Monash University PhD Scholarship - Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) 2027

Applications are invited from outstanding domestic and international candidates for a PhD scholarship embedded within the Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) program.

RISE is an internationally recognised interdisciplinary research program developing and evaluating nature-based and hybrid infrastructure to improve health, environmental quality and climate resilience in informal settlements. As the program moves from successful pilot projects towards municipal and national implementation, these PhD projects investigate the scientific, technical and institutional innovations required to enable large-scale impact.

Successful candidates will join the Transforming Cities Hub at Monash University and work within an international network of researchers and implementation partners across Australia and Indonesia.

Table of Content

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

Summary

• Application DeadlineSeptember 28, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorMonash University
• City to studyVictoria
• School to studyMonash University
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• The successful applicant will receive a Research Living Allowance, at current value of $41,100 AUD per annum 2027 full-time rate (tax-free stipend), indexed plus allowances.
• Suitable candidates may also have opportunities for sessional teaching.
• A tuition fee scholarship will be provided for a successful international awardee.
• International students are responsible for relocation, visa and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) costs.

Requirements

Monash University welcome applicants with First Class Honours or a Master's degree in a relevant discipline.

Depending on the project, suitable backgrounds may include:

• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• GIS and Spatial Science
• Architecture
• Landscape Architecture
• Urban Design
• Urban Planning
• Environmental Science
• Public Policy
• Social Sciences

Applicants should demonstrate:

• excellent analytical and research capability
• interest in interdisciplinary and applied research
• motivation to work collaboratively with government and community partners
• excellent written and oral English communication skills
• capacity to undertake independent doctoral research.

Applicants must satisfy Monash University PhD admission requirements.

Research Statement (Maximum 1000 words)

Applicants are asked to prepare a Research Statement (maximum 1,000 words). The Research Statement is intended to help the selection panel understand your research interests, motivation, relevant experience, and suitability for the nominated project. It should respond to the prompts below rather than take the form of a formal research proposal.

Please identify the project (1, 2 or 3) you are applying for and address the following:

1. the related research problem you wish to investigate
2. why this question is important within the context of climate-resilient urban transformations
3. your proposed research approach and methods
4. how your background, experience and interests have prepared you for the project

In addition to the Research Statement, applicants should provide a list of key references cited (APA format) and, where applicable, a brief Statement of AI Use (see below). These are not included in the 1,000-word limit.

Monash University is interested in understanding your thinking, your motivation, and your capacity to undertake doctoral research, rather than seeing a polished or finalised proposal.

Application Deadline

September 28, 2026

How To Apply

Submit an Expression of Interest

EOIs should include:

• Research statement (maximum 1,000 words).
• academic transcripts
• evidence of English-language proficiency (if applicable)
• curriculum vitae using the Architecture CV template provided here
• portfolio (where relevant)
• research publications/writing sample

EOIs must be emailed to [email protected].

Applicants must satisfy the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (MADA) PhD admission requirements. Please refer to the MADA Graduate Research application page for eligibility criteria and application information.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview via Zoom.

The successful candidate should be ready to commence by February 2027.

Project-related questions - [email protected]

Admission requirements - [email protected]

For more information, kindly visit Monash University scholarship webpage.