The Trustworthy AI PhD Scholarship is a fully funded Higher Degree Research (HDR) scholarship offered through the Trustworthy Systems (TS) Research Group in the School of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Australia. The scholarship supports outstanding PhD candidates who conduct advanced research in trustworthy artificial intelligence, secure operating systems, formal verification, systems security, programming languages, cyber-physical systems, and dependable computing. Moreover, the Trustworthy Systems group is internationally recognized for developing the seL4 microkernel, the world’s first operating system kernel with a formal proof of correctness. The group continues to lead research that strengthens the security, reliability, and trustworthiness of modern computing systems.
Background and Purpose
The scholarship supports research that aligns with the Trustworthy Systems Group’s key priorities. These priorities include trustworthy artificial intelligence, operating systems, formal methods, software verification, programming languages, secure embedded systems, mixed-criticality systems, microkernel technology, compiler verification, timing-channel security, and high-assurance software engineering.
Students work with internationally recognized researchers on projects that combine theoretical computer science with practical system implementation. They design and develop computing systems that are secure, reliable, and mathematically verified for correctness. Their research supports safety-critical applications in defense, aerospace, autonomous systems, medical devices, industrial control systems, and other high-security environments.
Trustworthy AI PhD Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship provides competitive financial support for both domestic and international students. International applicants who receive a Tuition Fee Scholarship may also receive an RTP living stipend. Some students may qualify for an additional top-up scholarship. The program also offers a limited number of scholarships for Master of Philosophy (MPhil) students, subject to available funding. These scholarships allow students to focus on advanced research while working with leading experts in trustworthy computing.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the admission requirements for a Higher Degree Research program at UNSW. They must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and strong research potential. Both domestic and international applicants are eligible to apply.
Applicants should have an academic background in computer science, software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related discipline. They must also identify a suitable supervisor and propose a research project that aligns with the Trustworthy Systems Group’s research priorities.
Trustworthy AI PhD Scholarship Application Process
Applicants should first identify a suitable supervisor within the Trustworthy Systems Research Group. They should discuss a potential research topic with the supervisor before applying. Applicants must then complete the UNSW Higher Degree Research admission process and submit all required academic documents and supporting materials.
Applicants should clearly explain how their qualifications, research experience, and interests match the group’s research objectives. Early communication with a supervisor and a well-developed research proposal can strengthen an application.
Opportunities for Scholars
The scholarship gives students an outstanding opportunity to conduct internationally recognized research in secure and trustworthy computing. Scholars work with leading researchers and contribute to technologies that protect critical digital infrastructure and safety-critical systems.
The program helps students develop expertise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, formal verification, operating systems, and software engineering through cutting-edge research projects. These skills prepare graduates for careers in academia, government research organizations, cybersecurity companies, defense, aerospace, advanced software development, and other high-technology industries.
