The University of New England in Australia is accepting applications for a funded PhD scholarship focused on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, medical data analytics and education analytics.
The research scholarship offers an annual tax-free stipend of:
$36,862 per year
for up to:
3.5 years
of full-time doctoral study.
For international candidates, the scholarship also covers:
- Tuition fees
- Single Overseas Health Cover
The opportunity is open to both:
domestic and international applicants
and applications are currently:
open until filled.
UNE’s live scholarship database continues to list this opportunity as open, with the same $36,862 annual value and an “open until filled” closing date.
University of New England Machine Learning PhD Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | University of New England |
| Country | Australia |
| Scholarship Level | PhD / Doctoral degree |
| Research Area | AI, Machine Learning, Medical and Educational Data Analytics |
| Annual Stipend | $36,862 |
| Stipend Status | Tax-free according to UNE |
| Payment Frequency | Fortnightly |
| Duration | 3.5 years |
| Tuition Fees | Covered |
| Overseas Health Cover | Single OSHC covered for international candidates |
| International Applicants | Eligible |
| Domestic Applicants | Eligible |
| Study Load | Full-time |
| Preferred Study Mode | On campus |
| School | School of Science and Technology |
| Main Technical Requirement | Computer science background and sound Python skills |
| Industry Engagement | Required |
| Internship | Required as part of studies |
| Closing Date | Open until filled |
| Application Status | Open |
What Is the UNE Machine Learning PhD Scholarship?
The scholarship supports a doctoral research project within the University of New England School of Science and Technology.
UNE is seeking a PhD candidate to develop research-based data-analytics models using:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Medical data
- Educational data
- Imaging
- Video
- Text-based reports
The scholarship is jointly funded by:
Cogninet Australia
and the:
University of New England.
This industry-university collaboration is particularly relevant for applicants interested in research that combines theoretical machine learning with practical applications.
What Will the PhD Research Focus On?
The project focuses on developing machine-learning models for two major areas:
Medical Data Analytics
Researchers will explore AI and machine-learning models that could assist medical professionals through decision-support tools.
Potential applications described by UNE include:
- Diagnosis
- Prognosis
- Monitoring patient conditions
- Supporting better patient care
Educational Data Analytics
The project will also investigate how data analytics can support higher education.
UNE says this work could contribute to improvements in:
- Learning
- Teaching
- Student engagement
The project therefore sits at the intersection of:
machine learning, healthcare analytics, education analytics and applied data science.
Why This PhD Opportunity Matters
Opportunities Feed Analysis
This scholarship is particularly interesting because the research is not limited to building machine-learning models in isolation.
Candidates are expected to work on models connected to real-world challenges involving:
- Healthcare decision-making
- Patient monitoring
- Educational outcomes
- University student engagement
That gives applicants the opportunity to develop technical machine-learning expertise while working in areas with direct social and institutional applications.
The required industry engagement and internship also distinguish this opportunity from PhD projects that are entirely academic.
How Much Is the Scholarship Worth?
UNE lists the annual stipend as:
$36,862 per annum.
The university specifies that this is the:
2025 rate
and states that the stipend is:
tax-free
and paid in:
fortnightly instalments.
The live 2026 scholarship listing still displays the scholarship value as $36,862 per year.
Because UNE continues to label the amount as the 2025 rate on the detailed project page, applicants should confirm whether any indexation applies before enrolment.
Estimated Stipend Over 3.5 Years
If the currently listed annual stipend remained unchanged for the full 3.5-year scholarship period, the mathematical total would be:
$129,017
in stipend support.
This is an Opportunities Feed calculation, not an amount explicitly guaranteed by UNE.
The actual amount may differ if:
- The stipend is indexed
- The scholarship period changes
- Payments are adjusted
- Scholarship conditions affect payment
Applicants should therefore rely on their formal scholarship offer for the final funding amount.
How Is the Stipend Paid?
UNE states that stipend payments are made:
fortnightly.
That means recipients receive regular payments rather than one annual lump sum.
Does the Scholarship Cover Tuition?
Yes.
UNE states that the scholarship will cover:
tuition fees
for international candidates.
This is particularly important because tuition can represent a major cost for international PhD students studying in Australia.
Does It Cover Health Insurance?
Yes, partially in the sense specified by UNE.
For international candidates, the scholarship covers:
Single Overseas Health Cover.
Applicants bringing:
- A spouse
- Children
- Other dependants
should not assume family health coverage is included.
The source specifically identifies Single Overseas Health Cover.
Is This a Fully Funded PhD?
The scholarship provides several major components commonly associated with funded doctoral study:
- Annual stipend
- Tuition-fee coverage
- Single Overseas Health Cover for international candidates
However, the official source does not state that every possible expense is covered.
It does not confirm universal funding for:
- International flights
- Visa application fees
- Relocation
- Family health insurance
- Accommodation
- Research travel outside the project arrangements
- Dependant expenses
For that reason, applicants should describe it more precisely as a funded PhD scholarship with stipend, tuition and Single OSHC coverage, rather than assuming every personal expense is paid.
How Long Does the Scholarship Last?
The scholarship is tenable for:
three years and six months
or:
3.5 years
of full-time doctoral study.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is available to:
domestic and international applicants.
UNE lists citizenship eligibility as:
Domestic and International.
This makes the scholarship relevant to qualified applicants from outside Australia.
Can African Students Apply?
Yes, provided they satisfy all other eligibility and admission requirements.
Because the scholarship explicitly accepts international candidates and does not list a country-specific nationality restriction, eligible applicants may come from countries including:
- Zimbabwe
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- Ghana
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Uganda
- Tanzania
These examples illustrate possible international applicants and are not a separate UNE country list.
Can Asian Students Apply?
International candidates are eligible, so qualified applicants from Asian countries may also apply subject to UNE admission and scholarship requirements.
Are New Students Eligible?
Yes.
UNE lists both:
- New students
- Continuing students
as eligible.
Are Continuing Students Eligible?
Yes.
The scholarship’s eligibility table confirms that both new and continuing students may apply.
What Degree Is Required?
The scholarship is specifically for a:
doctoral degree.
Applicants need to meet UNE’s admission requirements for the relevant PhD programme.
UNE states that candidates must:
apply for and be offered admission into the degree before they can be eligible for the scholarship.
This is a critical part of the process.
What Academic Background Is Required?
UNE states that applicants should have a:
computer science background
with:
sound Python programming skills.
The scholarship page does not provide a universal GPA threshold or specify one mandatory previous degree title.
Applicants must separately satisfy UNE’s doctoral admission requirements.
Python Skills Are Important
This is not simply a general data-science scholarship.
UNE explicitly mentions:
sound Python programming skills.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
Applicants should therefore be prepared to demonstrate practical technical ability.
Useful evidence could include:
- Python research projects
- Machine-learning projects
- GitHub repositories
- Data-analysis projects
- Academic research
- Publications
- Master’s dissertation
- Industry work
- Computer vision projects
- Natural-language processing projects
These are Opportunities Feed suggestions for demonstrating suitability, not additional UNE requirements.
What Machine Learning Skills Could Strengthen an Application?
Opportunities Feed Strategy
Because the project involves imaging, video and text-based reports, applicants could benefit from demonstrating experience with areas such as:
- Python
- Machine learning
- Deep learning
- Computer vision
- Natural language processing
- Statistical modelling
- Data preprocessing
- Predictive analytics
- Neural networks
- Medical data analysis
- Educational data analysis
UNE does not state that applicants must already be experts in every one of these areas.
The strongest application will demonstrate skills that align with the actual proposed research.
Industry Engagement Is Required
Candidates must be available for:
industry partner engagements.
This reflects the fact that the scholarship is jointly supported by Cogninet Australia and UNE.
Is an Internship Required?
Yes.
UNE says students must be available for:
an internship as part of their studies.
The page does not specify:
- Internship duration
- Internship salary
- Exact location
- Separate internship allowance
Applicants should not assume those details.
Is the PhD Online?
The scholarship page lists both:
- Online
- On campus
among study modes in the key facts.
However, the detailed eligibility requirements state:
On campus preferred.
Opportunities Feed Interpretation
International applicants should therefore not assume this is a fully remote PhD.
The project involves:
- Industry engagement
- An internship
- Full-time doctoral research
and UNE explicitly identifies on-campus study as preferred.
Applicants needing a fully remote arrangement should confirm suitability with the university before applying.
Is Full-Time Study Required?
Yes.
The scholarship requires:
full-time study.
Which UNE School Hosts the Research?
The project sits within the:
School of Science and Technology.
Application Deadline
There is no fixed calendar deadline listed.
The scholarship closes:
Open until filled.
UNE’s live scholarship listings continue to show the same status.
What Does “Open Until Filled” Mean?
Opportunities Feed Analysis
It means applicants should not wait for a traditional deadline.
The scholarship can potentially close once a suitable candidate has been selected.
Someone planning to apply several weeks or months later could therefore discover that the opportunity is no longer available.
For this type of recruitment, applying early is strategically important.
How to Apply
UNE provides a comparatively simple scholarship submission process.
Applicants need to email:
one PDF file
containing:
- A one-page cover letter
- CV
to:
Associate Professor Subrata Chakraborty
at the contact email provided on the official scholarship page.
Important Admission Requirement
Submitting the scholarship documents alone is not sufficient.
Candidates must also:
apply for admission and receive an offer into the degree
before becoming eligible for the scholarship.
Recommended Application Order
Opportunities Feed Strategy
A practical approach would be:
Step 1 — Review doctoral admission requirements
Confirm that your qualifications meet UNE’s PhD entry requirements.
Step 2 — Examine the research project carefully
Make sure your academic and technical background aligns with AI, machine learning and data analytics.
Step 3 — Prepare the one-page cover letter
Explain why your background fits this specific research project.
Step 4 — Update your academic CV
Emphasize:
- Research experience
- Python
- Machine learning
- Publications
- Technical projects
- Relevant employment
Step 5 — Complete the required degree-admission process
UNE requires an admission offer before scholarship eligibility.
Step 6 — Submit the scholarship application
Follow the official instructions and send the required single PDF.
What Should the Cover Letter Focus On?
UNE requests a:
one-page cover letter.
Because space is limited, applicants should avoid generic statements.
Opportunities Feed Strategy
A strong letter could cover four points:
1. Your technical preparation
Explain your computer science, Python and machine-learning experience.
2. Your research experience
Mention relevant:
- Thesis work
- Publications
- Projects
- Research assistantships
3. Your project fit
Show how your interests connect to:
- Medical analytics
- Education analytics
- Imaging
- Video
- Text analysis
4. Why you fit an industry-linked PhD
Show that you are comfortable with:
- Collaborative research
- Industry engagement
- Internships
- Applied research
What Should Be Included in the CV?
The source only says applicants need to submit a CV and does not prescribe a specific format.
Opportunities Feed Recommendation
Relevant sections could include:
- Education
- Research experience
- Technical skills
- Python expertise
- Machine-learning projects
- Publications
- Conference presentations
- Professional experience
- Scholarships and awards
- Research software
- GitHub or portfolio links where useful
Documents You May Need for PhD Admission
UNE’s scholarship page only explicitly requests:
- One-page cover letter
- CV
for the scholarship submission.
The university may require additional documents for admission.
Applicants should verify current PhD admission requirements rather than assuming a universal list.
Possible doctoral admission materials often include academic records and research-related documentation, but these should not be treated as confirmed scholarship requirements unless specified by UNE.
How Competitive Is the Scholarship?
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The scholarship should be considered competitive because:
- There appears to be a specific PhD candidate position
- It carries substantial stipend support
- International students are eligible
- Tuition is covered for international recipients
- The project sits in high-interest areas including AI and machine learning
- Industry collaboration is built into the research
However, UNE does not provide:
- Applicant numbers
- Acceptance rate
- Selection probability
No numerical competitiveness estimate should therefore be claimed.
How to Improve Your Chances
Demonstrate Strong Python Skills
Python is explicitly mentioned by UNE.
Avoid merely listing “Python” under skills.
Show evidence through:
- Research
- Software projects
- Machine-learning implementations
- Data-analysis work
Connect Your Background to the Research
A generic AI application may be weaker than one showing relevance to:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Imaging
- Video analytics
- Text analytics
Demonstrate Research Potential
A PhD is fundamentally a research degree.
Strong evidence might include:
- Master’s research
- Honours thesis
- Research publications
- Conference papers
- Research assistant experience
- Independent research projects
Show Interest in Applied Research
Because an industry partner is involved, applicants should demonstrate that they can work beyond purely theoretical research.
Experience translating models into practical applications may be valuable.
Apply Early
“Open until filled” is one of the most important details.
There is no benefit in waiting for a deadline that does not exist.
Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Waiting for a fixed deadline
- Assuming the scholarship is remote
- Applying without strong Python evidence
- Sending a generic cover letter
- Ignoring the medical and educational focus
- Forgetting the required internship
- Ignoring industry engagement
- Applying without understanding PhD admission requirements
- Assuming tuition coverage includes every living expense
- Calling the $36,862 amount a 2026 rate when UNE labels it the 2025 rate
- Assuming family Overseas Health Cover is included
What Happens After You Apply?
The supplied scholarship page does not specify the complete selection process.
UNE does not state on this page whether candidates will face:
- Formal interviews
- Technical tests
- Research presentations
- Reference checks
- Multiple selection rounds
Applicants should therefore wait for official instructions rather than assuming a particular recruitment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UNE Machine Learning PhD Scholarship currently open?
Yes. UNE currently lists applications as open.
What is the closing date?
The scholarship is open until filled.
Can international students apply?
Yes.
Can Australian students apply?
Yes.
How much is the stipend?
The listed stipend is $36,862 per year.
Is the stipend tax-free?
UNE describes it as tax-free.
How often is it paid?
Fortnightly.
How long does funding last?
3.5 years for full-time doctoral study.
Does it cover tuition fees?
Yes, tuition fees are covered for international candidates.
Does it cover health insurance?
It covers Single Overseas Health Cover for international candidates.
Does it cover flights?
The scholarship page does not specify international airfare coverage.
Does it cover accommodation?
The source does not state that accommodation is separately covered.
Does it cover visa costs?
The source does not specify visa-fee coverage.
Is this a PhD scholarship?
Yes.
Can master’s students apply?
The listed course type is doctoral degree.
Is a computer science background required?
UNE states that applicants should have a computer science background.
Do I need Python?
Yes. UNE specifically requests sound Python programming skills.
Is machine-learning experience important?
The entire research project focuses heavily on AI and machine learning, making relevant experience highly valuable.
Is an internship required?
Yes.
Do students need to work with an industry partner?
Candidates must be available for industry-partner engagement.
Is the scholarship fully online?
Applicants should not assume so. Although online appears among the listed modes, UNE states that on-campus study is preferred.
Do I need admission before receiving the scholarship?
Yes. UNE says candidates need to apply for and be offered admission into the degree before scholarship eligibility.
What documents are required for the scholarship application?
A one-page cover letter and CV combined into a single PDF.
Is there an application fee?
The scholarship page does not specify a scholarship application fee.
Is there an age limit?
No age limit is stated on the supplied scholarship page.
Is there a GPA requirement?
The scholarship page does not provide a universal GPA threshold. Applicants must meet UNE doctoral admission requirements.
Opportunities Feed Verdict
The University of New England Machine Learning PhD Scholarship is a strong opportunity for applicants who already have a solid foundation in:
computer science, Python, machine learning and research.
The funding package includes:
$36,862 per year in tax-free stipend support
for up to:
3.5 years
plus:
tuition fees and Single Overseas Health Cover for international candidates.
The research itself is particularly relevant to candidates interested in applying AI to meaningful real-world problems.
Rather than focusing only on generic machine-learning research, the project combines:
- Medical analytics
- Patient decision-support systems
- Diagnosis and prognosis
- Educational analytics
- Learning and teaching
- Student engagement
with industry participation and an internship.
The most important application detail is the deadline:
there is no fixed deadline.
UNE currently lists the scholarship as:
open until filled.
Applicants with a strong technical and research background should therefore consider applying early rather than waiting.
For international applicants, the combination of an annual stipend, tuition coverage and Single Overseas Health Cover makes this particularly attractive, but candidates should budget separately for expenses not confirmed by UNE, including flights, visa fees, dependants and relocation unless the university later confirms additional support.
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