About the opportunity
Monash Arts is seeking innovative researchers for up to five PhD scholarships focused on how human dimensions—such as values, ethics, cultures, politics, languages, and policies—are shaping and being shaped by artificial intelligence. Research in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) provides essential tools to unpack AI’s social complexities and inform just, inclusive policies. Successful candidates will join Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, working on projects covering themes like youth wellbeing, democratic life, music, digital inequalities, algorithm auditing, and labor automation. Recipients will be based at either the Clayton or Caulfield campus and will have access to international mobility grants, professional development, and industry engagement.
Funding and benefits
- Tax-free Research Living Allowance valued at $41,100 AUD per annum (2027 full-time rate), indexed plus allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions
- Up to five PhD scholarships awarded for a 3.5-year duration
- Access to international mobility grants
- Professional development training and opportunities for industry engagement
Who can apply?
- Open to Australian and international applicants holding an Australian (or equivalent international) Bachelor's Honours or Master's degree in a cognate field with a significant research component and first-class Honours (H1 equivalence)
- Must meet Monash Faculty of Arts PhD eligibility requirements, including English-language proficiency skills
- Applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered
- Scholarship holders must enroll full-time and be based on-campus at Clayton or Caulfield in Melbourne, Australia
- Expected to commence no later than March 12, 2027
Required documents
- Cover letter including a brief statement of suitability
- Draft Research Proposal fitting the scope of the call, aligned where feasible with a proposed topic, and demonstrating understanding of the research field
- Detailed curriculum vitae including published works, conference presentations, and relevant work experience
- Full statement of academic records, degree certificates, and official grading system supported by scanned certified copies
- English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
- Names and contact details of two academic referees
When to apply
- Discuss research proposal with an aligned prospective supervisor prior to application submission
- Applications close: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 11:55 pm AEST
- Commencement deadline: No later than March 12, 2027
How to apply
- Review suggested project topics and contact the aligned prospective supervisor to discuss your draft research proposal
- Log in and submit your application online via My.App
- Select 'Admission Only' as the Application Type
- Select 'Yes' to indicate scholarship application and enter 'PhD Scholarships: Shaping AI’s Future' under Research Program Funding
- Select the relevant project supervisor as the proposed main supervisor and upload all supporting documents in PDF format
Additional information
- Suggested research topics cover areas such as youth mental health, public resistance to AI, CALD care communication, democratic life, music labour markets, screen aesthetics, warehouse automation, algorithm auditing, and digital inequalities
- Final supervision arrangements will be confirmed upon appointment
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Holders of a Master's or Bachelor's Honours degree in a cognate field with a significant research component.
- Researchers interested in the social, ethical, and political impacts of AI.
- Applicants who can commit to full-time study in Melbourne.
What should you think carefully about?
- There is a strict requirement for first-class Honours (H1 equivalence) and full-time on-campus residency in Melbourne.
- The application requires a draft research proposal and prior coordination with a prospective supervisor.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is ideal for those aiming to secure a fully funded PhD in Australia, focusing on the human dimensions of AI, such as labor automation, digital inequalities, or democratic life.
Our take
An excellent fit for high-achieving HASS researchers who want to combine social science expertise with AI ethics and policy.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
