Applications are now open for the Heritage and Displacement Scholarship (PhD) 2026 at Deakin University, offering outstanding international and domestic students an opportunity to undertake fully funded doctoral research in Australia.
The scholarship is part of the groundbreaking research project titled “Heritage and Displacement: Intersections of Exile, Culture and Conflict”, supervised by Professor Benjamin Isakhan at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Education, located at the university’s Burwood Campus.
This prestigious program forms part of a broader Australian Research Council Future Fellowship project focused on understanding how displaced communities preserve cultural identity, heritage, and memory during experiences of war, conflict, migration, and exile.
The application deadline is 30 June 2026.
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About the Heritage and Displacement PhD Scholarship
The Heritage and Displacement PhD Scholarship aims to support two exceptional PhD researchers interested in exploring the intersections of cultural heritage, forced migration, conflict, and identity.
The research project investigates how displaced populations from conflict-affected regions understand and relate to their cultural heritage while living in exile or displacement. It also examines how these lived experiences compare with the approaches adopted by governments, humanitarian organizations, and international agencies.
Successful applicants will contribute to an interdisciplinary academic initiative through:
- Development of innovative conceptual frameworks
- Field-based qualitative research
- Interviews with displaced communities
- Comparative analysis across different migration contexts
- Research on heritage preservation during displacement
The project seeks to generate scholarly insights that could influence future humanitarian policies, heritage preservation strategies, and global migration research.
Research Areas and Case Studies
Selected scholars will design independent PhD projects connected to the broader themes of displacement, heritage, identity, and conflict.
The research focuses primarily on displaced populations from:
- Syria
- Iraq
- Palestine
Participants involved in the research may include:
- Refugees
- Internally displaced persons
- Migrants
Fieldwork and case studies may extend across several countries, including:
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Australia
Applicants are expected to submit strong research proposals with clear methodologies, feasible fieldwork strategies, and relevant theoretical frameworks.
This scholarship is especially suitable for students interested in:
- Migration studies
- International relations
- Political science
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Heritage studies
- Human rights
- Middle Eastern studies
- Conflict and peace studies
Scholarship Benefits
The Heritage and Displacement PhD Scholarship 2026 provides generous financial and academic support for successful candidates.
Scholarship Funding Includes
- Annual tax-free stipend of AUD $37,450 (2026 rate)
- Full scholarship duration of three years
- Relocation allowance between AUD $500 and AUD $1,500 for eligible interstate students
Additional Benefits for International Students
International applicants will also receive:
- Full tuition fee offset for up to four years
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the student visa
Beyond financial support, scholars will benefit from:
- Mentorship from leading researchers
- Opportunities to co-author academic publications
- Participation in workshops and policy discussions
- Exposure to international humanitarian and migration research
- Career development opportunities within a globally relevant research project
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Meet Deakin University’s PhD admission requirements
- Be available to enrol full-time
- Hold a first-class honours degree or an equivalent master’s qualification with substantial research training
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Strong academic writing skills
- Excellent English communication ability
- Research competence and analytical skills
Preference may be given to candidates with:
- Research experience related to the Middle East
- Backgrounds in heritage, migration, or political science research
- Qualitative research and interview experience
- Academic publication experience
Required Application Documents
Interested candidates must submit the following documents directly to Professor Benjamin Isakhan:
- Updated CV
- Academic transcripts
- Relevant work experience details
- Research publications (if available)
- Cover letter addressing eligibility and research interests
- PhD research proposal (maximum 2,000 words)
The proposal should include:
- Project title
- Introduction
- Research questions
- Literature review
- Methodology
- Fieldwork strategy
- Feasibility considerations
- References
Applicants are encouraged to develop innovative proposals aligned with the broader themes of heritage, conflict, displacement, and exile.
Application Deadline for Heritage and Displacement Scholarship
The deadline to apply for the Heritage and Displacement PhD Scholarship 2026 is:
30 June 2026
Early preparation is strongly recommended, especially for applicants requiring time to develop detailed research proposals and gather supporting documents.
For more information on this opportunity, click here.
Conclusion
The Heritage and Displacement PhD Scholarship at Deakin University offers a remarkable opportunity for aspiring researchers passionate about migration, cultural identity, conflict, and humanitarian studies.
With full financial support, international research exposure, mentorship from leading scholars, and the opportunity to contribute to globally significant research, this scholarship stands out as one of the most impactful humanities and social sciences PhD opportunities in Australia for 2026.
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