The School of Government and International Relations is one of Australia’s leading political science departments. The School’s research has been recognised as ‘well above world standard’ for more than a decade by the Australian government – a record matched at only three other universities in the country

The political science discipline offers Indigenous scholars with opportunities to assume roles in leadership and advocacy that can directly influence decisions that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Including more Indigenous voices in political science has the potential to enhance Australia’s democratic processes through the promotion of inclusivity and recognition of Indigenous peoples’ governance and decision-making institutions.

This PhD scholarship is intended to fund an Indigenous doctorate candidate on subject matter relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation and leadership in politics, whether via parties, movements or other political organisations. Additionally, subject matter relating to Indigenous rights and recognition focuses within public policy or international relations will also be considered.  The successful applicant will be supervised by a team including an Indigenous political science lecturer.

This Indigenous Politics PhD Scholarship will fund the PhD candidate for 3.5 years and is valued at $52,00 per annum and is non-taxable.

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, please note the following:

• Be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, who identify themselves as such, and are accepted by the community with which they are associated with as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
• A Bachelor degree with first-class honours or second-class honours (Division A) or a Masters degree, incorporating a significant research component, from a recognised institution; or
• A record of research, or a qualification granted by a professional or other body deemed by the Dean, Griffith Graduate Research School, to be of a standard comparable to a Bachelor degree with second-class honours (Division A).

Please note:

• Enrolment  in the program must be full-time.

About the scholarship

The Griffith University Indigenous Politics Science Scholarship provides financial support to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australians and carries an annual stipend of $52,000 (2024 rate, indexed annually) per annum.  The stipend is paid on  a fortnightly basis and  is tax exempt. The scholarship can also provide up to $1464 in relocation allowances (conditions apply).

EoI process

Please do not select the “APPLY” button.  Interested applicants should first contact Dr Bartholomew Stanford or Dr Julie Ballangarry who both hold positions of Lecturer in Political Science/Indigenous Politics (First Peoples).

Applicants who meet eligibility criteria will be required to undertake a selection interview before being considered for the scholarship.

The closing date for expressions of interest is:  5pm Monday 30 September 2024

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for PhD candidature and scholarship using the on-line process specifying the “Griffith University Indigenous Politics PHD Scholarship” under ‘Other’ as the scholarship they wish to be considered for as part of their application.

What Griffith offers

PhD candidates will have the opportunity to research in partnership with the Griffith University Indigenous Research Unit and GUMURRII, which provide cultural, personal, academic, and mentoring support to assist First peoples HDR students.

The School of Government and International Relations has cultivated a vibrant PhD program. Our candidate enjoy access to scholarships, grants, and funding; professional development, experience, and training; as well as support and wellbeing services. Graduates have gone on to become academics, civil servants, entrepreneurs, lawyers, political consultants, policy advisors, and research officers, amongst many other occupations.

Further information

For project related enquiries please contact:

Dr Bartholomew Stanford
Email: [email protected]

Dr Julie Ballangarry
Email: [email protected]

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Email: [email protected]