Scholarship details

Study levels

Research and PhD

Student type

Current students

Study area

Engineering and Science

Eligibility criteria

Indigenous Australian, Academic performance, Migrants or refugees, From regional, rural or remote areas and Women

Application dates

Applications close
31 December 2024

What you'll receive

You'll receive a scholarship, tax exempt, of $40,000 per annum for a period of three years, with a possible 6 month extension, subject to satisfactory progress. This is inclusive of a $30,000 base stipend, as well as a $10,000 top-up

If you're an international student, you will also receive either:

  • an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) fees offset (International)
  • a QUT research degree (HDR) tuition fee scholarship.

As the scholarship recipient, you will have the opportunity to work with a team of leading researchers, to undertake your own innovative research in and across the field of robotics within QUT's Centre for Robotics, which has been named top national research institution in robotics for three years in a row by The Australian.

Eligibility

To apply for this scholarship, you must meet the entry requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at QUT, including any English language requirements for international students.

In addition, this Scholarship has specific eligibility conditions, including:

  • the proposed project must be in the field of robotics
  • the application must be able to demonstrate that you are from an under represented minority group in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. This may include:
    • applicants who identify as female
    • applicants who identify as gender diverse
    • applicants who identify as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
    • applicants with a disability, injury or health condition
    • applicants from other minority groups where there is a need to increase their representation in robotics and AI
  • applicants must be able to demonstrate an outstanding track record, for example first class honours, or high quality research outputs
  • applicants must be able to commit to full-time, internal enrolment.

How to apply

You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for consideration prior to applying for this scholarship.

How to apply for a research degree.

The EOI must include:

  • an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV), including recent IELTS or equivalent score for international applicants
  • a research proposal, detailing the project you wish to undertake and how it aligns to this scholarship scheme
  • a statement of a maximum of two pages, indicating how you feel you align with an under-represented minority group in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.

In order to be considered for this Scholarship, the EOI must:

  • indicate you are applying for this specific scholarship in the Financial Details section of the application form
  • have Associate Professor Thierry Peynot nominated as your potential supervisor. Please note an appropriate supervisory team will be negotiated with successful applicants.

What happens next?

For questions about potential research projects, please contact robotics@qut.edu.au

For questions about the application process, please contact hdr@qut.edu.au

About the scholarship

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, will fund a $1.2 million scholarship program at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to train the next generation of aspiring Australian roboticists.

The Alberto Elfes Memorial Scholarship Fund will use prize money from CSIRO’s historic podium finish at the 2021 DARPA SubT challenge to sponsor eight scholarships for high-performing students belonging to groups under-represented in the robotics industry.

The scholarship is a testament to the late Professor Alberto Elfes, a revered member of CSIRO’s Robotics program and driving force behind the team's participation in the DARPA SubT Challenge.

The Alberto Elfes Scholarship acknowledges a globally renowned roboticist and the very strong human links built over many years between QUT and CSIRO. The program will continue Alberto’s work of driving diversity in robotics to ensure the successful design and delivery of next generation technology.

CSIRO and QUT will jointly oversee applicant selection, course design, education, and mentorship.

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