The Maxwell King PhD Scholarship 2026 at Monash University supports outstanding research students who want to pursue a PhD degree at a Monash campus in Australia. This prestigious scholarship provides an annual living allowance, research support, and a relocation allowance so scholars can focus entirely on their doctoral research without worrying about financial constraints. It is awarded each year to two outstanding candidates — one in STEM fields and one in Humanities and Social Sciences.
About the Maxwell King PhD Scholarship
The Maxwell King PhD Scholarship is named in honour of Professor Maxwell King, who made significant contributions to graduate research at Monash University, including serving as Pro Vice‑Chancellor (Research and Research Training) for eight years.
Monash awards this scholarship to support PhD candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, strong research potential, and readiness to contribute meaningfully to their research fields. The scholarship is designed to help cover living costs and research‑related expenses while the student completes their doctoral studies at Monash.
The scholarship is open to applicants studying in a range of disciplines, with one scholarship awarded in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and one in Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) each year.
Why Choose The Maxwell King PhD Scholarship?
This scholarship allows students to undertake a fully research‑focused PhD at Monash University, which is recognized globally for strong research output and cutting‑edge facilities. It helps remove financial barriers that many doctoral candidates face by providing a generous annual stipend and allowances that support both living costs and research activities.
Recipients benefit from personalised academic guidance, access to world‑class research environments, and connections to global research networks that can significantly accelerate their academic careers. The scholarship also allows scholars to fully commit their time to research, contributing to impactful research outcomes without the stress of financial burdens.
Maxwell King PhD Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Australia
- Host University: Monash University
- Scholarship Name: Maxwell King PhD Scholarship
- Study Level: Doctoral (PhD)
- Coverage Includes: Annual living allowance (stipend), research allowance, and relocation allowance (if eligible)
- Number of Awards: 2 scholarships per year (one for STEM and one for HASS)
- Application Deadline: 31 October 2026 (annual round)
- Scholarship Duration: PhD standard duration (typically up to 3–4 years)
- Eligible Fields: All PhD disciplines at Monash, including STEM and HASS
- Eligible Applicants: Domestic and international students who meet Monash research scholarship requirements and English proficiency criteria
- Selection Basis: Competitive selection based on academic excellence and research potential
Scholarship Benefits
The Maxwell King PhD Scholarship provides several major benefits:
- Annual living allowance (stipend) to support everyday expenses while undertaking full‑time research
- Research allowance to help cover costs related to research activities, materials, or fieldwork
- Relocation allowance to assist eligible candidates with the cost of moving to Australia or relocating within Australia for study
- Funding support that enables recipients to focus entirely on their PhD research without financial stress
- Access to Monash’s extensive research community, facilities, and academic mentoring teams
- Recognition as a prestigious graduate research scholar in your field, which can strengthen future academic and professional opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Maxwell King PhD Scholarship, applicants must:
- Apply for or be enrolled in a PhD programme at Monash University
- Meet all Monash University competitive scholarship selection criteria, including academic excellence and research potential
- Demonstrate English language proficiency as required by Monash for postgraduate research study
- Submit a scholarship application by 31 October in the relevant year
- Hold citizenship or residency status as any of the following: Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, Australian humanitarian visa holder, or international student
- Be willing to undertake full‑time PhD research at a Monash campus in Australia
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare and submit the following:
- Completed Monash PhD admission application and scholarship application via the Monash myApp Portal
- Academic transcripts from previous degrees (undergraduate and master’s, if applicable)
- Research proposal outlining your intended PhD project and research objectives
- Evidence of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
- Contact details for academic referees who can support your application
- Any other supporting documents requested by Monash in the scholarship or admission application process
Applicants do not need to select the Maxwell King Scholarship specifically — eligible candidates are automatically considered when they submit their graduate research scholarship application.
Application Process & Timeline
Follow these steps to apply:
- Choose a PhD programme at Monash University that aligns with your research interests.
- Prepare a detailed research proposal and academic documentation.
- Submit your admission and scholarship application through the Monash myApp Portal before the deadline.
- Ensure that all supporting documents and English language evidence are uploaded.
- The Monash Scholarships Office and research selection committees review all eligible applications competitively.
- Scholarship offers are made following an assessment of academic excellence, research potential, and eligibility.
- Successful candidates accept their scholarship and enrol in their PhD programme.
