PhD Scholarship for Designing Dignity: Civic Equity Through Public Bathroom Architecture at Monash University 2026

This is an opportunity for an outstanding PhD candidate with a background in architecture, urban design/planning, geography and/or co-design, and an interest in developing innovative new research exploring the future needs of Australian cities by reconceptualising the role and function of public bathroom amenities as anchor buildings, social assets and “Infrastructures of Care”.

This scholarship is set within the ARC Discovery Project “Designing Dignity: Civic equity through public bathroom architecture” funded by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project awarded to Professor Nicole Kalms and Professor Emily Potter (2026-2028). The project will undertake new research to analyse the value of public bathroom architecture using place-based methods to reimagine these modestly-scaled buildings as outward demonstrations of civic innovation and inclusion for future Australian communities. This innovative approach will shift the current focus on public bathroom design from a pragmatic, minimalist view of technical and ergonomic specifications to an ambitious, multipurpose concept – where a responsive network is shaped by the complexities of rapid urban change, population growth, housing stress and social insecurity.

Table of Content

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

Summary

• Application DeadlineApril 8, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorMonash University
• City to studyVictoria
• School to studyMonash University
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• The successful applicant will receive a Faculty-funded Stipend scholarship (Living Allowance) and Tuition Fee Remission Scholarship
• Relocation Allowance (up to $1000 interstate and $1,500 overseas) and Single coverage of Overseas Student Healthcare Cover (OSHC) for a maximum of 57 months. (overseas applicants only).
• Living Allowance current value: $36,063 p.a. 2025 full-time rate (tax-free stipend); (annually indexed plus allowances as per RTP/MGRO stipend conditions

Requirements

• This is an opportunity for an outstanding PhD candidate with a background in architecture, urban design/planning, geography and/or co-design, and an interest in developing innovative new research exploring the future needs of Australian cities by reconceptualising the role and function of public bathroom amenities as anchor buildings, social assets and “Infrastructures of Care”.

Application Documents

• Your EOI will include a research proposal. When writing your proposal please keep in mind the following focus: Our research focuses on how current public bathroom provisions impede/progress cultures of inclusion? How can these “Infrastructures of Care” provide dignity and communicate shared social value? How place-based community co-design across different cities, suburbs and regions create new discourses and insights to reimagine the civic role of public bathroom architecture and design? How can public bathrooms be reimagined, reconceptualised and reformed to meet the needs of Australians?
• A CV should be included and should demonstrate a strong track record of research excellence.

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

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• For more information, kindly visit the Monash University Scholarship webpage.