2026 Global PhD – 15-Minute City 2026 at University of Groningen and Macquarie University

The University of Groningen and Macquarie University are offering a scholarship to support an exceptional student to undertake doctoral research on how to realise the 15-minute city in Sydney and Rotterdam (The Netherlands).

This project will study sustainable transport and urban climate resilience with a focus on the implementation of the so-called ‘15-minute city’ concept through a comparative study of Sydney and Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: January 20, 2026
2. Value: Full tuition + stipend AUD $39,700 p.a. + airfare allowance + 12 months salary at Groningen (€3059–€3881/month)
3. Study Level: PhD
4. Sponsor: University of Groningen & Macquarie University
5. Course to Study: PhD in Urban Planning / Human Geography / Sustainability
6. Eligible Country: All Countries

Eligibility Criteria for 2026 Global PhD – 15-Minute City 2026 at University of Groningen and Macquarie University

This scholarship is available to eligible candidates to undertake a direct entry PhD program, full-time, commencing on 1 July or 1 October 2026.

Students are expected to spend:

1. 24 months at Macquarie University in Sydney
2. 12 months at Groningen University in The Netherlands.

Admission and scholarship criteria of both universities must be met:

1. For University of Groningen, see admission requirements
2. For Macquarie, see PhD entry and English language requirements.

Additional criteria

Applicants must not already:

1. hold a doctoral degree
2. be matriculated for a doctoral degree at the University of Groningen, Macquarie University, or another institution.

We are particularly interested in candidates with a background in human geography or urban planning, however, we are also keen to welcome interested candidates from cognate disciplines, including:

1. anthropology
2. environmental studies
3. political science
4. social sciences
5. sociology
6. spatial sciences
7. sustainability studies
8. urban studies.

Benefits of 2026 Global PhD – 15-Minute City 2026 at University of Groningen and Macquarie University

The scholarship comprises the equivalent of a full-fees award and stipend for a period of up to 36 months. Scholarship holders will be expected to have submitted their thesis for examination by the end of that period.

The Macquarie scholarship contribution will include the following components:

1. 36-month tuition fee scholarship for Macquarie fees
2. stipend scholarship at an annual rate of AUD $39,700 (tax exempt, 2026 rate), paid pro-rata for the period spent on campus at Macquarie
3. airfare allowance for flights between the country of the Partner University and Sydney up to AUD $4000.

The University of Groningen contribution will include the following components:

1. salary for 12 months in the salary scale of €3059–€3881 gross per month (November 2025 rate, subject to change depending on when the candidate starts the project at Groningen).

Unless otherwise specified, the scholarships do not cover:

1. any continuation, extension, or resubmission period/fees
2. a research training grant or another equivalent award for research expenses
3. support for travel, immigration, health insurance and related charges between the partner institutions.

How to Apply

Applicants are to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) via email directly to both:

1. the Macquarie supervisor Associate Professor Fiona Miller, Deputy Director of the Macquarie University Housing and Urban Research Centre, at fiona.miller@mq.edu.au
2. the Groningen supervisor Professor Ronald L Hozhacker at r.l.holzhacker@rug.nl.

Use the subject line ‘The 15 Minute City’.

Include the following documents:

1. CV including information about publications
2. transcripts of most relevant/recent degrees
3. information about research thesis components (thesis mark, word count, weight and length in comparison to the degree overall, thesis examination process)
4. statement of interest in and suitability as a candidate for the project (max 500 words)
5. indication that you meet the English language requirements for entry into a PhD program at both universities, or are willing to obtain relevant English language proficiency test results.

Full application:

1. The preferred candidate will be invited to submit a formal application to Macquarie University and Groningen University.
2. At Macquarie, candidates apply for the PhD program and the cotutelle/joint PhD scholarship through the Macquarie application portal.
3. At the University of Groningen, candidates apply for the double doctorate program by submitting a standard form and any additional required documents through the Groningen supervisor.
4. Upon formal application, the Macquarie Global Programs Team and University of Groningen International Office/Doctoral School draft and finalise the student agreement. Enrolment is subject to formal offer, acceptance and agreement finalisation at Macquarie.
5. All relevant entry and immigration requirements for both institutions must be met.

Contact

Further enquiries about the global PhD scholarships may be addressed to:

Groningen

GSH International Partnership Office

gsh-groningen@rug.nl

Manou Jonink

m.e.jonink@rug.nl

Macquarie

Global Programs Team – Graduate Research Academy

gr.globalprograms@mq.edu.au

For more information, kindly visit Macquarie University scholarship webpage.

Application Deadline

January 20, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for 2026 Global PhD – 15-Minute City 2026 at University of Groningen and Macquarie University