Supporting women in science

The UNSW Faculty of Science offers a Science PhD Maternity Scholarship for women PhD research students who suspend their enrolment for a session to have a child. We aim to support women in research by bridging the gap and offering financial support during maternity leave.

Each year, we offer scholarships worth up to $5000 each. Although this funding may not cover existing scholarships, it aims to cover income that may be lost due to maternity leave.

*Please note there is a limited number of scholarships available each year.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must match the following criteria:

  • Students who have confirmation of candidature and demonstrated good academic progress, through timely and satisfactory completion of reviews.

Financial support is equivalent to any scholarship that applicants are required to forgo, which is up to the value of a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship at the time. The value of the Maternity Scholarship is also dependent on each student’s specific circumstances.

How to apply

If you're planning to suspend your enrolment to have a child, you should contact your School's Postgraduate Coordinator (PGC) or email Science.ADRT@unsw.edu.au

The PGC will determine your eligibility and value of the Faculty Maternity Scholarship based on your current circumstances.

The PGC will draft a scholarship proposal kit and forward this to the Faculty Associate Dean (Research Training), who will endorse and forward the application to the Graduate Research School.

We prefer that a request for suspension of enrolment is submitted at the same time. The Maternity Scholarship is usually paid as a one-off payment before the suspension of enrolment.