Murdoch University School of Engineering and Energy Strategic Scholarship

Murdoch University’s School of Engineering and Energy is offering PhD scholarship opportunities for research in energy systems, sustainability, renewable energy systems, hybrid energy and water systems, rural electrification, and mine water modelling. The main project highlighted is “Innovative and Intelligent Hybrid Energy and Water System for Rural Electrification from Western Australia to Sub-Saharan Africa”, which focuses on a stand-alone power system integrating solar PV, biomass backup, energy storage, IoT-enabled monitoring, and community-scale water treatment for off-grid rural and remote communities.

This is a research degree opportunity at Murdoch University in Australia, with one scholarship available in the School of Engineering and Energy. The project is designed to address energy poverty and support the sustainable energy transition, with pilot work in Western Australia and broader relevance to Sub-Saharan Africa. A second related project, “How can mine water models be made more reliable?”, is also mentioned as an open research direction.

Funding includes a PhD scholarship stipend of $37,000 per year for up to 3.5 years, plus tuition fee coverage. The opportunity is open to both international and domestic students.

Eligibility highlights include a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, or other evidence of strong research capability such as an Honours degree, substantial postgraduate research, or relevant professional research experience. Applicants should ideally have experience in power and renewable energy systems design and modelling, water treatment system modelling, and smart/IoT technologies. English language requirements listed are IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 90 overall with no score below 20, or PTE 64 with no skill below 58.

To apply, candidates should email a CV, one-page cover letter, academic transcripts, language test results, and an expression of interest including a brief research proposal (1 to 4 pages) to Prof. GM Shafiullah or Dr Gloria Odo. Shortlisted applicants may be asked for additional documents and an interview. The closing date shown for the strategic scholarship is 2026-05-08.