Melbourne, Australia – June 2026 — Victoria University (VU) has announced applications for a prestigious project-based Graduate Research Stipend Scholarship focused on “Violence and Social Repair,” offering both domestic and international candidates the opportunity to undertake a fully funded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree commencing in February 2027.

The scholarship forms part of the university’s ongoing commitment to advancing research that addresses complex social, political, and historical challenges. Funded through the Victoria University Vice-Chancellor’s Research and Impact Fellowship, the initiative seeks outstanding researchers interested in examining the enduring consequences of political violence, colonial violence, armed conflict, and pathways toward social healing and justice.

According to Victoria University, the interdisciplinary project will investigate the long-term impacts of large-scale deaths, forced displacement, disappearances, and other forms of violence on both human communities and broader ecological systems.

Researchers will also explore how Indigenous knowledge systems, local memory practices, and community-led forms of resistance and care can contribute to new approaches for social repair and reconciliation.

The scholarship project will be led by Associate Professor Lia Kent as Chief Investigator, with Professor Chris Sonn serving as Associate Supervisor. Successful candidates will join a growing body of research dedicated to understanding how societies recover from violence and how alternative frameworks can strengthen peacebuilding and transitional justice efforts.

Research Focus on Peacebuilding and Social Justice

Victoria University stated that the project aims to challenge conventional Western and liberal models of peacebuilding by examining diverse cultural perspectives and lived experiences. The research is expected to contribute to emerging debates surrounding reconciliation, collective memory, Indigenous sovereignty, social healing, and post-conflict recovery.

The university has encouraged applications from scholars with academic backgrounds in areas such as peace and conflict studies, anthropology, development studies, memory studies, socio-legal studies, Indigenous studies, and critical psychology.

Particular interest will be given to research proposals focusing on Asia, the Pacific region, and settler-colonial Australia. Applicants proposing qualitative or ethnographic studies will be viewed favorably, especially those incorporating decolonial, feminist, critical, or First Nations methodologies.

Scholarship Benefits and Financial Support

The scholarship package includes significant financial support designed to enable candidates to focus on their research without substantial financial burden.

For 2026, the annual stipend is valued at AUD $35,707, with payments indexed annually to account for inflation and cost-of-living adjustments. The stipend is tax-exempt under current Australian regulations.

In addition to the living allowance, recipients will receive a full tuition fee offset. For domestic students, the fee offset is valued between AUD $14,000 and $16,750 per research period, depending on the discipline. International students will receive tuition coverage worth approximately AUD $17,500 to $20,700 per research period, ensuring that course fees are fully covered throughout the approved duration of study.

International scholarship recipients will also receive Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the maximum duration of their doctoral program, plus an additional two months of coverage.

However, Victoria University noted that the scholarship does not include travel expenses, English language testing costs, or fees associated with preparatory English-language or bridging programs.

Eligibility Requirements

The scholarship is open to both domestic and international applicants who meet Victoria University’s admission standards for doctoral research programs.

Domestic applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, or holders of permanent Australian humanitarian visas. Candidates must also satisfy the university’s academic and English-language entry requirements and must not already hold a research degree at the same or higher qualification level.

International applicants must be citizens of countries other than Australia and New Zealand and must meet all academic and English-language proficiency requirements for doctoral admission. They are also required to enroll as full-time, on-campus students in Australia.

Applicants who have previously received certain Australian government-funded postgraduate research scholarships may not be eligible. Priority will be given to candidates who do not already possess an equivalent-level research qualification.

Program Duration and Expectations

The Doctor of Philosophy scholarship provides funding for up to 3.5 years, while candidates are expected to complete their doctoral degree within four years.

Victoria University emphasized that scholarship holders are generally expected to engage in full-time research activities, averaging approximately 36.75 hours per week. While limited paid employment is permitted, scholarship recipients are restricted to a maximum of eight hours of paid work per week during standard working hours to ensure academic progress is not compromised.

The university has also confirmed that scholarship offers cannot be deferred. Successful applicants must commence their studies by the designated start date of 15 February 2027, unless otherwise specified by the institution.

Competitive Selection Process

Applications will undergo a rigorous assessment process. Eligible candidates will be evaluated on academic achievement, relevant research experience, publications, professional experience, referee reports, and overall suitability for the project.

The project supervisor may request additional information or conduct interviews with shortlisted applicants before determining the final ranking of candidates. The preferred applicant will be selected through consultation between the project supervisors and the Institute Associate Director for Research Training.

Applicants who believe there has been a procedural error in the assessment of their application may submit a written appeal within ten university business days of receiving the decision.

Application Deadline and Required Documents

Victoria University has set 31 July 2026 as the closing date for expressions of interest.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

A 500-word research proposal;
Academic transcripts;
Qualification certificates;
A 200-word personal statement outlining research interests and academic journey;
An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV).

Expressions of interest should be submitted directly to Associate Professor Lia Kent. Candidates selected for the scholarship will subsequently be required to complete a formal admission application through Victoria University’s official admissions system.

The scholarship presents a significant opportunity for emerging researchers seeking to contribute to global conversations on violence, memory, reconciliation, Indigenous knowledge, and social transformation while pursuing a fully funded doctoral degree at one of Australia’s leading research institutions.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding