The University of Queensland (UQ) offers fully funded PhD scholarships to tackle climate-driven loss and damage in the Pacific. These four positions come from an ARC Industry Laureate Fellowship. They let students work with communities in the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu to build real solutions. If you care about climate change and want to make a difference, this could be your chance.
Key Benefits of These Scholarships
Each scholarship covers all tuition fees. It also provides a living stipend of AU$37,500 per year, which is tax-free. You get Overseas Student Health Cover too. Students join the School of the Environment with top facilities and a team of experts. Fieldwork trips are funded, and you partner with NGOs, governments, and groups in the Pacific. Professor Karen McNamara leads as the main supervisor.
What the Research Involves
Projects focus on climate impacts like rising seas and storms that harm Pacific communities. You co-design your work with advisors to match community needs. Main goals include:
- Creating ways to measure loss and damage from climate change.
- Recording stories from people living through these changes.
- Testing local fixes that communities lead.
- Sharing results to shape policies at local and global levels.
Your background shapes the project, whether in science or policy.
Ideal Candidates
Look for people with strong grades in fields like geography, environmental science, Indigenous studies, or development. Interest in climate adaptation or working with communities helps a lot. Those from Pacific nations, especially Cook Islands, Fiji, or Vanuatu, get special encouragement. Past research or policy work stands out.
Steps to Submit an Expression of Interest
Start with an EOI, the first step. Pick Professor Karen McNamara as your supervisor.
Prepare your materials:
- List your past degrees and referee contacts (at least two).
- Note your English skills if needed.
Upload documents:
- Your academic CV.
- Transcripts and certificates.
All in PDF, named like LASTNAME_firstname_CV.pdf. Translate non-English files.
Build a strong CV:
Include your name, contacts, education, awards, jobs, research, publications. Add a short note on your achievements if helpful. Skip photos or personal hobbies.
Referees should know your school or research work. UQ contacts them.
What Happens Next
Your supervisor reviews the EOI in about two weeks. An interview might follow if they like it. Then, submit a full application with passport and more papers. If not a match, try another supervisor. For agent help, some international students use UQ-approved ones.
Deadline and Application Links
Submit EOIs by April 15, 2026. Apply early. Go to the UQ PhD Projects page to start. More details at UQ study page. Email Professor McNamara at [email protected] for questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What benefits do these UQ PhD scholarships offer?
They cover all tuition fees, provide a tax-free living stipend of AU$37,500 per year, and include Overseas Student Health Cover. You also get access to top facilities, funded fieldwork, and partnerships in the Pacific.
What kind of research will these PhD projects involve?
Projects focus on climate impacts like rising seas and storms in Pacific communities. You will co-design solutions to measure loss and damage, record stories, test local fixes, and influence policies.
Who makes an ideal candidate for these scholarships?
Candidates with strong grades in fields like geography, environmental science, or Indigenous studies are ideal. Interest in climate adaptation, community work, and backgrounds from Pacific nations like Fiji or Vanuatu are highly valued.
How do I apply for these UQ PhD scholarships?
Submit an Expression of Interest by April 15, 2026, with your CV, transcripts, and referee details via the UQ PhD Projects page. Email Professor Karen McNamara for questions, and expect a review in about two weeks.
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