Apply For The Monash University PhD Scholarship Opportunity In Climate And Environmental Change 2025

About the Monash University PhD Scholarships in Climate and Environmental Change

Monash University, one of Australia’s most prestigious research institutions, is inviting passionate and driven individuals to apply for its PhD Scholarships in Climate and/or Environmental Change within the Faculty of Arts. These competitive scholarships offer aspiring researchers the opportunity to explore how humanity can address some of the most pressing environmental and climate challenges of our time.

The scholarships are designed for those who wish to investigate the human dimensions of climate and environmental change, drawing from the perspectives of the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS). Topics range from climate policy and environmental justice to communication, history, cultural values, health, and governance.

Based at Monash’s vibrant Clayton campus in Melbourne, successful candidates will work in a collaborative and globally connected environment, guided by leading academics whose research has real-world impact. This program not only nurtures academic excellence but also focuses on developing solutions that are socially inclusive, culturally aware, and environmentally sustainable.

Eligible Fields

The Monash University PhD Scholarship is open to research proposals in diverse HASS-related disciplines, including but not limited to:

Climate communication and media studies
Environmental history and heritage studies
Cultural and political aspects of environmental change
Climate ethics and justice
Indigenous knowledge and environmental resilience
Policy-making for climate adaptation and mitigation
Gender, identity, and environmental activism
Creative arts approaches to climate action
Social responses to environmental transformation

These fields reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the program, encouraging research that bridges academic knowledge with tangible societal outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Hold an Australian Honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant HASS discipline with a substantial research component.
Have achieved First-Class Honours (H1) or an equivalent high academic standing.
Demonstrate a clear academic or professional interest in climate and/or environmental change from a social, cultural, or political perspective.
Possess excellent analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills.
Meet Monash University’s English language proficiency requirements.
Commit to full-time, on-campus study at the Clayton campus.
Be ready to commence enrolment no later than 30 January 2026 (with limited flexibility).

Please note that applicants who already hold a PhD are not eligible for this scholarship.

Selection Criteria

The selection process will be highly competitive, focusing on:

Academic excellence and research potential.
Originality and feasibility of the proposed research project.
Alignment with the faculty’s climate and environmental change research themes.
Demonstrated commitment to contributing to societal solutions.
The applicant’s potential to thrive in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.

Eligible Countries

This Monash University PhD Scholarship is open to both domestic and international candidates from all countries, making it an excellent opportunity for global researchers to contribute to Australia’s leadership in climate-related scholarship.

Proposed Research Themes

Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals that align with ongoing faculty research, including (but not limited to) the following themes:

Consulting Geographies: The Growing Climate Economy in Australia – Dr Svenja Keele
Communicating Data to Advance Community and Ecological Wellbeing – Prof. Libby Lester
Making Futures Together: Creative Methods for Climate Action – Prof. Stacy Holman-Jones
National Climate Action Survey: Exploring Climate Futures – Prof. Libby Lester
The Climate Crisis and the Ethics of Care in Disaster Journalism – Dr Deb Anderson
Youth-Led Climate Communication and Eco-Anxiety – Prof. Stacy Holman-Jones
Environmental Histories of the Southern Ocean – Dr Rohan Howitt
Climate Communication: Data, Discourse, and Disinformation – Prof. Libby Lester
Subterranean Cities in the Asia-Pacific: Environmental Histories – Dr Samson Lim
Storymaking Approaches to Climate Adaptation – Prof. Stacy Holman-Jones
Sonic Vocabularies: Music as Climate Communication – Dr Louise Devenish
Gender and Environmentalism on Social Media – Dr Deb Anderson

Applicants may also propose their own topics if they align with the broader aims of the program.

Required Documents

When submitting the Expression of Interest (EOI), applicants must provide:

A cover letter highlighting research preparedness and suitability for the program.
A detailed research proposal (up to 750 words) showing clear alignment with at least one research theme.
An up-to-date CV detailing academic achievements, publications, and relevant experience.
Certified academic transcripts and degree certificates.
An explanation of the grading system used at the awarding institution.
Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).
Contact details of two academic referees who can comment on research potential.

Benefits of the Monash University PhD Scholarships in Climate and Environmental Change

Recipients will enjoy a range of benefits, including:

Generous stipend of $36,063 AUD per year (tax-free, 2025 rate), indexed annually.
Additional allowances in line with Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship conditions.
Opportunities for international research mobility and conference travel.
Access to professional development, workshops, and mentorship.
Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams tackling real-world climate challenges.
Membership in a vibrant and inclusive research community at one of Australia’s leading universities.

How to Apply

The application process is twofold:

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Before submission, discuss your proposal with a relevant listed supervisor.
- Use the EOI form and ensure you indicate you are applying for the “PhD Scholarship in Climate and/or Environmental Change.”
Formal Application
- Once your EOI is approved by a supervisor, proceed with the full application following Monash’s graduate research application process.

Deadline: Monday, 29 September 2025 at 11:55 PM AEST