Flinders University 2023 Playford Trust / PhD Scholarships

Each year the Playford Trust offers two PhD scholarships for students planning to carry out research in its priority areas.

The scholarships are intended to supplement an existing Australian Government Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship (RTPS) or similar institutional PhD stipend scholarship.

Students must be undertaking their research with The University of Adelaide, Flinders University or the University of South Australia in the following priority areas for the Trust:

• Advanced manufacturing and new technologies
• Water, energy and climate change
• Agriculture and food production
• Space and defence technology
• Health sciences and enabling technologies
• Mining and resources development.

Students must be commencing their PhD in the year of the scholarship or have commenced their PhD no earlier than August of the preceding year.

The Trust will accept an application for an extension of time, subject to satisfactory progress and appropriate support from the university and the PhD supervisor. Approval of such an extension is not automatic.

• Table of Content
• About Flinders University
• Playford Trust / PhD Scholarships
• Aim and Benefits of Playford Trust / PhD Scholarships
• Requirements for Playford Trust / PhD Scholarships Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Playford Trust / PhD Scholarships
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Flinders University

Flinders University is a public university in Adelaide, South Australia. Founded in 1966, it was named in honour of navigator Matthew Flinders, who explored and surveyed the South Australian coastline in the early 19th century. Flinders is a verdant university[citation needed] and a member of the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) Group and ranks in the 10-16 bracket in Australia and 36th in the world of those established less than 50 years. Academically, the university pioneered a cross-disciplinary approach to education, and its faculties of medicine and the humanities are ranked amon... continue reading

Playford Trust / PhD Scholarships

Aim and Benefits of Playford Trust / PhD Scholarships

The scholarships are valued at $17,500 and are paid at the rate of $5000 per annum for three-and-a-half years.

Requirements for Playford Trust / PhD Scholarships Qualification

Applicants must be:

• ready to commence a PhD with The University of Adelaide, Flinders University or University of South Australia in the priority areas for the Trust
• primarily supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship (RTPS) or similar institutional PhD stipend scholarship. A copy of the letter of confirmation is required by the Trust before the scholarship can be awarded
• an Australian citizen or a holder of a permanent resident visa, and resident in South Australia
• intending to spend a significant part of their career in South Australia or are likely to provide a benefit to the State
• a high achiever, with an excellent undergraduate academic record
• of good character. Preference will be given to students who display leadership potential.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Playford Trust / PhD Scholarships

The Playford Trust will consider nominations from students studying at one of the three South Australian universities. 

It is essential that the applicant’s supervisor or an academic referee (e.g. dean of school/faculty, or lecturer) provides a supporting comment about the student’s achievements, character and leadership potential.

Disclosure of any other awards or scholarships held by the student is required as part of the application process.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit Flinders University website.