How to apply
Please contact research.scholarships@adelaide.edu.au for a copy of the application form.
| Applications open | Monday 08 December 2025 |
| Applications close | Saturday 31 January 2026 |
| Total value | $63,000 |
| Duration | Up to 3.5 years |
| Residency | Permanent Humanitarian visa holder, International Student, New Zealand Citizen, Australian Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident |
| Level of study | Graduate research |
| Degree | All |
| College | All |
| Type of scholarship | Graduate research |
The Kathleen Lumley Foundation's Lumley Top-Up Scholarships Program supports PhD candidates whose research aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has the potential to contribute to systemic change for health access and welfare outcomes.
This scholarship is available to students from any discipline who already hold a primary PhD scholarship and are commencing their doctorate in 2026.
The Scholarship is administered by Adelaide University in partnership with the Kathleen Lumley Foundation.
Scholarship Benefits and Tenure:
- $18,000 per year for up to 3.5 years (maximum total value: $63,000)
- Payments backdated to PhD commencement date if awarded after enrolment
- Admission to a growing network of 'Lumley Scholars' with shared research interests
- Opportunities to connect with the Foundation's network, share your work, and build your research career
- Annual Research Symposium to present findings and network with fellow scholars
Scholarship funds are intended to support all reasonable costs associated with undertaking a PhD, including (but not limited to):
- Essential living expenses
- Research materials and equipment
- Research-related travel
- Conference attendance and presentation
- Essential self-care
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Scholarship, applicants must:
- Hold a primary PhD scholarship awarded through an open and competitive selection process; and
- Be enrolled full-time in a PhD at Adelaide University (or commencing within 12 months of application); and
- Have a PhD research topic that aligns with three or four UN Sustainable Development Goals (see Area of Focus below) with potential to contribute to systemic change for health access and welfare outcomes; and
- Reside primarily in South Australia for the duration of your PhD studies; and
- Agree to the Conditions of Award (see below).
Applications are not limited by discipline.
Area of Focus:
The Kathleen Lumley Foundation seeks to support PhD research from any discipline that aligns with three or four of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and has the potential to contribute to systemic change for health access and welfare outcomes.
Selection criteria
A limited number of scholarships are available in 2026. Adelaide University will shortlist applications based on:- Alignment of PhD research topic with the Foundation's Area of Focus
- Potential impact of the proposed research for systemic change
Where the number of strong applications exceeds available scholarships, consideration may also be given to:
- individual circumstances and demonstrated need
- factors that may otherwise present barriers to the timely completion of the PhD
The Foundation's Council will make final selections from shortlisted applications. Applications will be assessed primarily on the relevance and potential impact of the proposed research.
Decisions are at the Foundation's discretion and are not subject to appeal.
Important information
By applying, you consent to Adelaide University and the Kathleen Lumley Foundation exchanging information required for assessment and administration of the scholarship program in accordance with privacy policies and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
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