McKinnon-Walker Research Fellowship 2027 – PhD Scholarship at University of Wollongong
Overview
The University of Wollongong in Australia offers the McKinnon-Walker Research Fellowship for outstanding PhD candidates commencing in 2027. Established through a philanthropic gift from Suzanne Walker and the late Emeritus Professor Ken McKinnon AO, the fellowship supports research that generates meaningful benefits for Pacific Islander, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, including improvements in health, education, law or public policy. Two fellowships are available for the 2027 commencement, located in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
What you get
Successful fellows receive an annual stipend of AUD $55,537 for up to 3.5 years, based on the maximum Research Training Program rate stated by the university. The package includes AUD $20,000 in total project funding, a tuition fee waiver for up to four years, and professional development opportunities such as leadership workshops, mentoring, and networking events. The total stated value of the fellowship is more than AUD $200,000.
Who can apply
The opportunity is open to domestic and international students applying for PhD admission at the University of Wollongong for 2027, as well as current university PhD candidates who are in their first year of study. Applicants from Pacific Islander, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Research can be supported across faculties including Engineering and Information Sciences, Science, Medicine and Health, and Arts, Society and Business.
Requirements
Selection is based on academic excellence, research achievement, the quality and feasibility of the proposed research, and its relevance and potential impact for Pacific Islander, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Candidates are also assessed on leadership, initiative, capacity to contribute to positive change, service and community engagement, and contributions beyond academic achievement such as mentoring and advocacy. Applicants must secure a confirmed supervisor before applying.
How to apply
New applicants must first apply for PhD admission through the university HDR application portal by the deadline, including a 3 to 4 page research proposal and indicating a desire to be considered for the fellowship. They must also email a single PDF to the Graduate Research School containing a CV of up to four pages, a one-page leadership and service statement, a one-page statement detailing community benefit and involvement, and a supporting email from the proposed supervisor. Current first-year PhD students only need to submit the fellowship application PDF to the Graduate Research School.
Key dates
The application deadline is 31 October 2026 for the 2027 commencement.