The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment within Western Sydney University is seeking an ambitious candidate for the International PhD Scholarships in Harnessing Microbes to Boost Drought Tolerance in Grasses. The Western Sydney University international scholarship is open for the year 2022.

The PhD candidate will have the unique opportunity to learn, develop, and apply cutting-edge experimental techniques, including advanced omics technologies. The successful candidate will be immersed in a cutting-edge, fast-paced research environment and will have to opportunity to interact with world-class collaborators from many different disciplines.

Founded in 1989, Western Sydney University is an Australian multi-campus university in the Greater Western region of Sydney, Australia. It provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and higher research degrees. It was ranked in the top 300 globally and 18th in Australia in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

The university will provide all the following benefits:

• Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000(AUD) per annum for three years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
• International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000(AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record will be eligible for a tuition fee waiver and Overseas Student Health Care.
• Support for conference attendance, fieldwork, and additional costs as approved by the Institute.

• Eligible Countries: All nationalities are fligible for this Western Sydney University international scholarship.
• Eligible Course or Subjects: PhD degree in Harnessing Microbes to Boost Drought Tolerance in Grasses offered by the university.
• Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible, the applicants must meet all the following criteria:
• Demonstrate strong academic performance in microbial ecology or plant ecology.
• Have a strong quantitative background.
• Be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• How to Apply: Students must first apply on the university portal. Follow the step-by-step instructions on the how to apply for a project scholarship page.
• Supporting Documents: Applicants must submit a certified document, a copy of an original document that has been cited by a qualified person and confirmed as correct and legitimate.
• Admission Requirements: The applicants must hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) a Research Masters’s degree, or (iv) equivalent international qualifications.
• Language Requirement: All international applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at the university.