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CRADLE PhD Scholarships

Deakin University Postgraduate Research (DUPR) 2027 scholarship applications are open

Domestic Students

Opens: 6 July 2026

Closes: 25 October 2026

International Students

Opens: 6 July 2026

Closed: 23 August 2026


Scholarships are available annually for projects that align with CRADLEโ€™s research themes and our current programs of research.

If youโ€™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 CRADLEโ€™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. 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 CRADLEโ€™s Melbourne CBD location, Deakin Downtown and will commence in February 2027.

How does the application process work?


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 CRADLEโ€™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

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 Deakinโ€™s faculties and divisions along with a range of industry partners and international collaborators.

CRADLEโ€™s research program seeks to establish what works to improve learning in higher and professional education. Our current programs of research include:

Academic security and academic integrityAssessment design (including self/peer, authentic, and programmatic)
Feedback and feedback literacyDeveloping evaluative judgement
Assessment in a digital worldDigital identities
Inclusion and belonging in a digital worldLearning in, and for, work
Representation in and beyond assessmentQuality and standards

Throughout this research we use cross-cutting approaches, including innovative methodological and theoretical approaches and knowledge transition.

Potential Research Topics


As part of the application process, prospective students must develop an original research proposal. Below is an overview of current CRADLE areas of focus, potential supervisors, and recent CRADLE publication(s) on those topics to illustrate the potential scope of work. We would expect a prospective candidate to develop their proposal taking one of these topics as a starting point, then share it with prospective supervisors prior to the application submission.

Please note all these topics are for studies in higher education and not other sectors of education.

Download the current project list:

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 or overseas.
  • 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 Deakinโ€™s research degree entry pathways scholarship requirements, including holding an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard masterโ€™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 CRADLEโ€™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.

Note that applications for international students closed on 23 August 2026


Contact Potential Supervisors


Further Information

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