry into a PhD program at both universities, or are willing to obtain relevant English language proficiency test results.
Full application:
- The preferred candidate will be invited to submit a formal application to Macquarie University and Groningen University.
- At Macquarie, candidates apply for the PhD program and the cotutelle/joint PhD scholarship through the Macquarie application portal.
- At the University of Groningen, candidates apply for the double doctorate program by submitting a standard form and any additional required documents through the Groningen supervisor.
- Upon formal application, the Macquarie Global Programs Team and University of Groningen International Office/Doctoral School draft and finalise the student agreement. Enrolment is subject to formal offer, acceptance and agreement finalisation at Macquarie.
- All relevant entry and immigration requirements for both institutions must be met.
Contact:
Further enquiries about the global PhD scholarships may be addressed to:
Groningen
Macquarie
For more information, kindly visit Macquarie University scholarship webpage.
