Are you ready? 2027 PhD Scholarship applications open soon
Opening on Monday 6 July – Deakin University Postgraduate Research (DUPR) scholarship applications
International Students
Opens: 6 July 2026
Closes: 23 August 2026
Domestic Students
Opens: 6 July 2026
Closes: 25 October 2026
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 2027. 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 Margaret Bearman, 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:
Potential PhD Research Topics
| Effective feedback for learning – including feedback literacy |
| Developing evaluative judgement |
| Assessment and feedback in a social world (e.g. culture, relationships, emotions, and power) |
| New knowledge practices in a digital world |
| Diversity and inclusion in assessment and feedback design and practice |
| The longer-term effects of assessment and feedback: student identities, being and becoming |
| Alternative representations of achievement |
Benefits
- Stipend of $37,450 per annum tax exempt (2027 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 when applications are open
This requires the development of an original research proposal, which should be aligned with CRADLE’s research themes.
Prior to applying you should contact the relevant supervisor directly with a draft of your proposal and to discuss your eligibility and competitiveness for a scholarship.
International Students
Opens: 6 July 2026
Closes: 23 August 2026
Domestic Students
Opens: 6 July 2026
Closes: 25 October 2026
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