Indigenous PhD Bursaries
Two bursaries valued up to $15,000 are on offer to Australian Indigenous scholars currently undertaking a PhD on a topic related to Indigenous knowledges.
STATUS: Open for 2024. Applications close 13 May 2024.
What is Indigenous knowledge?
Indigenous knowledge, sometimes called traditional or local knowledge, refers to the understandings and practices developed by Indigenous peoples through thousands of years of experience. Indigenous knowledge systems are characteristically holistic, relational, and rooted in a strong and continuing connection with the land, sky, and waters. Knowledge is often passed down orally and can be collectively owned. It can include or be embodied in language, song, story, ritual, lore, and customary practices. The knowledge of Indigenous peoples does not represent a static body of traditional information, and the capacity to incorporate new tools and skills has always been fundamental to the dynamism of Indigenous cultures.
What is the Indigenous Knowledge Institute?
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute aims to advance research and engagement in Indigenous knowledge systems. It is one of the Melbourne Interdisciplinary Research Institutes aiming to promote research linkages and collaboration across the University and to play a lead role in articulating University research to external audiences.
PhD Bursaries
The Institute is committed to developing the next generation of Indigenous researchers and each year offers two additional $15,000 bursaries (paid over three years) to Indigenous PhD candidates. You will join a vibrant cohort of Indigenous graduate researchers with access to support and domestic and international opportunities through the Indigenous Knowledge Institute.
Value | $15,000 (paid in equal instalments over three years)* |
Number of bursaries available in 2024 | Two |
Application timeline | Applications open 15 April 2024 Applications close 13 May 2024 Funding outcomes week of 27 May 2024 First payment made early July Subsequent payments made in January each year |
Eligibility | Domestic Indigenous applicants only 'Indigenous' here means a person of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. |
* Successful applicants who study part-time may opt to be paid at $2,500 per annum over six years (up to a total of $15,000).
How to apply
If you are undertaking a project related to Indigenous knowledges in 2023, we want to hear from you. Scholars from all academic disciplines will be considered and interdisciplinary research is encouraged.
Candidates should be committed to ethical and respectful relationships with Indigenous people and communities. Guidance on equitable remuneration of community research participants can be found at the Melbourne Social Equity Institute's website.
Please note that only domestic applicants are eligible for these bursaries.
If you are a later year PhD student, please get in touch with us at Indigenous-knowledge@unimelb.edu.au before applying.
To apply, please download the application form below (available in either PDF or Word format). Further information about eligibility can be found in the application form.
Download the Application Form (PDF 927.8 KB)
Download the Application Form (DOCX 1.2 MB)
Send your completed application form and attachments to Indigenous-knowledge@unimelb.edu.au.
For more information, contact us at Indigenous-knowledge@unimelb.edu.au.