Monash University PhD Scholarships: Shaping AI's Future 2027

Monash Arts is seeking innovative and socially-conscious researchers who are driven to create meaningful change. Understanding how AI can boost sovereign capability, strengthen national security and build our economic resilience is important. But Monash Arts goes further. We ask questions about how human dimensions - our values, cultures, ethics, politics, languages, histories, health, (mis)communications, geographies, creative practices, policies and institutions - are shaping and being shaped by AI. Research in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS), is more critical than ever before. HASS disciplines offer the tools to unpack the social and ethical complexities of AI and how these shape policies that are not only effective, but are also just and inclusive.

Up to five PhD scholarships are available. These scholarships will be awarded to competitive applicants who are interested in advancing research to tackle the contemporary and future challenges associated with AI and the resultant digital and societal transformations. We seek to recruit curious individuals to work alongside a number of exciting research projects underway at Monash Arts. From exploring youth well-being and mental health, to the future of music, and inclusive communications for CALD communities – we have an exciting research program for those ready to take the next step in their career and academic journey. Below are a series of suggested project titles proposed by internationally-recognised scholars who are looking to expand their research teams.

Table of Content

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

Summary

• Application DeadlineSeptember 30, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorMonash University
• City to studyVictoria
• School to studyMonash University
• Course to studyArtificial Intelligence (AI)
• 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.

Requirements

• Monash University welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds in the humanities, social sciences and creative arts who are committed to addressing contemporary social, cultural, political and environmental challenges associated with the rapid rise of AI systems in Australia and beyond.
• Details of eligibility requirements, including English-language proficiency skills, to undertake a PhD in the Faculty of Arts are available at arts.monash.edu/graduate-research/application-process/.
• 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 will not be considered.

The successful applicant is expected to commence no later than 12th March 2027.

 Enquiries

You are required to discuss your research proposal with an aligned prospective supervisor (see links alongside suggested project titles) before you submit an application.

Selection Process

• The selection committee will prioritise applicants who hold an Australian (or equivalent international) Honour’s or Master’s degree (in a cognate field aligned with proposed research topic) with evidence of a significant research component, and with first-class Honours/H1 (equivalence) awarded.

Application Documents

Applications shall comprise:

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability
• A draft Research Proposal that (i) fits within the scope of this call for research, (ii) aligns, where feasible, with one of the proposed topics, and (iii) demonstrates some understanding of the area of research (e.g., discipline or field of study).

• A detailed 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

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

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Once you have discussed your proposal with the prospective project supervisor, please submit your application via My.App and upload all supporting documentation in pdf format:

• Select Admission Only as the Application Type
• Select ‘Yes’ to indicate that you are applying for a scholarship for this research and enter “PhD Scholarships: Shaping AI’s Future” as the scholarship name under Research Program Funding of the application.
• Select the relevant project supervisor as the name of the proposed main supervisor (final supervision arrangements to be confirmed upon appointment).

For more information, kindly visit Monash University scholarship webpage.