Applications are now open for up to five PhD scholarships at Monash University in Australia for researchers interested in examining the human, social, ethical, political, cultural, economic and creative consequences of artificial intelligence.

The Monash Arts “Shaping AI’s Future” PhD Scholarships are aimed particularly at researchers from the humanities, arts and social sciences who want to investigate how artificial intelligence is changing society and how people, institutions, cultures and political systems are simultaneously shaping the development and use of AI.

Rather than concentrating primarily on the engineering or technical development of artificial intelligence, these PhD opportunities focus on the human dimensions of AI.

Possible research areas include:

• AI governance and public policy
• Democracy and artificial intelligence
• Digital inequality
• Algorithmic discrimination
• Human-AI relationships
• Youth wellbeing and AI companionship
• AI and ageing
• Digital labour
• Automation and employment
• AI and creative industries
• Music and generative AI
• Screen aesthetics
• Misinformation and communication
• Public trust
• Cultural representation
• Ethics
• Surveillance
• Social cohesion
• Machine agency
• AI and knowledge production
• Artificial intelligence in education
• National security
• Geopolitics
• Environmental implications of AI

Up to five scholarships will be awarded through the Faculty of Arts at Monash University.

The scholarships provide a Research Living Allowance valued at AUD 41,100 per year at the 2027 full-time rate, paid as a tax-free stipend and indexed in accordance with applicable scholarship conditions. Additional allowances are available according to the relevant Research Training Program stipend scholarship rules.

The opportunity is open to appropriately qualified domestic and international applicants. The announcement also states that successful international candidates will receive tuition support in addition to the stipend.

Successful candidates will undertake their PhDs full-time and on campus at either the Clayton or Caulfield campus in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Applications close on:

Wednesday, 30 September 2026 at 11:55 PM AEST.

Successful candidates are expected to commence their PhD no later than 12 March 2027.

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About the Monash University “Shaping AI’s Future” PhD Scholarships

Artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, is developing and spreading through society at extraordinary speed.

While much public discussion focuses on the technical capabilities of AI systems, Monash Arts argues that understanding artificial intelligence requires much more than engineering or computer science.

AI also raises fundamental questions about:

• Human behaviour
• Social relationships
• Knowledge
• Politics
• Culture
• Communication
• Identity
• Ethics
• Employment
• Inequality
• Governance
• Security
• Creativity
• Public institutions

The Faculty of Arts is therefore seeking doctoral researchers capable of investigating these broader dimensions of technological transformation.

The programme emphasizes research from the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, commonly abbreviated as HASS.

These disciplines provide theoretical, methodological and critical tools that can help explain how AI affects individuals and societies and how policy responses can be designed in ways that are effective, equitable and inclusive.

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Why Monash Arts Is Funding Research on the Human Side of AI

AI is influencing increasingly large areas of everyday and institutional life.

Among the issues identified by Monash Arts are questions surrounding AI’s influence on:

• Social cohesion
• Knowledge production
• Education
• Culture
• Geopolitical competition
• National security
• Institutional trust
• Digital humanities
• Personal and intimate relationships
• Environmental sustainability
• Ethics
• Governance

These developments create an urgent need for research capable of informing future decision-making.

Monash Arts emphasizes that Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences researchers should play an active role in determining how AI is incorporated into society.

The challenge is not simply to ask:

“What can AI do?”

Researchers also need to ask questions such as:

• How should AI be governed?
• Who benefits from AI?
• Who may be disadvantaged?
• How does AI change relationships between people and institutions?
• How might AI reinforce existing inequalities?
• What happens to work when automation expands?
• How does AI influence public trust and democracy?
• How should culture, creativity and authorship change in an AI-driven environment?
• How do people resist or reject AI?
• How should society think about responsibility and machine agency?

These are precisely the kinds of questions the scholarship programme is designed to support.

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Number of PhD Scholarships Available

Monash Arts is offering:

Up to five PhD scholarships

Selection will be competitive.

The scholarships are intended for applicants capable of undertaking advanced interdisciplinary research addressing current or emerging challenges created by artificial intelligence and wider digital transformation.

Applicants are not expected simply to replicate existing projects.

The programme seeks researchers who can demonstrate:

• Intellectual curiosity
• Research potential
• Social awareness
• Strong academic preparation
• Understanding of the proposed field
• Ability to develop a credible doctoral project

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Scholarship Value

Successful candidates will receive a:

Research Living Allowance of AUD 41,100 per annum

This is the stated:

2027 full-time rate

The stipend is described as:

Tax-free

and is:

Indexed

Additional allowances may apply according to Monash University’s Research Training Program stipend scholarship conditions.

Applicants should consult Monash University’s current graduate research scholarship regulations for detailed rules governing payments, indexing and allowances.

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Tuition Support for International Candidates

The programme announcement states that successful international candidates may receive:

• Full stipend
• Tuition support

This makes the scholarships especially relevant to international applicants who would otherwise face substantial international doctoral tuition costs in Australia.

Applicants should nevertheless review the formal scholarship conditions and final offer carefully because the specific tuition arrangements and scholarship components may depend on Monash graduate research rules.

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Scholarship Duration

The opportunity is listed as a:

3.5-year fixed-term appointment

This provides sufficient time for candidates to complete a structured doctoral research programme.

The PhD must be undertaken:

• Full-time
• On campus

It is therefore not advertised as an online or distance PhD.

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Where Will Successful Candidates Study?

Successful applicants will be based at either:

• Monash University Clayton campus, or
• Monash University Caulfield campus

Both campuses are located in the Melbourne metropolitan area in the state of Victoria, Australia.

The exact campus will likely depend on the research project, academic unit and supervisory arrangements.

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About Monash University

Monash University is a large internationally connected Australian university with multiple campuses and global partnerships.

Successful PhD researchers will join a university environment with links across:

• Australia
• Asia
• Europe
• International research networks

Monash Arts describes itself as a diverse faculty supporting:

• Disciplinary research
• Multidisciplinary research
• Interdisciplinary research

Research within the Faculty operates at multiple levels, including:

• Individual experience
• Communities
• Societies
• Regions
• Nations
• International systems

This broad intellectual environment is particularly relevant to AI research because artificial intelligence increasingly affects multiple areas of social life simultaneously.

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International Mobility Opportunities

Successful candidates will have access to:

International mobility grants

These may provide opportunities to strengthen research through international collaboration or academic mobility.

Applicants should consult Monash University for the detailed eligibility and funding arrangements associated with specific mobility schemes.

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Professional Development Opportunities

PhD scholars will also have access to:

Professional development training

This may support the transition from doctoral research into academic, policy, industry or research careers.

The programme is therefore intended not only to support thesis completion but also to strengthen participants’ broader research profiles.

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Industry Engagement

Successful candidates may also access:

Opportunities for industry engagement

This feature is particularly relevant because AI governance and implementation increasingly involve collaboration between:

• Universities
• Technology companies
• Governments
• Regulators
• Civil society
• Creative industries
• Policy organizations

Researchers interested in the practical impact of their work may therefore have opportunities to engage beyond academia.

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Interdisciplinary Supervision

The scholarship call emphasizes:

Interdisciplinary supervision

AI-related societal questions rarely fit entirely within one academic discipline.

For example, an investigation of algorithmic discrimination could potentially involve:

• Political science
• Sociology
• Law
• Policy studies
• Ethics
• Data governance

Similarly, AI and creative labour might involve:

• Cultural studies
• Media studies
• Labour studies
• Sociology
• Music
• Creative practice

Interdisciplinary supervision can therefore help doctoral candidates address these complex questions from multiple perspectives.

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Suggested Research Projects

Monash Arts has identified several possible research topics associated with academics already working in these fields.

Applicants are encouraged, where feasible, to align their proposals with these suggested projects.

However, candidates should discuss their proposed research with the relevant prospective supervisor before submitting an application.

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1. Co-designing AI Companionship to Promote Young People’s Social Health and Wellbeing

Proposed supervisor: Dr Claire Tanner

This project focuses on:

AI companionship and young people’s social health and wellbeing.

The emergence of conversational AI and increasingly personalized AI systems raises important questions about how young people may interact emotionally or socially with technology.

The project creates space for research into how AI companionship might be designed, understood or evaluated in relation to youth wellbeing.

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2. Public Resistance to and Rejection of AI in Everyday Life

Proposed supervisor: Professor Neil Selwyn

Much discussion of technological innovation assumes that people will inevitably adopt new technologies.

This project instead focuses on:

Resistance to AI

and:

Rejection of AI in everyday life.

It offers an opportunity to investigate why individuals or communities may choose not to adopt particular technologies and what those decisions reveal about:

• Trust
• Power
• Autonomy
• Social expectations
• Technology adoption

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3. AI for Inclusive CALD Ageing and Care Communication

Proposed supervisor: Dr Hui Huang

This project considers AI in the context of ageing and communication involving culturally and linguistically diverse communities, often described using the abbreviation CALD.

The research could contribute to questions surrounding:

• Inclusive communication
• Ageing
• Care
• Language
• Cultural diversity
• AI-mediated services

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4. AI and the Future of Democratic Life: Participation, Persuasion and Public Trust

Proposed supervisor: Dr Charles Crabtree

This project addresses the relationship between:

• Artificial intelligence
• Democracy
• Political participation
• Persuasion
• Public trust

AI increasingly influences how political information is produced, distributed and consumed.

Research in this area may therefore have important implications for democratic institutions and governance.

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5. From Generative AI to Generative Futures in Music

Proposed supervisors: Dr Rod Davies and Dr Nicole Canham

The full proposed theme is:

From generative AI to generative futures in music: mapping future professionalism for evolving music labour markets.

This research focuses on the impact of generative technologies on:

• Music
• Professional identities
• Creative labour
• Employment
• Future music industries

It may appeal particularly to researchers working across creative practice, cultural policy, music studies and labour research.

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6. Human Craft, AI and the Future of Screen Aesthetics

Proposed supervisor: Dr Elliott Logan

This project focuses on how artificial intelligence may affect:

• Human creative craft
• Screen production
• Visual aesthetics
• Creative processes

The research offers an opportunity to investigate changing relationships between human creative practice and AI-supported or AI-generated media.

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7. Human Labour and Automation in the Warehouse and Logistics Industry

Proposed supervisor: Dr Christopher O’Neill

This project addresses the relationship between:

• Human labour
• Automation
• Warehousing
• Logistics

AI and automation are transforming workplaces, particularly sectors characterized by data-driven monitoring and increasingly automated processes.

The project could contribute to wider discussions surrounding the future of work.

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8. Auditing Algorithms: Detecting and Reducing Discrimination in AI-Driven Decisions

Proposed supervisor: Dr Charles Crabtree

Algorithmic systems increasingly influence decisions affecting individuals and communities.

This project focuses specifically on:

• Algorithm auditing
• Discrimination
• AI-driven decision-making

The research has potentially significant implications for:

• Equality
• Governance
• Regulation
• Public policy
• Institutional accountability

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9. The Changing Nature of Digital Inequalities in an Age of AI

Proposed supervisor: Professor Neil Selwyn

Digital inequality has traditionally concerned differences in:

• Technology access
• Connectivity
• Digital skills
• Digital participation

AI introduces additional dimensions to these inequalities.

This project investigates how digital disadvantage may change in an increasingly AI-dependent society.

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Can Applicants Propose Other AI Research Topics?

The call provides suggested topics but describes applicants as researchers interested in addressing the contemporary and future challenges associated with artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

Applications are expected to:

1. Fit within the overall scope of the AI-focused scholarship call.
2. Align, where feasible, with one of the proposed topics.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the proposed research area.

Applicants should therefore discuss any alternative idea with a prospective Monash supervisor before assuming that it fits the scholarship.

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Who Should Apply?

Monash Arts welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds across:

• Humanities
• Social sciences
• Creative arts

Candidates should be interested in social, cultural, political or environmental challenges associated with the rapid development of AI.

Potential disciplinary backgrounds may therefore include:

• Sociology
• Political science
• International relations
• Public policy
• Philosophy
• Ethics
• Media studies
• Communication
• Cultural studies
• Anthropology
• Law
• Digital humanities
• Creative arts
• Music
• Labour studies
• Education
• Related HASS disciplines

The exact academic background should align with the proposed PhD topic.

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Academic Requirements

The selection committee will prioritize applicants holding an:

Australian Honours degree or equivalent international qualification

or:

Master’s degree

in a cognate discipline aligned with the proposed research project.

The qualification should demonstrate:

A significant research component.

Candidates should therefore have previous experience undertaking substantial independent research.

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First-Class Honours / H1 Requirement

Preference will be given to candidates who have achieved:

First-Class Honours / H1 or equivalent

This is an important indication of the competitiveness of the scholarships.

International applicants whose universities use different grading systems should review Monash University’s equivalency rules.

Applicants should not simply convert their grades themselves and assume equivalence.

The Faculty of Arts graduate research admissions process determines whether international qualifications meet the relevant standard.

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Significant Research Component

Candidates should have completed a substantial research component as part of their previous qualification.

Examples could include:

• Honours thesis
• Master’s dissertation
• Research thesis
• Substantial independent research project

Applicants should make this research preparation clear in their CV and application documents.

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Applicants Who Already Have a PhD

Candidates who already hold a doctoral degree:

Will not be considered.

The scholarship is intended for applicants seeking their first PhD.

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English Language Requirements

Candidates must meet the English-language proficiency requirements for PhD admission to the Monash Faculty of Arts.

Applicants who are required to submit an English test must include the relevant results with their application.

The exact requirements depend on Monash University’s graduate research admissions policies.

Prospective applicants should review:

https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research/application-process/

before submitting their scholarship application.

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Full-Time Enrollment Is Mandatory

Scholarship recipients must be enrolled:

Full-time

Part-time enrollment is not offered under the conditions stated in this call.

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On-Campus Attendance Is Mandatory

Successful candidates must also study:

On campus

This means scholars should be prepared to live in or around Melbourne and undertake their research from the relevant Monash campus.

International candidates should therefore consider:

• Australian student visa requirements
• Relocation costs
• Housing
• Living costs
• Health insurance
• Travel arrangements

when preparing for potential study in Australia.

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Research Proposal Discussion Is Required Before Applying

One of the most important application requirements is that candidates must:

Discuss their research proposal with an aligned prospective supervisor before submitting the application.

Applicants should therefore not submit directly without first identifying an appropriate supervisor.

This requirement allows candidates to determine whether:

• Their topic fits the scholarship
• Appropriate expertise is available
• Their proposed project is feasible
• The supervisor is interested in supporting the research

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How to Approach a Prospective Supervisor

Applicants should ideally contact a potential supervisor with a concise and focused message.

A useful first approach may contain:

• Your name
• Current university or professional role
• Academic background
• Degree results
• Research interests
• Short description of your proposed PhD topic
• Why the supervisor’s research is relevant
• Mention of the “PhD Scholarships: Shaping AI’s Future” call
• CV
• Brief preliminary proposal where appropriate

Avoid sending a generic message to multiple academics without demonstrating familiarity with their research.

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Application Documents

Applications must contain several supporting documents.

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1. Cover Letter

Applicants must provide a:

Cover letter including a brief statement of suitability.

The letter should explain why the applicant is a strong candidate for the scholarship.

A strong letter could highlight:

• Academic preparation
• Previous research
• Interest in AI and society
• Relevant methodological experience
• Fit with the proposed project
• Fit with the supervisor
• Career objectives

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2. Draft Research Proposal

Candidates must submit a:

Draft research proposal

The proposal must:

1. Fit within the scope of the “Shaping AI’s Future” scholarship call.
2. Align, where feasible, with one of the proposed research areas.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant discipline or research field.

This is likely to be one of the most important documents in the selection process.

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What Should the Research Proposal Demonstrate?

A competitive proposal should make clear:

• What problem the research addresses
• Why that problem matters
• What existing research already tells us
• What remains unknown
• What research question will be investigated
• Which theoretical or conceptual framework may be useful
• What methodology could be used
• Why Monash is an appropriate environment
• How the project relates to AI’s social, cultural, ethical or political dimensions

Applicants should follow the official Monash research proposal guidance rather than relying solely on generic PhD proposal formats.

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3. Detailed Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must submit a detailed CV.

The CV should include relevant information concerning:

• Academic qualifications
• Research projects
• Research methods
• Publications
• Conference presentations
• Professional experience
• Relevant employment
• Awards
• Scholarships
• Academic service

Applicants who have published work should provide a clear publication list.

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4. Academic Records

Candidates must provide:

A full statement of academic records

This allows Monash to assess the candidate’s academic performance.

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5. Degree Certificates

Applicants should provide relevant:

Degree certificates

Scanned copies of required certified documents must be uploaded.

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6. Official Grading System

Applicants should include information concerning their institution’s:

Official grading system

where available.

This is particularly important for international candidates because Monash needs to determine Australian equivalency.

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7. English-Language Results

Candidates should submit:

English-language proficiency test results

if these are required under Monash admission policies.

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8. Two Academic Referees

Applicants must provide:

Names and contact details of two academic referees.

Ideally, referees should know the candidate’s research ability well.

Potential referees may include:

• Master’s supervisor
• Honours supervisor
• Research project supervisor
• Academic mentor
• Lecturer familiar with the candidate’s research

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All Supporting Documents Must Be in PDF Format

Applicants should upload supporting documents through the application system in:

PDF format

Candidates should check documents carefully before submitting.

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How to Apply

Applications shall comprise:

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability
• A draft Research Proposal that (i) fits within the scope of this call for research, (ii) aligns, where feasible, with one of the proposed topics, and (iii) demonstrates some understanding of the area of research (e.g., discipline or field of study).

• A detailed curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works, conference presentations and relevant work experience
• A full statement of academic records, degree certificates and official grading system (if available), supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
• English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
• Names and contact details of 2 academic referees

Once you have discussed your proposal with the prospective project supervisor, please submit your application via My.App and upload all supporting documentation in pdf format:

• Select Admission Only as the Application Type
• Select ‘Yes’ to indicate that you are applying for a scholarship for this research and enter “PhD Scholarships: Shaping AI’s Future” as the scholarship name under Research Program Funding of the application.
• Select the relevant project supervisor as the name of the proposed main supervisor (final supervision arrangements to be confirmed upon appointment).

 Applications Close: Wednesday 30 September 2026, 11:55 pm AEST

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Expected Starting Date

Successful applicants are expected to commence their PhDs:

No later than 12 March 2027

Candidates should therefore be prepared to:

• Complete admissions requirements
• Arrange relocation
• Obtain an Australian visa where required
• Arrange housing
• Meet enrollment requirements

before the commencement deadline.

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How to Prepare a Competitive Application

1. Contact the Supervisor Early

This is not optional.

The call states that applicants are required to discuss the proposal with an aligned prospective supervisor before submission.

Begin this process well before September 30.

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2. Do Not Treat It as a Computer Science Scholarship

The programme is explicitly focused on the:

Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences dimensions of AI.

Your proposal should therefore explain how AI relates to human or societal questions rather than merely proposing the development of a new machine-learning model.

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3. Identify the Human Problem Behind the Technology

Strong proposals should begin with an important research problem.

Potential questions might concern:

• Democracy
• Inequality
• Labour
• Culture
• Trust
• Wellbeing
• Ethics
• Discrimination
• Governance
• Human relationships

Technology should be connected to a broader substantive question.

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4. Demonstrate Interdisciplinary Thinking

AI affects multiple aspects of society simultaneously.

Applicants who can thoughtfully combine perspectives across relevant disciplines may be particularly well suited to the programme.

However, interdisciplinary does not mean unfocused.

Your research question still needs a clear intellectual foundation.

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5. Show Strong Research Preparation

The scholarships are competitive.

Highlight evidence that you are prepared for doctoral research, such as:

• Strong thesis performance
• Publications
• Conference presentations
• Research assistant experience
• Relevant methods training
• Independent research projects

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6. Explain Why the Research Matters

The scholarship emphasizes research capable of responding to contemporary and future challenges.

Explain how your project could contribute to:

• Academic knowledge
• Public policy
• Industry practice
• Regulation
• Society
• Public debate

depending on your topic.

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7. Connect Your Proposal to the Supervisor

Do not simply list an academic as your proposed supervisor.

Explain why their expertise is relevant.

A credible intellectual connection will strengthen the application.

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Key Details at a Glance

University: Monash University

Faculty: Monash Arts

Programme: PhD Scholarships: Shaping AI’s Future

Job number: 697891

Number available: Up to five

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Campus: Clayton or Caulfield

Study mode: Full-time

Attendance: On campus

Duration: 3.5 years

2027 stipend: AUD 41,100 per year

Tax status: Tax-free stipend

Indexation: Yes

International tuition: Tuition support indicated for successful international candidates

Primary field: Human, social, cultural, political and ethical dimensions of AI

Previous PhD holders: Not eligible

Supervisor contact before application: Required

Expected commencement: No later than 12 March 2027

Deadline: 30 September 2026 at 11:55 PM AEST

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Conclusion

The Monash University Shaping AI’s Future PhD Scholarships 2027 provide an outstanding opportunity for researchers who want to investigate artificial intelligence not simply as a technological innovation, but as a profound social, cultural, ethical and political transformation.

Monash Arts is offering up to five PhD scholarships, with successful candidates receiving a tax-free Research Living Allowance of AUD 41,100 per year at the 2027 full-time rate, together with applicable allowances. The programme announcement also indicates tuition support for successful international candidates.

The scholarships are intended for applicants from the humanities, arts, social sciences and related fields with strong research preparation and an interest in understanding the consequences of artificial intelligence for society.

Potential research areas include AI and democracy, public trust, digital inequality, algorithmic discrimination, automation and labour, youth wellbeing, ageing, creative industries, music, cultural production, communication and other aspects of AI’s rapidly evolving relationship with human life.

Successful candidates will undertake their PhDs full-time and on campus at Monash University’s Clayton or Caulfield campus in Melbourne and will have access to interdisciplinary supervision, professional development, international mobility opportunities, relevant AI research networks and opportunities for industry engagement.

Applicants should normally hold an Honours or Master’s qualification with a significant research component in a cognate field, with the selection committee prioritizing candidates demonstrating First-Class Honours/H1 or equivalent academic performance.

Candidates who already hold a PhD will not be considered.

Most importantly, applicants must discuss their research proposal with an appropriate prospective supervisor before submitting an application.

Applications require a cover letter, draft research proposal, detailed CV, academic records, degree certificates, grading information, English-language results where applicable and contact details for two academic referees.

The application deadline is:

30 September 2026 at 11:55 PM AEST

Successful scholars must be able to commence no later than: 12 March 2027

To know more about this opportunity, CLICK HERE.

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