Global PhD Scholarship supports a collaborative doctoral project developing and testing an inhaled treatment platform for lung cancer using boron neutron capture therapy. The scholarship funds joint PhD research between Macquarie University (Australia) and National Tsing Hua University (Taiwan), and includes tuition support, stipend while on campus at Macquarie and other components.
The scholarship is offered by Macquarie University and National Tsing Hua University and is funded by both institutions to support an exceptional student undertaking doctoral research. The program involves joint enrolment (cotutelle) with components at both universities and requires meeting admission and scholarship criteria for each institution.
Global PhD Scholarship Benefits
- iMQRES tuition fee scholarship (international students) or tuition fee offset (Australian domestic students) for the duration of the student’s enrolment at Macquarie until the expected thesis submission date, in accordance with the scholarship conditions of award.
- stipend at an annual rate of $39,700 AUD (2026 rate, tax exempt) paid pro-rata while the student is located on campus at Macquarie.
- airfare allowance up to a maximum of $4000 AUD for the student between Taiwan and Sydney, subject to Macquarie’s travel policy.
- NTHU tuition fee scholarship for the duration of the student’s enrolment at NTHU, in accordance with the scholarship conditions of award.
- for Macquarie student: NTHU will provide a dual PhD degree scholarship NTD 15,000 per month while the student is at NTHU up to 24 months and a NTHU tuition fee scholarship will be granted.
- for NTHU student: NTHU will provide dual PhD degree scholarship NTD 11,000 per month while the student is in Australia up to 24 months.
Global PhD Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- The scholarship is available to candidates eligible to undertake a direct entry PhD program at Macquarie University and National Tsing Hua University, full-time, commencing in February or September 2027 (if beginning on campus at NTHU) or 1 October 2027 (if beginning on campus at Macquarie).
- Admission and scholarship criteria of both universities must be met: for NTHU, see how to apply and entry requirements; for Macquarie, see PhD entry and English language requirements and graduate research scholarship eligibility criteria.
- Background in biomedical or chemical engineering, medical physics or a related discipline. Applicants with a background in mechanical engineering and a keen interest in acquiring knowledge in tissue and animal research are welcome to apply.
- Experience with computational modelling (eg CFD, particle tracking or airflow/aerosol simulations) is desirable.
- Familiarity with lung or respiratory biomechanics, aerosol science or inhaled drug delivery (through coursework or research) is advantageous.
- Some experience with laboratory experiments (eg fluid mechanics rigs, imaging, cell assays) and an interest in learning new experimental techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to work in an interdisciplinary team, ideally at the interface of engineering and health/medical research.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an interest in publishing and presenting research.
- Applicants who are already enrolled in a doctoral degree at the NTHU or Macquarie may be considered for the position if they have a minimum of 24 months left in their PhD candidature at the time of joint enrolment (September/October 2027).
- Applicants must not already: hold a doctoral degree; be matriculated for a doctoral degree at another institution.
How to Apply for Global PhD Scholarship
- Call for expressions of interest (EOIs) close on Sunday 31 January 2027.
- Applicants should submit an EOI for the global PhD project via email directly to both supervisors: Associate Professor Shaokoon Cheng [email protected] (Macquarie) and Associate Professor Chi-Shuo Chen [email protected] (NTHU).
- Use the subject line: Inhaled therapy innovation for lung cancer treatment scholarship
- EOI documents to submit: CV including information about publications; transcripts of most relevant/recent degrees; information about thesis components (thesis mark, word count, weight/length in comparison to the degree overall); statement of suitability as a candidate for the project (max 500 words); indication that the student meets the English language requirements for entry into a PhD program at both universities, or willingness to obtain relevant English language proficiency test results.
- Full application: the preferred candidate will be invited to submit a formal application to both institutions. At NTHU, candidates submit the application form for dual degree program to the Office of Global Affairs at [email protected]. At Macquarie, candidates apply for the PhD program and the cotutelle/joint PhD scholarship through the online application portal.
- Upon formal application, the Macquarie Global Programs team and NTHU Office of Global Affairs draft and finalise the student agreement. Enrolment is subject to formal offer, acceptance and agreement finalisation at Macquarie.
- All relevant entry and immigration requirements for both institutions must be met.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Global PhD Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, how to apply and program components for the joint Macquarie–NTHU PhD.
What is the Global PhD Scholarship project about?
The project will develop and test a new inhaled treatment platform for lung cancer using boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). The research includes laboratory evaluation and, where appropriate, animal models to measure boron delivery to tumours and assess safety and effectiveness when combined with neutron irradiation.
Who offers this scholarship?
The scholarship is offered jointly by Macquarie University (Australia) and National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan and is funded by both institutions to support an exceptional doctoral student undertaking joint enrolment (cotutelle).
What study level is this scholarship for?
This scholarship is for a PhD (direct entry) program. Candidates must be eligible to undertake a direct entry PhD at both Macquarie University and NTHU, full-time, with specific commencement dates outlined for each campus.
What funding does the scholarship provide?
Macquarie components include an iMQRES tuition fee scholarship or tuition fee offset, a stipend at $39,700 AUD p.a. (2026 rate) while on campus at Macquarie, and an airfare allowance up to $4000 AUD between Taiwan and Sydney. NTHU components include tuition fee scholarship and monthly NTD dual degree scholarships (NTD 15,000 or NTD 11,000 depending on student origin and location).
Who is eligible to apply?
Candidates eligible for direct entry PhD programs at both institutions may apply. Desirable criteria include backgrounds in biomedical or chemical engineering, medical physics or related disciplines, experience with computational modelling, familiarity with inhaled drug delivery or respiratory biomechanics, laboratory experience, and strong communication skills.
Are current PhD students eligible to apply?
Applicants already enrolled in a doctoral degree at NTHU or Macquarie may be considered if they have a minimum of 24 months remaining in their PhD candidature at the time of joint enrolment (September/October 2027).
What is the application deadline?
Expressions of interest (EOIs) close on Sunday 31 January 2027. Applicants must submit EOIs by that date via email to both supervisors named in the listing.
How do I submit an expression of interest (EOI)?
Submit an EOI via email directly to both supervisors: Associate Professor Shaokoon Cheng ([email protected]) and Associate Professor Chi-Shuo Chen ([email protected]). Use the subject line: Inhaled therapy innovation for lung cancer treatment scholarship and include the required EOI documents.
What documents are required for the EOI?
Required EOI documents are: CV including publications, transcripts of most relevant/recent degrees, information about thesis components (thesis mark, word count, weight/length), a statement of suitability (max 500 words), and evidence or indication of meeting English language requirements for PhD entry at both universities.
What happens after the EOI stage?
The preferred candidate will be invited to submit formal applications to both institutions. At NTHU, submit the dual degree application form to the Office of Global Affairs ([email protected]). At Macquarie, apply via the online application portal. The Macquarie Global Programs team and NTHU Office of Global Affairs will draft and finalise the student agreement; enrolment is subject to formal offer and acceptance.
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