PhD Studentship – Terms & Conditions

(Effective for intakes commencing 2025/26)

Purpose of the Award

The Curtin University Dubai PhD Studentship (“Studentship”) is designed to:

1. enable outstanding candidates to undertake full-time doctoral study at Curtin University Dubai;
2. advance research that is relevant to the UAE and the broader region, particularly in Renewable Energy & Net Zero, Psychology and AI, and the Future of Work; and
3. build long-term research capacity across Curtin’s global campuses through cross-campus supervision and collaboration.

Number and Timing of Awards

Value of the Award

Eligibility

1. Entry requirements – Must meet entry and English proficiency requirements.
2. Residency – Must reside in the UAE for the majority of the candidature. No relocation or travel costs are covered.
3. Emiratisation – At least one award will be reserved for a qualified UAE national.
4. Conflict of Funding – Applicants already in receipt of another full scholarship covering tuition and living costs are ineligible.

Application & Selection

• Applications are submitted through the Curtin Dubai graduate admissions portal and must include a research proposal aligned with Faculty priority areas.
• Selection is competitive and based on academic record, research potential, alignment with strategic themes, and supervisory capacity.
• Offers are issued subject to meeting admission conditions and obtaining/maintaining an appropriate UAE residence visa which will be provided as a Student Visa if required.

Supervision

• Each student is allocated a Principal Supervisor  and a Co-Supervisor based at Curtin Dubai or Curtin Perth.
• Students must comply with Curtin’s Higher Degree by Research (HDR) policies, including supervisory meetings, milestone reviews, and training requirements.

Research Training & Academic Duties

• Students must complete Curtin’s online Research Integrity and Ethics training within the first 6 months or as applicable in the Curtin University HDR policies and procedures.
• A minimum of 8 hours per week of academic duties at Curtin Dubai (tutorials, lab demonstrations, marking, or similar) are required as part of professional development. These hours are unpaid and scheduled in consultation with the School, Supervisor, and People & Culture.

Intellectual Property & Publications

• As per Curtin University HDR policies and procedures.

Progress & Continuation

• As per Curtin University HDR policies and procedures.
• Continuation of the Studentship is conditional on satisfactory progress at each milestone and adherence to the University and DIAC’s Code of Conduct.
• Failure to meet progress requirements may result in probation, suspension, or termination of the Studentship.

Termination

The Studentship may be terminated if the student:

1. withdraws or converts to part-time enrolment;
2. fails to maintain satisfactory progress;
3. breaches University policies or UAE laws; or
4. provides false or misleading information.

In cases of voluntary withdrawal, Curtin reserves the right to recoup tuition fees, stipends, and research expenses already disbursed.

Governance & Dispute Resolution

• These Terms are governed by the laws of the United Arab Emirates and Curtin University regulations.
• Disputes are handled under Curtin’s HDR Grievance Procedures. Decisions of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research (or delegate) are final.

Acceptance

By accepting the offer and enrolling, the student agrees to be bound by these Terms and all relevant Curtin University policies.

Curtin University Dubai reserves the right to amend these Terms & Conditions at any time. Any amendments will apply to all current and future scholarship holders after reasonable notice is given.