Fully Funded PhD Scholarships at UQ: Co-Develop Solutions to Climate-Driven Loss and Damage in the Pacific

The University of Queensland (UQ) is offering four fully funded PhD scholarships as part of the ARC Industry Laureate Fellowship, focused on co-developing solutions to climate-driven loss and damage in the Pacific. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with communities, governments, and regional partners to address the social, cultural, and justice dimensions of climate change.

These scholarships are ideal for candidates passionate about applied research and committed to creating meaningful change for Pacific Island communities.

Why Apply?

PhD candidates will engage in research that directly impacts communities in the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu, offering a rare combination of academic, field, and policy experience. Key benefits include:

• Fully funded scholarship covering tuition fees, living stipend (AU$37,500 per annum, tax-free), and Overseas Student Health Cover
• Access to world-class facilities and a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment at the School of the Environment
• Funded fieldwork and collaboration with NGOs, regional organizations, and government agencies
• Mentorship from leading experts, including Professor Karen McNamara, Principal Supervisor

Research Focus

PhD projects will be co-designed with your advisory team to align with the Fellowship’s objectives:

1. Develop and adapt methods for assessing climate-driven loss and damage
2. Document lived experiences and community-led responses
3. Implement and evaluate locally grounded interventions
4. Inform policy and practice through multi-scalar insights and best-practice guidelines

Projects are flexible and tailored to your research interests, disciplinary background, and the needs of partner communities.

Who Should Apply

Ideal candidates will have academic achievement in:

• Geography
• Environmental science
• Indigenous studies
• Development studies or related fields

Experience or interest in climate adaptation, participatory research, or policy engagement is highly desirable. Scholars from Pacific Island nations, particularly Cook Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu, are encouraged to apply.

How to Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Submitting an EOI is the first step toward securing your PhD scholarship. Here’s what you need to know:

Step 1: Prepare Your EOI

Include the following details:

• Proposed supervisor
• Scholarship details
• Previous academic qualifications
• Referee contacts (minimum two)
• English language proficiency information

Step 2: Upload Required Documents

• Academic curriculum vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• English language documents (if applicable)

Formatting Guidelines:

• PDF format only
• File name: LASTNAME_firstname_document-name.pdf
• Include both original and official English translations if documents are in another language

Step 3: Academic CV

Your CV should focus on academic and research achievements, including:

• Personal details (name, contact, nationality, languages, ORCID ID)
• Education and academic awards
• Employment history and research experience
• Research outputs, publications, and grants
• Optional: a 200-word contextual statement on achievements relative to opportunities

Do not include photographs, hobbies, or unrelated personal details.

Step 4: Referee Details

Provide at least two referees who can speak to your academic or research abilities. UQ will contact referees directly; do not submit pre-written letters.

After Submitting Your EOI

• Your nominated supervisor will review your EOI (response typically within two weeks).
• If the supervisor is interested, an informal interview may be arranged to discuss your research fit.
• If supported, you will be invited to submit a final application, including:
  • Passport copy
  • Additional documents (proof of citizenship, name change, previous research studies)
  • UQ-approved agent submission for some international applicants

If your EOI is not supported, you may choose another supervisor and submit a new EOI.

Deadline

All EOIs must be submitted by 15 April, 2026. Early submission is strongly recommended.

How to Apply

To start your application, visit the official UQ project page: UQ PhD Projects – Climate-Driven Loss and Damage

APPLY HERE. 

For more information about this apportunity, click here. 

Discover more scholarship opportunities, click here. 

Deadline: 15 April, 2026

For questions about the suitability of the project, contact Professor Karen McNamara at karen.mcnamara@uq.edu.au. Submit your expression of interest (EOI) via UQ PhD Projects.