The Climate and Weather Master Program 2026 at UNSW Sydney is a fully funded Master of Philosophy (MPhil) research programme offered through the Climate Change Research Centre (CCRC). As part of the NSW Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre (BNHRC), the programme belongs to a collaborative research consortium led by Western Sydney University in partnership with UNSW Sydney, The Australian National University, the University of Wollongong, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Tasmania. Through the Department of Planning and Environment, the New South Wales Government funds the Centre to support applied research that strengthens community resilience to natural hazards. Participants conduct research with direct scientific, environmental, and societal impact.
About the Climate and Weather Master Program
UNSW Sydney offers the Climate and Weather Master’s Program through the Climate Change Research Centre to train future researchers in climate science and weather extremes. Researchers investigate the climate and weather processes that contribute to bushfires, floods, severe storms, droughts, and other natural hazards.
Students work alongside internationally recognized researchers while collaborating with government agencies, emergency services, policy makers, and public land managers. This research-focused programme emphasizes applied projects that help communities prepare for and respond to natural hazards through improved scientific understanding and climate adaptation strategies.
Possible research topics include:
- Rainfall extremes
- Flash droughts
- Severe convection
- Climate drivers
- Fire weather
- Climate variability
- Extreme weather events
Participants also build valuable research and industry connections through the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre.
Why Choose The Climate and Weather Master Program?
This programme allows students to conduct research that directly contributes to improving disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
You benefit from:
- Full financial support
- Research training at one of Australia’s leading climate research centres
- Supervision by internationally recognized climate scientists
- Collaboration with government agencies and emergency services
- Opportunities to conduct research with real-world environmental impact
- Access to advanced climate modelling and research facilities
- Strong professional and industry networks
- Preparation for careers in climate science, meteorology, environmental management, and research
By combining academic research with practical applications, the programme supports environmental policy development and disaster risk reduction.
Climate and Weather Master Program Summary
- Host Country: Australia
- Host University: UNSW Sydney
- Research Centre: Climate Change Research Centre (CCRC)
- Scholarship Name: Climate and Weather Master Program
- Study Level: Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded Research Programme
- Research Consortium: NSW Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre (BNHRC)
- Funding Organisation: New South Wales Government (Department of Planning and Environment)
- Study Mode: Full-Time
- Programme Duration: 2 years
- Eligible Applicants: Domestic and International Students (subject to programme availability and admission requirements)
- Application Mode: Expression of Interest followed by the UNSW admission process
- Selection Basis: Academic merit, research potential, and suitability for the programme
Scholarship Benefit
The Climate and Weather Master Program provides:
- Full funding for the two-year Master of Philosophy programme
- Tuition fee support
- Living stipend
- Supervision by leading climate and weather researchers
- Access to the Climate Change Research Centre
- Collaboration with government agencies and research partners
- Professional development opportunities
- Industry and research networking
- Opportunities to conduct research with direct environmental and societal impact
Successful candidates can focus entirely on research while developing expertise in climate science and natural hazards.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Meet the admission requirements for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) at UNSW Sydney
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and research potential
- Meet UNSW English language requirements where applicable
The programme encourages applications from graduates in the following fields:
- Climate Science
- Meteorology
- Atmospheric Science
- Environmental Science
- Geography
- Earth Sciences
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Related disciplines
Candidates should also demonstrate an interest in climate extremes, weather systems, natural hazards, or environmental research.
Required Documents
Applicants typically need to prepare:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Expression of Interest
- Research statement or statement of interests
- Proof of English language proficiency (if required)
- Academic referee reports
- Additional documents requested during the UNSW admission process
Depending on the research area, applicants may also need to contact a potential supervisor before submitting an Expression of Interest.
Application Process & Timeline
Follow these steps:
- Review the Climate and Weather Master Program research themes.
- Prepare your academic documents and Expression of Interest.
- Contact a potential supervisor at the Climate Change Research Centre if appropriate.
- Submit an Expression of Interest through the programme’s application process when applications are open.
- If shortlisted, complete the UNSW Higher Degree Research admission application.
- Submit all required admission documents.
- Accept the offer and begin the Master of Philosophy programme.
Most applicants complete an Expression of Interest before progressing to the formal UNSW admission process.
