Apply for a 2026 PhD Scholarship Now!

2 July 2025

Now Open! – Deakin University Postgraduate Research (DUPR) scholarship applications

Applications Due

PhD Scholarships are available annually for projects that align with CRADLE’s research themes and our current programs of research.

If you’re a domestic or international student specifically interested in the areas of assessment and/or digital learning, you can apply for a scholarship through the Faculty of Arts and Education to undertake your research with CRADLE. The successful applicant will work on a project that considers assessment and/or digital learning in higher education, and will contribute evidence to inform assessment research, policy, and practice. We welcome applications that align to CRADLE’s research themes, and encourage applicants to consult our list of prospective topics.

Who can apply for the scholarship?

Scholarship applications are open to domestic and international students and your candidature will commence in February 2026. To be competitive for a scholarship you should already have an H1, first class, or 80%+ grade in your previous studies, especially in the research thesis component, or equivalent demonstrated high quality research experience. The scholarship will be awarded on a full-time basis based at CRADLE’s Melbourne CBD location, Deakin Downtown.

Our Team and Research Themes

Our team of leading higher education researchers includes Deakin Distinguished Professor David Boud, Professor Phillip Dawson, Professor Margaret Bearman, Associate Professor Joanna Tai, and Dr Juuso Nieminen. We collaborate with all of Deakin’s faculties and divisions along with a range of industry partners and international collaborators.

Our underpinning premise is improving learning in higher and professional education.

We have three broad and intersecting research themes.

Assessing for Learning

Learning in a digital world

Learning through, and for, work

Potential PhD Research Topics

• See more research topic details here
• Download the 2026 project list (PDF, 298KB)

Benefits

• Stipend of $35,550 per annum tax exempt (2025 rate).
• Top-up stipend of $5,000 per annum tax exempt for a CRADLE candidate.
• Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate.
• International candidates only: Tuition fees offset for the duration of 4 years. Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be either a domestic or international candidate (Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship).
• Meet Deakin’s research degree entry pathways scholarship requirements, including holding an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master’s degree with a substantial research component.
• Be enrolling to study full time.

How to Apply

If you are interested in studying with CRADLE, you must apply via ResearchPoint.

This requires the development of an original research proposal, which should be aligned with CRADLE’s research themes.

Prior to submitting your expression of interest you should contact the relevant supervisor directly with a draft of your proposal and to discuss your eligibility and competitiveness for a scholarship.

Applications Due

• 2026 Project List
• Scholarship Blog Page
• Contact potential supervisors

• About CRADLE
• Email CRADLE