The Clough Marine Science Scholarship supports outstanding full-time PhD students working in marine science and marine conservation at Australian universities. The Jock Clough Marine Foundation confirms up to 4 scholarships, each providing a $35,000 one-off payment. Applications close on 9 October 2026 at 11:59pm AWST.
The scholarship is open to domestic and international PhD candidates enrolled full time at an Australian university. Applicants must have passed confirmation of candidature and already hold base PhD funding such as an RTP scholarship or equivalent. Their research must align with the Foundation’s Marine Conservation & Biodiversity or Marine Science Research themes.
Clough Marine Science Scholarship Details
The award is designed to give high-performing doctoral researchers additional resources beyond their base PhD funding. The Foundation places particular emphasis on research impact, communication ability and leadership potential.
Applications are assessed for alignment with the Foundation’s themes, research capability and potential for impact. Shortlisted candidates may later be invited to an online presentation and questions as part of the Foundation’s assessment process.
Scholarship | Clough Marine Science Scholarship |
|---|---|
Funder | Jock Clough Marine Foundation |
Study level | PhD / Higher Degree Research |
Country | Australia |
Awards | Up to 4 |
Value | AUD 35,000 one-off payment |
Deadline | 9 October 2026, 11:59pm AWST |
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Clough Marine Science Scholarship Benefits
Recipients receive a $35,000 single upfront payment. The Foundation says the funding may support research advancement, conferences, specialist training, technical upskilling or professional networking.
Scholars also join the Foundation community and can gain access to networks spanning research, industry, government and philanthropy. In exceptional cases, the Foundation says an award may be extended into a second year at the assessment panel’s discretion.
Also Check: Review the Macquarie University CMOS PhD Scholarship for another Australian doctoral funding opportunity.
Related opportunity: Readers comparing this opportunity can also review the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship as a related PhD funding option.
Also explore: Readers comparing this opportunity can also review the Rhodes Scholarship as a related PhD funding option.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be enrolled full time in a PhD at an Australian university and must have passed confirmation of candidature. International students studying at an Australian university can apply if they meet the same conditions.
Candidates must already hold base PhD funding, such as an RTP scholarship or equivalent. Their project must align with the Foundation’s Marine Conservation & Biodiversity or Marine Science Research priority themes.
Required Documents
The official application asks for research background, aims and significance, a proposed use of funds, a CV and academic record, referee details and supporting evidence. Applicants should prepare these materials before opening the online form.
Applicants also need two referees and two letters of support plus evidence of current enrolment. The Foundation states that a confirmation of candidature letter is sufficient at the initial application stage.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the Jock Clough Marine Foundation scholarship application form. Candidates should prepare the supporting evidence in advance and clearly explain both the research impact and intended use of the scholarship funds.
Use the official Foundation scholarship page for the live application link and current instructions. It is the authoritative source for eligibility, documents, assessment and deadline information.
- Open the official Foundation scholarship page and access the online application form.
- Complete the research background, aims, significance and proposed use-of-funds sections.
- Upload the CV, academic record, current enrolment evidence and other supporting evidence requested by the Foundation.
- Provide two referees and two letters of support.
- Review the application and submit it before 9 October 2026 at 11:59pm AWST.
Application Deadline
Applications close on Friday, 9 October 2026 at 11:59pm AWST. The Foundation states that the current application period opened on 31 August 2026.
Applicants should submit early enough to address missing referee letters or supporting evidence before the closing time. Late or incomplete material could affect whether the application can be assessed properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers use the Foundation’s current scholarship guidance for the 2026 application cycle. They cover international eligibility, award value and compatibility with existing PhD funding.
Applicants should check the live application page immediately before submitting. The Foundation’s official page remains the final reference for any change to the application process or deadline.
Can international PhD students apply?
Yes. International students can apply if they are enrolled full time in a PhD at an Australian university and meet the other eligibility requirements.
How much is the scholarship?
The scholarship provides a $35,000 one-off payment. The Foundation says the payment is made upfront after the required recipient documentation is completed.
Can it be held with an RTP scholarship?
Yes. The award is designed to complement existing PhD funding, and applicants must already hold base funding such as RTP or an equivalent award.
Conclusion
The Clough Marine Science Scholarship provides a substantial $35,000 top-up for high-achieving marine science and conservation PhD researchers in Australia. The Foundation can award up to four scholarships in the current cycle.
Eligible candidates should prepare the research-impact case, referee support and enrolment evidence early. The complete application must be submitted before 9 October 2026 at 11:59pm AWST.
