Monash University PhD Stipend Scholarship

Monash University is advertising a fully funded PhD stipend scholarship in human-animal interactions through the Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre and the School of Primary and Allied Health Care.

The project is designed for a candidate who wants to define their own research direction within the broad area of human-animal interactions. The post highlights interdisciplinary possibilities across allied health, social sciences, education, and related fields, with a focus on how pets and animal-assisted activities can support social inclusion, healthy ageing, disability, and health outcomes.

Supervision: Dr Em Bould is listed as the main supervisor, supported by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in human-animal interaction, disability, healthy ageing, and social inclusion. The post references Dr Bould’s work on programs such as Dog Buddies and Pets and People, and encourages applicants to build on or be inspired by this research.

Funding: The scholarship provides a PhD annual stipend for 3.5 years of full-time enrolment, with a 2026 rate of $37,145 per annum. Additional support is available through the School of Primary and Allied Health Care HDR Support Fund (up to $4,000) and the Monash Graduate Research Travel Grant.

Eligibility: Applicants must meet Monash PhD entry requirements and be Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens, or permanent residents. A relevant bachelor’s degree with honours-equivalent research training, a relevant master’s degree with a substantial research component, or equivalent experience is required. The post also asks for strong interest in animal-assisted interventions, social inclusion, and/or healthy ageing, plus experience in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research.

How to apply: First, email an Expression of Interest to Dr Em Bould at [email protected]. The EOI should include a cover letter, a research proposal, CV, transcripts, and referee contacts. Successful candidates will then be invited to submit a full PhD candidature application.

Application timing: The post says candidates should preferably be available to commence in Q4 2026 or by arrangement. No fixed deadline is stated in the post.