MURDOCH UNIVERSITY
Murdoch University ARC Linkage PhD Research Scholarships
full · phd
- ~AUD 32,000 / year (€20,000 est.)Annual research stipend
- Full tuition coveredFees
- 4 scholarshipsPlaces available
- 1 of 4 research topicsProject choice
- Domestic & internationalEligibility
- 3 years full-timePhD duration
At a glance
full
Funding
€22k
Max amount
Jul 31, 2026
Deadline
All countries (domestic and international applicants)
Country
Murdoch University
Provider
Murdoch University in Perth, Australia, offers four ARC Linkage PhD Research Scholarships for both domestic and international students in ecology, environmental science, artificial intelligence, and computer science. The scholarships are supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and Murdoch University and fund an interdisciplinary project to develop AI-driven ecological monitoring tools, bringing together ecologists, statisticians, computer scientists, and the mining industry to support ecosystem restoration. The awards cover full tuition fees and provide an annual research stipend of roughly 32,000 AUD (around 20,000 EUR (est.)) for living costs over the standard 3-year PhD. Candidates choose 1 of 4 research topics, ranging from dark-diversity and functional-trait ecology to community-assembly modelling and machine-learning-based monitoring. Applicants must hold an Honours or Master's degree in a relevant field, have strong English communication, and be able to work in a multidisciplinary team; Topic 4 requires strong programming skills. The scholarship is open to students of all nationalities. Because the stipend rate, number of places, and exact closing date are set each round, confirm the current 2026/2027 figures and deadline on the official Murdoch University page before you apply.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — Full tuition fee coverage for the duration of the PhD at Murdoch University for both domestic and international scholars.
- Research stipend — An annual research stipend of roughly AUD 32,000 (around €20,000 (est.)) funded by the ARC and Murdoch University for living costs.
- Research facilities — Access to advanced research facilities and collaboration with leading experts across ecology, statistics, and computer science.
- Interdisciplinary training — Structured interdisciplinary training and career development as part of an ARC Linkage research team working with the mining industry.
- Industry collaboration — Involvement in a real-world project developing AI-driven ecological monitoring tools for ecosystem restoration.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through Murdoch University's official postgraduate research portal, including your supporting documents and chosen research topic.
- Choose your research topic — Select one of the four available topics, from dark-diversity and functional-trait ecology to community-assembly modelling or AI-based ecological monitoring.
- Check eligibility — Confirm you hold a relevant Honours or Master's degree and meet the skills and experience requirements for your chosen topic.
- Prepare your documents — Assemble your curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, research proposal, and references for submission.
- Submit the online application — Apply via Murdoch University's official postgraduate research portal, attaching all required documents.
- Submit before the deadline — Complete and submit your application before the closing date around July 2026 (est.) to be considered for the funded places.
Eligibility
QualificationAn Honours or Master's degree in ecology, environmental science, or botany (Topics 1 to 3), or in computer science, mathematics, or electrical engineering with strong programming skills (Topic 4).
NationalityOpen to students of all nationalities, including both Australian and international applicants.
SkillsStrong English communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team.
Research experienceRelevant experience in community and functional ecology, ecological restoration, or programming, machine learning, and statistical tools such as R (for Topic 4).
Prior publications and knowledge of AI methodologies are advantageous but not mandatory. Candidates select one of the four available research topics when applying.
Eligible countries
All countries (domestic and international applicants)
Deadlines
2026/2027 PhD cycle~31 July 2026 (est.)
Selection
Murdoch University assesses applicants on their academic record, research proposal, references, and fit with the chosen ARC Linkage research topic. Candidates with relevant research experience, strong English communication, and, for Topic 4, programming and machine-learning skills are favoured, and the four funded places are offered to the strongest applicants able to contribute to the interdisciplinary team.
Verified sources
- Murdoch University - Scholarshipsmurdoch.edu.auofficial
- Murdoch University - Postgraduate Researchmurdoch.edu.auofficial
About the provider
Murdoch University is a public research university in Perth, Western Australia, founded in 1973. It is known for research in environmental and life sciences, veterinary science, and engineering, and runs ARC Linkage PhD scholarships in partnership with the Australian Research Council and industry collaborators.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for the Murdoch University ARC Linkage PhD Scholarships?
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Both domestic and international students of all nationalities with a relevant Honours or Master's degree in ecology, environmental science, artificial intelligence, or computer science.
What does the scholarship cover?
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It provides full tuition fee coverage plus an annual research stipend of roughly AUD 32,000 (around €20,000 (est.)) and access to advanced research facilities.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
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Yes, it covers full tuition fees and a research stipend funded by the ARC and Murdoch University for the duration of the PhD.
How many scholarships are available?
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There are four ARC Linkage PhD Research Scholarships available.
What research will I be involved in?
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You will work on AI-driven ecological monitoring tools as part of an interdisciplinary team focused on ecological restoration and advanced computing techniques.
What research topics can I choose from?
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Dark-diversity and community completeness, functional trait spaces, community-assembly modelling, or AI-based ecological monitoring tools.
Are specific programming skills required?
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Yes, applicants for Topic 4 (AI-based ecological monitoring) should have strong programming skills in machine learning, image processing, and statistical tools.
Can I apply without prior publications?
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Yes, prior publications are not mandatory, though they and knowledge of AI methodologies are considered an advantage.
What documents do I need?
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A CV, academic transcripts, a research proposal, and references submitted through the official Murdoch University portal.
When is the application deadline?
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The deadline falls around 31 July 2026 (est.); confirm the exact closing date on the official Murdoch University page.
How do I apply?
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Submit an online application via Murdoch University's official postgraduate research portal with your documents and chosen research topic.
Where can I verify the latest details?
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On the official Murdoch University scholarships and postgraduate research pages linked in the sources section.