Indigenous PhD Law Scholarships

UNSW Law & Justice offers Indigenous PhD scholarships aimed at creating pathways to careers in academia and research and increasing opportunities for Indigenous research degree candidates through pathway programs to a PhD. The scholarships are funded by scholarships at a minimum of $43,000+ per annum.

The scholarships are for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants with substantial research potential wishing to pursue a PhD in any area of law or criminology. Successful applicants are nominated by the faculty for a university-funded Indigenous scholarship. Interdisciplinary projects are considered, but the primary supervisor must be in the faculty of UNSW Law & Justice.

Selection is based on academic qualifications, written communication skills, the quality of the research proposal, research experience and potential supported by references and a detailed CV, the fit between the proposal and the faculty’s research strengths, and an interview. Previous research experience, including completion of a research thesis and/or publications, is highly valued. Recommendations are contingent on the availability of appropriate supervisory expertise within the faculty.

Tenure is up to four years, subject to confirmation of candidature and satisfactory progress. The scholarship stipend will be a minimum of $43,000 per annum. The Expression of Interest process is separate from the university scholarship and admission processes, and nominated applicants must submit formal university admission and formal scholarship applications through university processes.

• Must be Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait IslandersMust not already be enrolled in a PhD program at UNSW or elsewhereIntended study is a full-time PhD, unless exceptional personal or medical circumstances require part-time study for all or part of the PhD programMust normally pursue PhD research in SydneyExternal enrolments may be permitted in exceptional cases where justified and where appropriate supervisory arrangements can be madeCandidates enrolled externally must spend at least one year of their candidacy in SydneyMust have: an undergraduate degree in law, criminology or a related discipline with a minimum Honours Class II, Division (I) that includes a substantial research component (or equivalent; or)Must have: a postgraduate qualification in law, criminology or a related discipline (including a substantial research component) with an average equating to a minimum Distinction average at UNSW (75%); orMust have equivalent research or professional experience in law, criminology or a related discipline, supported by references and a detailed CVMust provide details for two academic or professional refereesSelection requires a research proposal and participation in the interviewPrimary supervisor must be in the faculty of UNSW Law & Justice for interdisciplinary projectsRecommendations for award are contingent on availability of appropriate supervisory expertise within the faculty

• Scholarship stipend: minimum of $43,000 per annumTenure/support duration: up to four years, subject to confirmation of candidature and satisfactory progress

1. Complete the Expression of Interest form for the Indigenous PhD Scholarships in Law & Justice.Obtain the Expression of Interest form either by emailing Jenny Jarrett or by downloading online.Attach copies of ALL academic transcripts, relevant publications, a CV, and your research proposal, and provide details for two academic or professional referees.Submit the completed Expression of Interest for consideration.Attend an interview if shortlisted (in person, by Skype, or by Zoom Conference).If asked, produce short pieces of written work or research as part of the selection process.After nomination, submit formal applications for university admission and a formal scholarship application through university processes (the Expression of Interest process is separate from scholarship and admission processes).

• Copies of ALL academic transcriptsRelevant publicationsCVResearch proposalDetails for two academic or professional referees