Research scholarships

About the scholarship

This PhD project leverages the GECKOS (Generalising Edge-on galaxies and their Chemical modalities, Kinematics, and Outflows to Solar environments) survey, which provides ESO/MUSE integral field spectroscopy of 35 edge-on galaxies. Spitzer offers complementary infrared data to map the glow of dust heated by stars.

By bridging infrared emission and optical absorption, this PhD project aims to uncover how dust obscures our view of galaxies and influences their structure and evolution. Additionally, access to Euclid data provides a unique opportunity to investigate the interplay between dust and dark matter, refining our understanding of the hidden universe.

The student will have access to:

• cutting-edge facilities, including data from ESO’s world-class telescopes, the Subaru Telescope’s PFS survey, proprietary Euclid data, and future JWST data through the Taiwan Data Reduction Pipeline
• hands-on experience with data reduction pipelines and instrumentation through the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO).

We are looking for a student with:

• a background in physics and/or astronomy
• basic analytical and programming skills
• a passion for exploring the obscured universe.

The project provides comprehensive research training, equipping the student with expertise in multi-wavelength data analysis, infrared astronomy and galactic evolution.

Availability

This scholarship is available to eligible candidates to undertake a direct entry full time PhD program commencing in 2025.

Students will enrol at both institutions from the outset. In terms of their location for study, the entry point for students beginning at:

• NTHU, the entry point is September 2025 (exact date TBC).
• Macquarie, the entry point is 1 October 2025.

Applicants who are already enrolled in a doctoral degree at the NTHU or Macquarie may be considered for the position if they have a minimum of 24 months left in their PhD candidature at the time of joint enrolment (September/October 2025).

Eligibility

Admission and scholarship criteria of both universities must be met:

• For National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), see how to apply and entry requirements
• For Macquarie, see PhD entry and English language requirements, and graduate research scholarship eligibility criteria.

Additional criteria

Applicants must not already:

• hold a doctoral degree; or
• be matriculated for a doctoral degree at another institution.

Components

Macquarie will provide:

• a living allowance scholarship at an annual rate of AUD$38,500 (tax exempt), paid pro-rata, while the student is in Australia, and a tuition fee scholarship for the period of joint enrolment (up to 36 months).
• an airfare allowance for flights between Taiwan and Australia up to a maximum of AUD$4000.

NTHU will provide:

• Macquarie student with a dual PhD degree scholarship NTD15,000 per month while the student is at NTHU (up to 24 months), and a tuition fee scholarship.
• NTHU student with a dual PhD degree scholarship of NTD11,000 per month while the student is in Australia (up to 24 months). While studying at NTHU, students may apply for additional sources of funding. For more detailed information, contact the relevant departments directly.

How to apply

Students are to submit their EOIs to:

• Dr Tayyaba Zafar (Macquarie supervisor) at tayyaba.zafar@mq.edu.au
• Professor Goto Tomotsugu (NTHU supervisor) at tomo@phys.nthu.edu.tw
• and cc gr.globalprograms@mq.edu.au and gac@my.nthu.edu.tw.

Include the following documents:

• CV including information about publications
• transcripts of most relevant/recent degrees
• information about thesis components (thesis mark, word count, weight/length in comparison to the degree overall)
• statement of suitability as a candidate for the project (max 500 words).

The Office of Global Affairs at NTHU will work with the Graduate Research Academy at Macquarie to:

• arrange official notification of scholarship awards
• invite scholarship awardees to formally apply for admission to both universities by mid-April 2025
• conclude contractual arrangements which must be in place prior to the start of the degree.

Students who are nominated for the award will be asked to:

• formally apply for candidature through the Macquarie application portal
• submit the Application Form for Global NTHU-MQ PhD Program to the Office of Global Affairs at NTHU at gac@my.nthu.edu.tw.

Contact us

Further enquiries about the global PhD scholarships may be addressed to: