The Numerical and AI Modelling of Screening, Briquetting and Agglomeration PhD Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded PhD scholarship offered by the School of Engineering at Western Sydney University. The scholarship supports research within the ARC Research Hub for Smart Process Design and Control, which develops advanced numerical modelling and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to optimise mineral processing and metallurgical operations. Successful applicants receive a tax-free stipend of AUD 35,188 per year for up to three years. Domestic students receive an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset, while eligible international students receive a tuition fee waiver.
About the Numerical and AI Modelling of Screening, Briquetting and Agglomeration PhD Scholarship
Western Sydney University offers this scholarship through the School of Engineering under the supervision of Professor Kejun Dong. The project forms part of the ARC Research Hub for Smart Process Design and Control, which aims to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and develop innovative technologies for Australia’s mineral and metallurgical industries.
The Hub has three PhD research projects, allowing candidates to specialise in one of the following areas:
- Particle-scale modelling and AI optimisation of screening processes
- Particle-scale compaction mechanics with AI-driven optimisation of briquette strength and shape
- Multiscale modelling of interparticle forces and agglomerate growth
The successful PhD candidate will develop advanced computational models using techniques such as the Discrete Element Method (DEM), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Method (FEM), Molecular Dynamics (MD), and artificial intelligence. The research aims to create next-generation simulation tools that improve industrial process design, optimisation, and low-carbon manufacturing.
Why Choose The Numerical and AI Modelling of Screening, Briquetting and Agglomeration PhD Scholarship?
This scholarship combines advanced computational modelling, artificial intelligence, and sustainable mineral processing research.
You will benefit from:
- Fully funded PhD scholarship
- Tax-free annual stipend
- Tuition fee waiver for eligible international students
- Australian Government RTP Fee Offset for domestic students
- Research within an ARC Research Hub
- Training in AI and advanced numerical modelling
- Collaboration with industry and international research partners
- Opportunities to publish in leading international journals
- Access to high-performance computing and engineering laboratories
- Preparation for careers in advanced manufacturing and process engineering
Graduates pursue careers in:
- Mineral Processing
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computational Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Process Optimisation
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Research and Development
- Academia
Numerical and AI Modelling of Screening, Briquetting and Agglomeration PhD Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Australia
- Host University: Western Sydney University
- School: School of Engineering
- Scholarship Name: Numerical and AI Modelling of Screening, Briquetting and Agglomeration PhD Scholarship
- Research Centre: ARC Research Hub for Smart Process Design and Control
- Study Level: PhD
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Study Mode: Full-Time
- Duration: Up to 3 years
- Annual Stipend: AUD 35,188 (tax-free)
- Tuition Fees: RTP Fee Offset for domestic students; tuition fee waiver for eligible international students
- Lead Supervisor: Professor Kejun Dong
- Eligible Applicants: Domestic and International students
- Application Mode: Expression of Interest (EOI) followed by a full application upon invitation.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive:
- AUD 35,188 tax-free annual stipend for up to three years
- Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset for eligible domestic students
- Tuition fee waiver for eligible international students with a strong academic record
- Support for conference attendance, fieldwork, and approved research expenses
- Training in DEM, CFD, FEM, MD, and AI-based process modelling
- Opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and international researchers
- Access to advanced computational resources and engineering laboratories.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Meet the admission requirements for a PhD at Western Sydney University.
- Hold one of the following qualifications:
- An Australian First Class Honours bachelor’s degree
- A coursework master’s degree with at least a 25% research component
- A Research Master’s degree
- An equivalent overseas qualification
- Demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to the research project.
- Have a strong interest in numerical modelling, including DEM, CFD, FEM, or MD, and artificial intelligence.
- Understand the importance of process modelling for engineering design and optimisation.
- Be willing to learn advanced numerical modelling techniques and AI software.
- Be highly motivated to undertake doctoral research.
- International applicants must meet Western Sydney University’s English language requirements.
Required Documents
Applicants generally need to prepare:
- Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Evidence of research or computational modelling experience
- Proof of English language proficiency (if required)
- Any additional documents requested by the supervisor or Graduate Research School.
Application Process & Timeline
- Review the scholarship project and confirm your eligibility.
- Contact Professor Kejun Dong to discuss your research interests and suitability.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) at least five business days before the application deadline.
- If invited, complete the online PhD admission and scholarship application.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Await the final scholarship selection outcome.



