Monash University is inviting applications from outstanding domestic candidates for a fully funded PhD research scholarship examining intersectional sexisms in Australian universities through the research project titled “Hitting the Limits: Intersectional sexisms in Australian universities.”
The scholarship provides an opportunity for an emerging researcher to join a leading education research community and investigate the experiences, institutional positions, and support systems of LGBTIQA+ academics within Australian universities.
The successful candidate will undertake a full-time, campus-based PhD at the School of Education and Culture, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
Scholarship Overview
Scholarship Title: 2026 Monash Education PhD Scholarship – Hitting the Limits: Intersectional Sexisms in Australian Universities
University: Monash University
Faculty: Faculty of Education
School: School of Education and Culture
Location: Clayton Campus, Melbourne, Australia
Study Level: PhD (Research Degree)
Duration: 3.5 years
Funding: Fully Funded Scholarship
Stipend: $37,145 per year
Study Mode: Full-time, on-campus
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
Monash University is one of Australia’s leading research institutions, recognised globally for its academic excellence, innovation, and commitment to addressing complex social challenges.
The Monash Faculty of Education is consistently ranked as Australia’s number one education faculty and provides a vibrant research environment connecting scholars, students, and international experts.
The successful PhD candidate will become part of a dynamic research community focused on education, culture, identity, inclusion, and social justice.
About the Research Project
The scholarship is connected to the Australian Research Council-funded project:
“Hitting the Limits: Intersectional Sexisms in Australian Universities.”
The project explores how experiences of gender, sexuality, power, and social identity shape university environments.
It examines the challenges faced by LGBTIQA+ academics and investigates how institutional structures, workplace cultures, and social inequalities influence experiences within Australian higher education.
The research aims to generate new theoretical, cultural, and practical knowledge about:
- Intersectionality.
- Gender and sexuality.
- Institutional power.
- University culture.
- Social inclusion.
- Experiences of marginalised academic communities.
PhD Research Focus
The successful applicant will develop their own research project connected to the broader research theme.
Potential research questions include:
Understanding Academic Locations and Experiences
The research may explore:
- Where LGBTIQA+ academics are located across Australian universities.
- How disciplinary and geographical factors influence academic experiences.
- Patterns of representation and institutional belonging.
Workplace Experiences and Inclusion
The project may examine:
- Whether LGBTIQA+ academics feel welcomed and supported in their workplaces.
- Experiences of inclusion, exclusion, discrimination, or institutional barriers.
- How university cultures influence professional experiences.
Support Systems and Strategies
The research may investigate:
- Formal and informal support mechanisms available to LGBTIQA+ academics.
- Personal and professional strategies used to navigate university environments.
- Community networks and sources of resilience.
Scholarship Benefits
The successful candidate will receive:
- A fully funded PhD opportunity.
- Annual stipend of $37,145.
- A 3.5-year fixed-term research appointment.
- Access to Monash’s leading education research community.
- Opportunity to work alongside researchers from across Australia.
- Academic mentorship from experienced supervisors.
- Opportunities to contribute to important research on equality, identity, and higher education.
Supervisory Team
The PhD candidate will be supervised by:
Principal Supervisor:
Associate Professor Emily M. Gray
Associate Supervisors:
- Professor Jacqueline Ullman, Western Sydney University
- Associate Professor Lucy Nicholas, Western Sydney University
The supervisory team brings expertise in education, gender studies, sexuality studies, and intersectional research.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be domestic candidates.
- Meet Monash University PhD entry requirements.
- Hold appropriate academic qualifications, such as:
- A research master’s degree; or
- An honours qualification meeting doctoral admission requirements.
- Enrol full-time and study on campus.
- Not already hold a PhD.
Preferred Candidate Profile
The selection committee will prioritise applicants with strong knowledge and experience in:
- Feminist theories.
- Queer theories.
- LGBTIQA+ communities and research.
- Gender and sexuality studies.
- Intersectional approaches to social research.
Applications are particularly encouraged from:
- LGBTIQA+ researchers.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) including:
Research Proposal
Applicants must provide a brief 3–4 page research proposal explaining how they intend to address the research topic.
The proposal should outline:
- Research objectives.
- Key questions.
- Proposed methodology.
- Connection to the broader “Hitting the Limits” project.
Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Academic transcripts.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV/Resume).
- Evidence of research outputs, such as:
- Journal articles.
- Conference papers.
- Other academic publications.
Start Date
The successful candidate is expected to commence the PhD by:
September 2026
Some flexibility may be available regarding the commencement date.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates should submit an Expression of Interest through the Monash University application portal before:
Deadline: 31 July 2026
For enquiries, contact:
Faculty of Education Graduate Research Office
This fully funded PhD scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for researchers interested in gender studies, queer theory, higher education, and social justice to contribute to important research on inclusion and equality in universities.
