Future Cities Top-Up PhD Scholarship 2026 at University of Queensland
Are you passionate about designing future-ready cities that are water-wise, energy-efficient, net-zero, and socially inclusive? Here’s your chance to take your research ambitions global with the Future Cities – Designing Sustainable Resilient Systems Top-Up Scholarship at The University of Queensland (UQ) — one of Australia’s leading research institutions.
About the Scholarship
This prestigious scholarship offers a top-up of $8,000 per annum for up to 3 years to support international and domestic PhD students. It is specifically designed for those working on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of urban sustainability, climate resilience, water systems, energy, and liveability.
Led by Professor Steven Kenway and supported by an award-winning supervisory team, this PhD project is backed by major partnerships including the Asian Development Bank, DFAT, Queensland Government, and more. You will have the chance to be part of cutting-edge research conducted at UQ’s Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, School of Architecture, and Engineering departments.
What You’ll Explore?
As a scholar, you’ll dive deep into:
- Designing future cities that are sustainable and resilient
- Climate-responsive infrastructure for water, energy, and housing
- Circular economy and smart urban systems
- Decarbonization strategies and sustainable development goals (SDGs)
- System-level analysis of interlinked environmental challenges.
Research Environment
This scholarship places you in the heart of UQ’s Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology (EAIT) faculty, with direct access to:
- Multi-disciplinary research teams
- Policy experts, scientists, engineers, and urban designers
- A network of leading academics and professionals in sustainability.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible:
- You must meet UQ’s entry requirements for a PhD (HDR) program
- You must be in receipt of or applying for a living allowance scholarship (e.g., Research Training Program stipend)
- This scholarship does not require a separate application – simply apply for the PhD and follow the steps below.
The last date to apply for the Future Cities – Designing Sustainable Resilient Systems Top-Up Scholarship at The University of Queensland is 4 August 2025. Applications officially opened on 10 June 2025, and all interested candidates must ensure their complete PhD application is submitted by this deadline to be considered for the scholarship.
Selection Criteria
Your application will be evaluated based on:
- Academic achievements
- Research and publication record
- Awards and employment history
- Relevant expertise in urban sustainability, climate policy, systems analysis, or engineering.