Universities of Manchester & Melbourne Joint Scholarships 2026
International aspiring researchers, get ready! The University of Manchester and The University of Melbourne have officially launched their call for jointly awarded/dual PhD project proposals for the 2026/2027 academic year. This is a golden opportunity to earn a prestigious doctoral degree from two world-renowned institutions, gaining unparalleled global exposure and expertise.
The Cookson Scholars program, established in 2019, continues its mission to foster international research collaboration and cultivate globally-minded researchers. This year, up to six teams of Principal Investigators (PIs) will be funded, supporting a total of twelve joint/dual PhD scholarships. Each successful team will receive funding for two PhD candidates—one based in Manchester and one in Melbourne—with comprehensive support covering tuition fees, a full living stipend, research training, health insurance, and a travel allowance.
What Makes This Opportunity Unique?
This joint/dual PhD program offers an exceptional pathway for candidates to:
- Access complementary facilities and expertise: Benefit from the diverse research environments, cutting-edge resources, and specialized knowledge offered by both universities.
- Gain a global perspective: Immerse yourself in different academic cultures and research methodologies, enhancing your international fluency.
- Become a Cookson Scholar: Join an established and growing network of talented researchers and supervisors, fostering invaluable connections for your future career in global academia or industry.
- Earn two testamurs: Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a PhD recognized by two separate testamurs, one from Melbourne and one from Manchester, explicitly stating the joint nature of the award.
- Experience international mobility: Candidates will be enrolled at both institutions from the outset and spend a minimum of 12 months at each university, gaining invaluable international experience.
Who Can Apply?
This call is for supervisory teams, not individual students at this stage. Project proposals must be submitted by at least two Principal Investigators (PIs)—one from Manchester and one from Melbourne. These PIs must have the capacity to supervise two PhD candidates and meet their respective institution’s supervisor eligibility criteria.
Key areas of encouragement at Manchester include: AI, Health, Sustainability, Quantum and Digital, Advanced Materials and Discovery Science, and Engineering (Faculty of Science and Engineering); and Digital Futures (including Data Science, AI and Society), Creativity (including Creative Health, Creative Economy), Inequalities, and Resilient Communities (Faculty of Humanities).
Proposals involving Early Career Researchers (ECRs) (within 10 years of their PhD conferral, excluding career interruptions) as PIs or co-investigators are particularly encouraged.
Funding and Support
The scholarships will cover a 42-month (3.5-year) duration and provide:
- Tax-free scholarship (stipend): Equivalent to UKRI standard for Manchester Home candidates and as per the Graduate Research Scholarship page for Melbourne Home candidates.
- Tuition-fee waivers: For both jointly awarded/dual PhD candidates.
- Health insurance: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international Melbourne Home candidates and health insurance in Australia for Manchester Home candidates when on study away.
- Research Training Support Grant (RTSG): Up to £5,000 per year for Manchester Home candidates and PIs, plus one return airfare to Melbourne.
- Lump sum support: A $10,000 AUD lump sum for Melbourne Home candidates and PIs for mobility, PI travel, workshops, virtual collaboration, and graduate recruitment.
Key Dates to Remember
This is an opportunity for researchers to propose compelling joint PhD projects. If successful, these projects will then be advertised for student recruitment.
- Call for project proposals opens: Monday, July 7, 2025
- Deadline for project proposal applications: Friday, October 10, 2025, by 5:00 PM AEDT (Melbourne) / 7:00 AM BST (Manchester)
- Announcement of successful proposals: End of November 2025
- PhD Candidate recruitment deadlines:
- Manchester Home candidates: May 31, 2026 (for October start) or December 31, 2026 (for later start)
- Melbourne Home candidates: December 31, 2026
- PhD Candidate start dates:
- Manchester Home candidates: October 2026 (or alternate intakes)
- Melbourne Home candidates: No later than March 2027
How to Apply for Project Proposals?
Supervisory teams must submit a single, jointly prepared application via The University of Melbourne’s SmartyGrants Portal. The application should be written in English for a proficient, but not expert, audience.
The application form requests details on PIs, CVs, project abstracts, an overview of both Melbourne and Manchester Home PhD projects (including supervision plans and GANTT charts), and a summary of collaboration value, potential impact, and EDI priorities.
Link to the application form: https://ricunimelb.smartygrants.com.au/Man-Melb-PhD-2025
Don’t Miss This Global Research Opportunity!
This initiative represents a significant commitment from both The University of Manchester and The University of Melbourne to foster international collaboration and develop the next generation of globally engaged research leaders. If you are a PI with a compelling research idea and a passion for international mentorship, this is your chance to contribute to impactful, cross-continental research.