La Trobe University - University of Bayreuth Joint PhD Program Scholarship 2025

La Trobe University is offering a graduate research scholarship for a student to undertake a joint PhD with the University of Bayreuth, Germany.

Applications for this scholarship are now open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents.

Students undertaking the joint PhD program will be enrolled in a PhD at both institutions. Your supervisory team will comprise of academic staff from both institutions who will provide support and guidance throughout your research. As a student enrolled at both La Trobe and Bayreuth, you will have access to services and support provided by both institutions, including a range of professional and personal development programs.

You will begin your studies at La Trobe University where you will spend the majority of your time, but with an expectation that you will spend typically 12 months at Bayreuth University. Travel to and study at the host institution will be subject to the usual immigration requirements.

The joint PhD includes a tailored program of progress monitoring to fulfil the requirements of both institutions. All candidates will write and submit a thesis for defence by oral examination. On successful completion of the program requirements, you will be awarded a PhD jointly by both institutions.

The successful applicant can commence at any time with the support of your supervisor, at a La Trobe University campus, and willing to spend typically 12 months based in Bayreuth, Germany.

Projects will remain open until filled, and new opportunities will be posted below as they become available.

Available projects

• There are a number of joint PhD scholarship available to applicants from the range of projects listed below, competitively awarded and selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the selected project. Please contact the primary supervisor for more information about these projects.

UB-25025 - Understanding the Burden of Anterior Knee Pain in Recreational Cyclists

• Primary supervisor: Dr Rodrigo Rico Bini
• Other supervisors: Dr Danilo De Oliveira Silva (LTU), Dr Jan Wilke (UB)
• Our aim is to: 1) investigate the experiences of cyclists with knee pain including burden and symptoms, to compare the cycling biomechanics of those with and without knee pain, and 2) to co-design an intervention in conjunction with cyclists and clinicians to optimise cycling mechanics and loading on the body to prevent knee pain.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirments
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineDecember 31, 2025
• Value$35,000 per annum (2025 rate)
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorLa Trobe University
• City to studyVictoria
• School to studyLa Trobe University
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

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Benefits

• a Research Training Program (RTP) stipend for up to three and a half (3.5) years for a doctoral degree, with a value of $35,000 per annum (2025 rate)
• a Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset scholarship for up to four years for a doctoral degree
• a travel allowance to assist with travel between Melbourne and Bayreuth, Germany and personal expenses while residing in the Germany
• an allowance to relocate to Melbourne to commence the degree and publication/ thesis allowance
• opportunities to work with outstanding researchers at La Trobe and University of Bayreuth universities, and access to our suit of professional development programs

Requirements

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must:

• contact the primary supervisor listed against the project, and receive their invitation to submit a full application
• meet the entrance requirements for the PhD
• not be receiving another scholarship greater than 75 per cent of the stipend rate for the same purpose

Interview Dates and Process

In selecting successful applicants, we prioritise applications from candidates who:

• will be enrolled full-time and undertaking their research at a La Trobe University campus
• have completed a Masters by Research or other significant body of research, such as an honours research thesis or lead authorship of a peer-reviewed publication, assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 75 or above

Application Deadline

December 31, 2025

How To Apply

To apply for one of the joint PhD scholarships, follow these steps:

1. Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the PhD.
2. Select a Project: Choose a project from the available projects above.
3. Review Project Requirements: Check the eligibility criteria and any additional conditions for the chosen project.
4. Contact the Primary Supervisor: Email the primary supervisor for your preferred project to express your interest in applying. Include the following information to help them assess your eligibility:

• A statement outlining your interest in the project and your research goals
• A copy of your academic transcripts
• A copy of your research thesis or any relevant publications
• Your CV

Only eligible applicants will be invited by the primary supervisor to submit a full application for the PhD and scholarship. Please do not submit your application through our online portal without an invitation from the primary supervisor, as your application will not be accepted without their support.

Once invited to apply by the primary supervisor, please follow the instructions on the How to Apply page for the PhD. Remember to include the relevant project code (UB-25---) in your application.

For Domestic Applicants: Select the 'Graduate Research - Specialist Research Scholarship' in your application.

Who to contact for further information?

• Contact the primary supervisor listed against your preferred project to express your interest. 

For more information, kindly visit La Trobe University scholarship webpage.