Monash University MSDI Australia PhD Scholarships Australia, 2025/2026

Monash University, located in Melbourne, Australia, is widely recognized for its dedication to innovation, academic excellence, and impactful global research. As one of the top-ranking universities in Australia, it offers a vibrant academic environment, advanced research facilities, and a strong commitment to producing real-world solutions that address global challenges.

One of the university’s flagship initiatives is the Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI), which plays a pivotal role in advancing interdisciplinary research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). MSDI stands as a hub for passionate researchers who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable world. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, policy engagement, and community-driven impact, MSDI empowers future scholars to drive systemic change across multiple sectors.

Scholarship Description

Host University: Morash University
Host Country: Australia ;
Study Level: PhD Level ;
Scholarship Type: Full Funding ;
Scholarship Worth: Check the details below;
Eligible Countries: International students;
Subjects Available: Check the details below;
Application Deadline: October 31^st, 2025.

Monash University is currently inviting applications for its prestigious MSDI Australia PhD Scholarships for the academic years 2025/2026. These fully funded scholarships are open to both domestic and international students who wish to pursue a PhD in sustainability-related research. The scholarships are designed to support groundbreaking and interdisciplinary research that contributes to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Applicants have the flexibility to either propose their own research topic or apply to one of several pre-developed PhD projects led by experienced Monash supervisors. These projects span a diverse array of subjects under the broad theme of sustainability and are developed to address contemporary global challenges.

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The research opportunities offered by MSDI cover unique intersections between behavioral science, education, economics, environmental studies, public health, and more—offering an unparalleled platform for research that matters.

Available Research Projects

For 2025/2026, prospective PhD candidates can apply to supervisor-led projects in key sustainability themes, including:

Behavioral and Systemic Change in Public Policy
Circular Economy Capabilities in Australia
Post-Growth and Sustainable Wellbeing Economics
Everyday Life in Circular Economy Scenarios
Sustainability Competency Frameworks in Education
Help-Seeking Behavior in Higher Education
Behavioral Science in Teaching and Learning Environments
Ethics in Behavioral Interventions
Executive Education and Professional Sustainability Training
Health and Green Infrastructure in Informal Settlements (Fiji and Indonesia)

These projects reflect MSDI’s interdisciplinary approach and offer real-world impact across social, environmental, and economic domains.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants to the Monash MSDI PhD Scholarships can expect a comprehensive financial support package, including:

Full tuition fee coverage
Stipends to support living expenses
Research Training Program (RTP) funding from the Australian Government (for eligible candidates)
MSDI-specific project scholarships for select topics aligned with sustainability goals
Monash Graduate Scholarships awarded on the basis of academic excellence and research capability

Additionally, awardees will benefit from:

Participation in globally networked research teams
Access to interdisciplinary training programs
Opportunities to attend international conferences and workshops
Supervision and mentorship by world-class researchers
Access to Monash University’s extensive academic and professional development resources

Scholarship holders will automatically be considered for several funding rounds throughout the year and will be evaluated competitively based on their academic merit, research experience, and the relevance of their project to MSDI’s sustainability agenda.

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the MSDI Australia PhD Scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Academic Qualifications:
- A four-year undergraduate degree with an Honours year (First Class Honours or equivalent), or
- A completed Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
PhD Admission Requirements:
- Fulfill Monash’s standard PhD admission criteria, which includes submission of academic transcripts, a detailed research proposal, a curriculum vitae, and reference letters
Research Capability:
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research
- Have relevant research experience in sustainability, public policy, education, health, behavioral sciences, or related fields
Project Alignment:
- Show strong alignment with one of MSDI’s pre-listed PhD research projects or submit a compelling self-designed research proposal that addresses an SDG-focused problem

Open to All Nationalities: The scholarships are available to students from any country, with no restrictions based on nationality.

Application Process

The application process is straightforward, but early preparation is encouraged:

Select a Research Topic
1. Visit MSDI’s website or PhD project listings to explore available supervisor-developed topics or plan your own proposal.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
1. An EOI form is the first step for most PhD applications at Monash. Candidates should submit their EOI early to ensure timely feedback and guidance.
Prepare and Submit Full Application
1. Once invited to apply, you must submit:
  1. Academic transcripts
  1. CV and academic achievements
  1. Research proposal or project preference
  1. Contact details of academic referees
Contact MSDI Early
1. Direct inquiries are welcomed. You can email msdi-gr-enquiries@monash.edu or request a call for additional guidance.

Application Deadlines (Key Dates)

Round 3 (For International Applicants)

Applications Open: 1 April
Applications Close: 31 August
Enrolment Period: January – June 2026

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Round 4 (For Domestic Applicants)

Applications Open: 1 June
Applications Close: 31 October
Enrolment Period: January – June 2026

The Monash Sustainable Development Institute represents a transformative platform for students who are passionate about solving global sustainability challenges through rigorous research. MSDI’s PhD scholarships are more than just financial support—they are gateways to purposeful academic careers that can drive change at local and international levels.

Whether you’re interested in behavior change, policy reform, sustainability education, green infrastructure, or circular economic models, Monash University provides you with the tools, mentorship, and support to make a tangible impact. With generous funding, cutting-edge projects, and a collaborative research culture, this is an opportunity to be part of the next generation of sustainability leaders.

If you’re ready to challenge conventional thinking and help build a better future, the MSDI PhD Scholarships at Monash University could be your perfect academic journey.