Creating Safer Sport Communities PhD Scholarship 2026

The Safer Sport project aims to examine and address gender-based violence across Australian sports communities. The project expects to develop an in-depth understanding of the gendered nature of violence in this context and how communities can address such violence. Using an interdisciplinary approach, mixed methods and collaborative co-design, the project’s expected outcomes include a new evidence base, enhanced international interdisciplinary collaborations, and practice guides to improve the capacity and response of sport communities across Australia to address gender-based violence.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 28 February 2026
2. Value: $34,000 per annum for 3.5 years, plus fee relief; $5,000 research support
3. Study Level: PhD
4. Sponsor: La Trobe University
5. Eligible Country: Australia, New Zealand (citizens)

Eligibility Criteria for Creating Safer Sport Communities PhD Scholarship 2026

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must:

1. meet the entrance requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy
2. not be receiving another scholarship greater than 75 percent of the stipend rate for the same purpose

In selecting successful applicants, we prioritise applications from candidates who:

1. will be enrolled full-time and undertaking their research at a La Trobe University campus
2. have completed a Masters by Research or other significant body of research, such as an honours research thesis or lead authorship of a peer-reviewed publication, assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 75 or above

Successful applicants must be able to commence their studies by 2026. Flexible start dates may be considered.

Selection will be based on

1. academic merit and/or research experience,
2. quality of the research proposal, and
3. demonstrated expertise of relevance to the project

Priority will be given to applicants with a demonstrated interest in gender-based violence in sport, or research in rural and regional areas, and who meet eligibility criteria.

Benefits of Creating Safer Sport Communities PhD Scholarship 2026

1. A stipend scholarship for three and a half years, with a value of $34,000 per annum to support your living costs
2. A fee relief scholarship for up to four years
3. $5,000 across the lifetime of the scholarship for research expenses, which can include conference attendance

We would especially welcome applications from First Nations Australian applicants for this project. Qualifying applicants will be considered for a Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship, which has a stipend top-up valued at $10,000 per annum and additional research support.

How to Apply

To express your interest in this project and scholarship, please follow the steps outlined below:

In the first instance, applicants should confirm their eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy.

Once eligibility has been confirmed, contact Associate Professor Kirsty Forsdike via email to safersport@latrobe.edu.au with the following details:

1. name and contact information
2. evidence of eligibility for entry into the Doctor of Philosophy
3. a CV that contains relevant academic qualifications and experience (up to 4 pages)
4. an Expression of Interest Letter (max 300 words) explaining the applicant’s interest in joining the Safer Sport project
5. a Research Proposal (max 1,000 words) outlining the research objectives, methodology, and potential contribution to knowledge

The applicant may be asked to attend an interview.

The applicant will need to hold, or be willing to obtain, a working with children's check.

The preferred applicant will be asked to submit a full application for candidature and scholarship for assessment.

Contact: Associate Professor Kirsty Forsdike, safersport@latrobe.edu.au

For more information, kindly visit La Trobe University scholarship webpage.

Application Deadline

February 28, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Creating Safer Sport Communities PhD Scholarship 2026