Francine V McNiff PhD Scholarship in Criminology 2026

The Francine V McNiff PhD Scholarship in Criminology is a doctoral scholarship offered by Monash University through the Social and Political Sciences Graduate Research Program in the Faculty of Arts. It supports PhD research in criminology, law, and related social science fields connected to crime, justice, and policy.

The scholarship is based at Monash University’s Clayton campus in Melbourne, Australia, with joint supervision in Criminology within the School of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Law. It is named in honour of the late Francine V McNiff, a Monash alumna, barrister, and Victoria’s first female Magistrate, reflecting her commitment to law and justice.

This award is intended for applicants with a strong academic record in Criminology, Law, or a relevant discipline such as Sociology, Political Science, Gender Studies, Psychology, or Human Geography. In addition to academic excellence, applicants must demonstrate financial disadvantage. Refugees and immigrants are encouraged to apply where eligible, and applicants must also meet Monash University’s PhD admission requirements, including English-language requirements.

The scholarship provides a research living allowance and an additional annual top-up, with further support potentially available for research trips, conferences, major events, and other research-related expenses. Research areas highlighted in associated postings include policing, punishment and prison reform, restorative justice, criminal justice policy reform, hate crime, gender-based violence, and cybercrime or technology-facilitated harms.

Students usually apply through the relevant Monash University vacancy or scholarship posting and must submit the documents required for PhD admission and scholarship assessment. Because this is a university-specific research scholarship, candidates should review the official Monash listing carefully for current eligibility, documentation, and timeline details.