Charles Sturt University and the AICF Institute are offering up to 15 AgriTwins Scholarships for PhD and Master of Philosophy students commencing in March 2025. These scholarships support innovative research in sustainable and resilient agriculture using cutting-edge technologies. Eligible applicants must be domestic students and meet the university’s entry requirements.

To be eligible for the Scholarships, applicants must meet Charles Sturt University’s admission requirements for PhD or Master of Philosophy programs and begin their studies full-time in March 2025. Applicants must be domestic students, including Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, or individuals with unrestricted residency rights in Australia, as defined by the Higher Education Support Act.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is a leading Australian institution renowned for its commitment to innovative education, research, and community engagement. With campuses across New South Wales and a strong online presence, CSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge. The university is recognized for its focus on sustainability, agriculture, health sciences, and digital innovation.

Application Deadline: 4 January 2025

Brief Description

• University or Organization: AICF Institute in collaboration with Charles Sturt University
• Department: Various (aligned with AgriTwins projects)
• Course Level: PhD/Master of Philosophy
• Award: Fully funded scholarship, including stipend, tuition fees, and research-related allowances
• Access Mode: Online (initial application)
• Number of Awards: Up to 15
• Nationality: Domestic students (Australia and New Zealand)
• The Award Can Be Taken In: Australia

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: Australia and New Zealand
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship supports PhD or Master of Philosophy courses in research areas related to AgriTwins projects, focusing on resilient agriculture through emerging technologies.
• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:

1. Meet Charles Sturt University’s standard eligibility criteria for entry into a PhD or Master of Philosophy course.
2. Be domestic students as defined by the Higher Education Support Act, including:
   • Australian citizens
   • Australian permanent residents
   • Individuals with unrestricted rights to stay in Australia
   • New Zealand citizens
3. Commence full-time studies in Session 1 (March) 2025.
4. Conduct research under the AgriTwins program’s objectives.

How to Apply

1. Review the AgriTwins: Bridging Cyber-secure Emerging Technologies and Data-centric Twin Tech for Resilient Agriculture of the Future Prospectus for project details.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest via the online form.
3. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted in January 2025 to proceed with the application process.

Benefits

PhD Candidates

• Stipend: $42,483 per annum (paid fortnightly).
• Tuition Fees: Full fee exemption for 3.5 years.
• Operating Funds:
  • Training: $5,000 per annum (for 3 years).
  • Travel: $5,000 total.
  • Thesis Allowance: $840 total.

Masters by Research Candidates

• Stipend: $42,483 per annum (paid fortnightly).
• Tuition Fees: Full fee exemption for 2 years.
• Operating Funds:
  • Training: $5,000 per annum (for 2 years).
  • Travel: $5,000 total.
  • Thesis Allowance: $420 total.

Duration

• PhD: 3.5 years (stipend, tuition fee coverage, and allowances).
• MPhil: 2 years (stipend, tuition fee coverage, and allowances).

Additional Benefits:

• Paid leave: 20 annual leave days and 10 sick leave days per year.