University of Sydney Opens A$42,754 PhD Scholarship in Sustainable Living
The University of Sydney has opened applications for a PhD scholarship offering a stipend of A$42,754 per year for research focused on sustainable living. Applications opened on September 29, 2026 and will close on October 12, giving eligible researchers a short window to apply for the funded doctoral opportunity.
The scholarship is based within the University's School of Physics and supports research into sustainable living pathways under changing demographic, policy, behavioural and socio-economic conditions.
University of Sydney PhD Scholarship 2026: Key Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Postgraduate Research Scholarship in Sustainable Living Under Demographic and Socio-economic Changes |
| University | University of Sydney |
| School | School of Physics, Faculty of Science |
| Applications Open | September 29, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | October 12, 2026 |
| Stipend | A$42,754 per year at the current RTP rate |
| Study Level | PhD |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must have an unconditional offer of admission, or already be enrolled, in a full-time PhD within the School of Physics at the University of Sydney.
Candidates must also hold an appropriate academic qualification in a sustainability-related field, including:
- A First Class or upper Second Class Honours degree or equivalent, or
- A relevant Master's degree
The University says suitable applicants may have backgrounds in areas such as economics, environmental science, social science or related disciplines.
What Research Will the PhD Focus On?
The successful candidate will investigate ways of evaluating sustainable living pathways under different demographic, policy and behavioural assumptions. The research is expected to examine how changing social and economic conditions influence pathways towards more sustainable living.
The recipient will work as part of a research team under the supervision of Professor Manfred Lenzen.
Scholarship Benefits
- A stipend equivalent to the University of Sydney RTP stipend rate
- Funding for up to 12 research periods
- Possible extension for up to two additional research periods
- Student Services and Amenities Fee support for eligible international recipients
- Overseas Student Health Cover for an international recipient, single cover only
Continued funding is subject to satisfactory academic performance and successful annual progress reviews.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes. The scholarship conditions specifically include benefits for a successful international recipient, including the Student Services and Amenities Fee and single-cover overseas health insurance for the normal full-time duration of the degree.
An applicant who does not yet have an unconditional PhD offer may still apply and be selected, but the University states that a formal scholarship offer cannot be issued until unconditional admission has been obtained.
How Will Candidates Be Selected?
Selection will consider:
- Academic merit
- Field of study and research proposal
- Curriculum vitae and previous research outputs
- A personal statement demonstrating interest in the project
What Is Funding the Research?
The scholarship is funded through the Frontiers Planet Prize awarded to Professor Arunima Malik for research examining international trade and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Eligible candidates interested in sustainability, environmental research and socio-economic modelling should prepare their PhD admission and scholarship documents before the October 12, 2026 deadline.
