Are you an ambitious researcher looking to solve real-world industrial challenges in Mining, Geology, or Environmental Engineering? Applications are officially open for the Federation University Australia PhD Scholarship 2026. This fully funded, industry-sponsored Higher Degree by Research (HDR) opportunity focuses on the critical project: “Oxidation Behaviour of Broken Ore in Sub-Level Open Stopes (SLOS) at CSA Mine.”
Conducted in direct partnership with Harmony Gold (Australia) Pty Ltd – CSA Mine (one of Australia’s deepest underground copper operations), this program bridges academic research with operational mining engineering to enhance underground productivity and resource safety. Both domestic Australian residents and international candidates are invited to apply.
📊 Scholarship Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
| Host Institution | Federation University Australia |
| Industry Partner | Harmony Gold (Australia) Pty Ltd – CSA Mine |
| Study Level | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD / HDR) |
| Study Mode | Full-Time (Based in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia) |
| Tax-Free Stipend | AUD $50,000 per year ($40,000 base + $10,000 top-up) |
| Tuition Coverage | 100% Fully Covered via RTP / Graduate Research Offset |
| Research Support Allowance | AUD $3,000 per year |
| Program Duration | 3 Years (with possible 6-month extension) |
| Eligible Applicants | Domestic & International Candidates |
| Application Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
🔬 Core Research Objectives & Industry Impact
Oxidation and spontaneous heating of copper-bearing broken ore within sub-level open stopes (SLOS) present major operational hazards and financial losses in deep underground mining. The selected PhD candidate will conduct ground-breaking research to characterize, model, and mitigate these risks.
Key activities during the 3-year research program include:
- Underground Field Sampling: Collecting physical ore and mineral samples directly from underground stopes at the CSA Mine in Cobar.
- Laboratory & Geochemical Testing: Conducting advanced mineralogical characterization, reactivity testing, and thermal analysis.
- Environmental & Process Monitoring: Assessing temperature changes, gas emissions, and airflow variations in underground stope environments.
- Predictive Numerical Modeling: Building quantitative models to predict ore oxidation rates and cementation behavior under varying conditions.
- Mitigation Strategy Design: Formulating actionable operational protocols to improve ore flow, safety, and production scheduling for mine operators.
🎁 Comprehensive Financial Benefits
Recipients of this industry-backed fellowship receive top-tier financial support to cover living and academic expenses in Australia:
- High-Value Annual Allowance: A generous AUD $50,000 annual tax-free stipend paid in regular fortnightly installments.
- Full Tuition Waiver: Complete coverage of international or domestic tuition fees (up to AUD $32,000 annually) for the entire duration of the PhD.
- RTP Research Allowance: An additional AUD $3,000 annual grant dedicated to purchasing laboratory supplies, software, and attending research conferences.
- World-Class Facilities: Direct access to Federation University’s state-of-the-art research laboratories and Harmony Gold’s field infrastructure.
👤 Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for admission into this specialized doctoral program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Entry Qualification: Possess a First-Class Honours Degree, a Master’s by Research, or an equivalent Master’s degree with a significant research thesis component.
- Relevant Academic Background: Hold a degree in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, Metallurgical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Environmental Engineering.
- Desirable Skills: Prior practical or lab experience in geochemistry, rock mechanics, mineral processing, data analysis, or underground mine operations will give candidates a strong advantage.
- Enrolment Commitment: Willingness to study full-time on-campus at Federation University (Ballarat, Victoria) with travel to mine sites.
- Language Proficiency: International students must satisfy Federation University’s standard English language entry requirements (e.g., IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5 with no band lower than 6.0, or equivalent).
📝 Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Contact the Project Supervisors: Before submitting a formal application, interested candidates should reach out to the project supervisory team at Federation University to discuss their research background and CV.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather your updated Academic CV, official transcripts, degree certificates, research proposal/statement of interest, passport copy, and two academic referee contact details.
- Submit via Online Portal: Access the Federation University Graduate Research School Application Portal (
federation.edu.au/research/graduate-research-school). - Select Specific Project: Specify the project title (Oxidation Behaviour of Broken Ore in Sub-Level Open Stopes at CSA Mine) and apply for the accompanying HDR scholarship.
- Await Interview & Outcome: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online technical interview prior to final scholarship award notifications.
Important Advisory: Ensure all supporting academic documents are translated into English and verified before submission ahead of the 31 August 2026 cutoff.
31 August 2026
How to Apply
Interested applicants should first contact the project supervisor before submitting a formal application through Federation University Australia.
Official Application Page
Apply HereWhy You Should Apply
This scholarship provides an excellent opportunity to undertake industry-focused research while receiving generous financial support. Successful candidates will work alongside leading researchers and mining professionals to develop practical solutions for Australia’s mining industry.