Eight funded doctoral projects. Fields spanning artificial intelligence, Antarctic science, childhood medicine, marine biology and deep Earth geology. A deadline of 1 October 2026.
The University of Tasmania has opened applications for a set of priority PhD projects that are accepting candidates right now, both domestic and international students, depending on the project.
The top scholarship reaches $60000 per year. Even the lower-funded projects in this round sit above $39000 annually. For researchers looking for a funded doctoral study in Australia, this is one of the more substantive opportunities currently open.
One practical requirement before anything else. UTAS strongly advises applicants to contact the Principal Supervisor of their chosen project before submitting. Factor that conversation into your timeline.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | University of Tasmania (UTAS) Australia |
| Opportunity | Priority PhD Research Projects |
| Scholarship range | $39315 to $60000 per year |
| Domestic students | Eligible for all projects |
| International students | Eligible for most projects check each listing |
| Supervisor contact | Required before applying |
| Application deadline | 1 October 2026 |
The Funded PhD Projects Available Right Now
Projects are grouped by research area below. Scholarship amounts and international eligibility vary. Check each project listing before applying.
Marine and Biological Sciences
Turning Scallop Waste into Wealth
- Field: Biological Sciences / Marine and Antarctic Research
- Scholarship: Up to $60000 per year
- Open to: Domestic and international students
This project investigates how scallop fishery waste tissue and shells can be converted into novel bioproducts. The goal is to reduce disposal costs for Tasmania’s scallop industry while creating commercially viable value-added outputs.
It applies industry-relevant research with a clear economic angle. For candidates with backgrounds in food science, biotechnology, marine biology or biochemistry, the project fit is strong.
AI-Based Detection and Catch Validation of Sharks
- Field: Artificial Intelligence / Fisheries Management
- Scholarship: Up to $48071 per year
- Open to: Domestic students only
This project develops AI computer-vision tools to identify, measure and verify shark catches from electronic monitoring video. The work supports fisheries compliance, accurate catch estimates and sustainable management.
Note the eligibility restriction. International applicants cannot apply for this project. Domestic candidates with backgrounds in computer science, machine learning or fisheries science should shortlist it.
Earth Sciences and Geophysics
Two related projects examine Australia’s northwestern margin using geological and geophysical data.
Geological Record of Gondwana Breakup Along Australia’s Northwestern Margin
- Scholarship: Up to $44315 per year
- Open to: Domestic and international students
Researchers will investigate the geological evolution of submarine plateaus off northwest Australia, examining crustal character, age and tectonic history to develop new understanding of how Gondwana broke apart.
Geophysical Architecture and Geodynamic Evolution of Australia’s Northwest Margin
- Scholarship: Up to $44315 per year
- Open to: Domestic and international students
A companion project using new geophysical data to investigate deep crustal structures beneath submarine plateaus and the Indian Ocean seafloor.
Both projects suit candidates with backgrounds in geology, geophysics, tectonics or Earth sciences.
Medical Research
Two projects focus on childhood cataract, a significant cause of visual impairment in children globally.
Novel Gene Discovery for Childhood Cataract
- Scholarship: Up to $41815 per year
- Open to: Domestic and international students
This project uses genome sequencing in families and gene editing in zebrafish to identify previously undiscovered genes associated with childhood cataract. Strong fit for candidates in genetics, molecular biology or ophthalmology research.
Functional Assessment of Variants of Uncertain Significance in Childhood Cataract Genes
- Scholarship: Up to $41815 per year
- Open to: Domestic and international students
A companion project developing functional assays to investigate the biological effects of genetic variants associated with cataract. Suits researchers with laboratory experience in molecular genetics or cell biology.
Climate and Antarctic Research
Three projects address climate systems, Antarctic ice dynamics and emission tracking.
Cook Glacier Region Earth to Ice Interactions in East Antarctica
- Scholarship: Up to $39315 per year
- Open to: Domestic and international students
Investigates geothermal heat flow, lithosphere dynamics and ice-sheet evolution using geological and geophysical data, plate reconstructions and mantle-flow models.
Precision Climate Tracking of the Earth’s Response to Emission Reductions
- Scholarship: Up to $39315 per year
- Open to: Domestic and international students
- Funded by: Australian Research Council
Addresses a genuinely difficult measurement problem. How do we track whether emission reductions are actually changing the Earth’s climate response. ARC funding adds credibility and potential for extended research support.
Detecting Outlet Glacier Process and Change Using Seismology and Geophysics
- Scholarship: Up to $39315 per year
- Open to: Domestic and international students
Develops geophysical approaches for investigating Antarctic ice-sheet outlets with emphasis on field data collection. For candidates interested in Antarctic fieldwork, this is one of the more distinctive projects in the current round.
Scholarship Values at a Glance
| Project | Annual Scholarship | International |
|---|---|---|
| Scallop Waste to Bioproducts | Up to $60000 | Yes |
| AI Shark Detection | Up to $48071 | Domestic only |
| Gondwana Breakup Geology | Up to $44315 | Yes |
| Northwest Margin Geophysics | Up to $44315 | Yes |
| Childhood Cataract Gene Discovery | Up to $41815 | Yes |
| Cataract Variant Functional Assessment | Up to $41815 | Yes |
| Cook Glacier Antarctic Research | Up to $39315 | Yes |
| Precision Climate Tracking | Up to $39315 | Yes |
| Antarctic Glacier Seismology | Up to $39315 | Yes |
Who Can Apply
Eligibility is defined at the project level not university-wide.
Most projects in this round are open to both domestic and international students. The AI shark detection project is a notable exception for domestic applicants only.
General requirements across all projects include holding or being close to completing a relevant undergraduate honours or master’s degree in a field related to the project’s research area. Specific academic background requirements are detailed in each project advertisement.
Read the individual project listing carefully. Eligibility and selection criteria vary between projects.
The Supervisor Contact Step: Do Not Skip It
UTAS explicitly advises all applicants to contact the Principal Supervisor of their chosen project before applying.
This is not just courtesy. It serves a real purpose.
Supervisors can tell you whether your background genuinely fits what the project requires, what the selection process looks like in practice and whether there are any prerequisites or expectations not covered in the advertisement. Some supervisors also use this conversation to informally assess candidates before the formal application stage.
Reaching out early gives you time to refine your application based on that conversation. Leaving it too late or skipping it entirely puts you at a disadvantage compared to candidates who have already made contact.
With the 1 October deadline approaching, beginning those conversations now is the right move.
How to Apply for U of Tasmania PhD Scholarships
- Browse the University of Tasmania’s research-degree project platform and identify a project matching your academic background
- Read the full project advertisement including eligibility and selection criteria
- Contact the Principal Supervisor to discuss your suitability
- Follow the university’s application instructions for the relevant research degree and scholarship
- Submit your complete application before 1 October 2026
Because the supervisor contact step adds time to the process starting at least four to six weeks before the deadline is strongly recommended.