PhD Scholarship in Kinship Care and Higher Education Access at Southern Cross University
Southern Cross University is offering a
full-time PhD scholarship
as part of an Australian Research Council Linkage project focused on
kinship care
and
higher education access
for young people with out-of-home care experience.
The project examines the barriers and facilitators influencing access to university, participation, and graduation for kinship-care experienced young people in Australia. It aims to generate practice-ready solutions that can improve belonging, identity, safety, wellbeing, and equitable access to higher education.
The research is led by
Professor Lynne McPherson
and involves a multidisciplinary team including
Professor Stuart Barlo
,
Dr Kylie Day
,
Adjunct Professor Janise Mitchell
,
Dr Kelly Royds
,
Professor Kathomi Gatwiri
,
Emeritus Professor Robbie Gilligan
,
A/Prof Emily Hindman
, and
Dr Antonia Canosa
. Partner organisations include the Centre for Excellence in Therapeutic Care, Australian Childhood Foundation, Anglicare Victoria, OzChild, CASPA, and other community organisations across NSW and Victoria.
Funding:
the successful applicant will receive a stipend over 3 years. The post describes this as a full-time scholarship.
Eligibility highlights:
applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree with first-class Honours or Second Class First Division, or a Master’s by research in a relevant field such as Education, Social Work, Psychology, or Childhood Studies. Strong English communication skills are required, and non-native English speakers must meet Southern Cross University’s English language proficiency requirements. Experience or strong interest in out-of-home care, kinship care, child and youth wellbeing, or social justice-oriented research is preferred. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to apply:
submit a CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing the eligibility criteria, your interest in the project, and your research experience and/or aspirations. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. Contact
Professor Lynne McPherson
and
Dr Antonia Canosa
at
[email protected]
.
Deadline:
Friday 5 June 2026 at 5pm AEST.
