Note: This scholarship has expired. The Monash University MSDI PhD Scholarships 2025 are no longer accepting applications.
Monash University’s MSDI PhD Scholarships 2025 offered a fully funded opportunity for students passionate about sustainable development. Hosted by the Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI), the program supported domestic and international students addressing global challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Applicants had the option to join an existing supervisor-led project or propose their own research. Monash provided world-class research infrastructure, mentorship, and generous funding for all candidates committed to advancing sustainability.
Why Choose the Monash MSDI PhD Program?
Monash University is one of Australia’s leading research institutions, home to approximately 86,000 students worldwide, including 30,000 international students from over 100 countries. Its global rankings include:
QS World University Rankings 2025/26: #36–37
Times Higher Education 2025: #58
US News 2024–25: #35
Monash also ranks in the top 100 for 44 subjects, with notable strengths in Pharmacy (#4 QS), Mining (#15), Nursing (#24), and Materials Science (#29).
The MSDI brings together experts from multiple disciplines to solve real-world sustainability issues while supporting PhD students with funding, skills development, professional networks, and research experience.
Available PhD Research Areas
Students could either join supervisor-developed projects or propose their own research. Sample topics included:
Behavioral and Systemic Change – Influence of behavioral science on public policy.
Circular Economy Competency – Building Australia’s circular economy capacity.
Post-Growth and Sustainable Wellbeing – Exploring alternatives to growth-based economic frameworks.
Green Infrastructure in Informal Settlements – Field studies in Indonesia and Fiji.
Sustainability in Higher Education – Student behavior and professional training evaluation.
Health and Wellbeing Interventions – Applying behavioral science in global education systems.
These projects reflected the program’s flexibility and alignment with current sustainability challenges.
Scholarship Options
Monash University offered three main scholarship types:
Monash Graduate Scholarships (MGS) – Based on research potential and academic merit.
Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships – Funded by the Australian Government.
MSDI Project-Specific Scholarships – Targeted funding for SDG-aligned topics.
Eligibility for one or more scholarships was automatically assessed during application review. Selection was competitive, based on academic history, research experience, and alignment with MSDI goals.
Eligibility Criteria
These scholarships were open to students of all nationalities. Key requirements included:
Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours (4-year) or a Master’s degree.
Meeting Monash PhD admission standards (GPA, references, proposal quality).
Ability to conduct independent, high-impact research.
Proposed research aligned with SDGs or participation in a guided project.
The program was suitable for both emerging sustainability scholars and experienced researchers.
Application Timeline
Round 3 – International Applicants
Applications Open: April 1
Applications Close: August 31
Enrolment Period: January – June
Round 4 – Domestic Applicants
Applications Open: June 1
Applications Close: October 31
Enrolment Period: January – June
Early communication with supervisors was encouraged, particularly for MSDI-specific research projects.
How to Apply
To apply, candidates would:
Visit Monash’s graduate research portal.
Select a supervisor-led project or submit a personal proposal.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or a full PhD application.
Attach transcripts, research proposal, and referee details.
Await further guidance from Monash admissions or MSDI.
For queries, applicants could contact: [email protected].
Final Thoughts
The Monash MSDI PhD Scholarships 2025 offered more than funding—they provided a platform for students to contribute to global sustainability solutions while building a research career at a top-ranked university.
Though this program is now closed, prospective students should monitor Monash MSDI for upcoming scholarship opportunities in sustainability research.
FAQs
Q1: Are these scholarships open to international students?
Yes, students from any country were eligible to apply.
Q2: What research areas are covered?
Projects spanned sustainability, circular economy, behavioral change, green infrastructure, health interventions, and more.
Q3: Can I propose my own PhD topic?
Yes, applicants could submit their own research proposals or join supervisor-led projects.
Q4: What funding options were available?
Monash offered MGS, RTP, and MSDI project-specific scholarships, covering tuition and living expenses.
Q5: When was the application deadline?
The final deadline for domestic applicants was October 31, 2025.