Are you passionate about advancing research on gender equality, migration, displacement, and the prevention of violence against women? The Australian National University (ANU) is offering a fully funded PhD Scholarship on Violence Against Women and Displacement for outstanding domestic and international students.

This prestigious opportunity allows scholars to contribute to the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW), one of Australia’s leading research initiatives focused on understanding and preventing violence against women across Australia and the Indo-Pacific region.

The scholarship provides generous financial support, access to world-class researchers, extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to undertake impactful research that informs policy and practice.

Scholarship Summary

Host Country: Australia
Host Institution: Australian National University (ANU)
Research Centre: Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW)
Study Level: PhD (Higher Degree Research)
Eligible Applicants: Domestic and International Students
Scholarship Value: AUD $39,069 per annum
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
Number of Awards: 1
Duration: Standard PhD duration with possible 6-month extension

About the Scholarship

The PhD scholarship is based within the Department of International Relations at the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, ANU.

The successful candidate will conduct research examining violence against women in contexts of migration, displacement, trafficking, conflict, and climate-related disasters. The project will contribute to strengthening the evidence base for preventing and responding to gender-based violence while supporting vulnerable communities across the Indo-Pacific region.

The research stream is led by Professor Bina D’Costa, Chief Investigator at CEVAW, and emphasizes Indigenous-centred and survivor-focused approaches to research.

Applicants are encouraged to develop projects that align with CEVAW’s mission of addressing structural drivers of violence against women and generating practical solutions for communities, governments, and organizations.

Research Areas

Potential research themes may include:

Conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence
Violence against women in displacement settings
Climate-induced disasters and gender-based violence
Humanitarian protection and displacement
Migration and trafficking
Prevention and response strategies for violence against women
Indigenous and survivor-centred methodologies

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients may receive:

Annual Stipend

Approximately AUD $39,069 per year
Paid in fortnightly instalments

International Student Fee Coverage

International recipients may be recommended for a Higher Degree Research (HDR) Fee Remission Merit Scholarship covering international tuition fees for the standard duration of the PhD program.

Relocation Support

Eligible recipients may receive:

Up to AUD $1,000 for domestic students
Up to AUD $2,500 for international students

to assist with relocation expenses when moving to commence their studies.

Additional Opportunities

Scholars will benefit from:

Membership in the CEVAW research community
Collaboration with leading academics and practitioners
Access to specialized research ethics and training programs
Cross-disciplinary mentoring opportunities
Networking with global partners and researchers
Opportunities for publications and conference participation
Engagement with policymakers, NGOs, and community organizations

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be a domestic or international student.
Demonstrate expertise or strong interest in the elimination of violence against women in migration, displacement, or trafficking contexts.
Have completed a Master’s degree with a substantial research component, or equivalent qualifications.
Meet ANU PhD admission requirements.
Possess strong academic and research capabilities.

Priority consideration will be given to applicants who:

Have lived experience of displacement.
Are Pasifika scholars.
Are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Are First Nations peoples.
Come from communities within the Indo-Pacific region.

Why Apply?

This scholarship offers a unique opportunity to:

Conduct impactful research addressing major global challenges.
Join one of Australia’s leading Centres of Excellence.
Work alongside internationally recognized researchers.
Influence policy and practice related to violence prevention and protection.
Build expertise in migration, displacement, and gender studies.
Contribute to meaningful social change across the Indo-Pacific.

Application Period

Applications are open from:

June 22, 2026 – August 31, 2026

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit an application for admission to the PhD program at the Australian National University and meet all scholarship requirements before the application deadline. Apply Here

Contact Information

Professor Bina D’Costa
Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW)
Australian National University

Email: Bina.dcosta@anu.edu.au

Final Thoughts

The PhD Scholarship on Violence Against Women and Displacement at ANU presents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers dedicated to advancing gender justice, humanitarian protection, and evidence-based policy solutions. Through generous funding, expert supervision, and access to the CEVAW network, successful candidates will contribute to groundbreaking research that helps prevent violence against women and supports vulnerable populations across Australia and the Indo-Pacific region.

Application Deadline: August 31, 2026. Apply early and prepare a strong research proposal aligned with CEVAW’s mission of eliminating violence against women.

Discover more scholarship opportunities on the OFY Webpage .