Sandrina Park Graduate Award 2026
| Dewatering requirements are a critical component of feasibility studies (FS), as they are used to estimate water inflow into mining sites. This is particularly important in cave mining methods, such as block caving, panel caving, and sublevel caving, which are increasingly being adopted globally for deep, large, and lower-grade ore bodies. At the same time, there is a growing expectation that mining development should align with sustainability principles. A key emerging question that this research project aims to address is: “How can mine water models be made more reliable?” |
Eligibility
To apply for a research degree, you need to provide evidence of your academic or professional accomplishments. This evidence needs to demonstrate that you have the necessary experience and skills to carry out your proposed research project.
Entry requirements vary between degrees, but are likely to include one or more of the following:
- An Honours qualification – completion of a bachelor's degree with first class Honours from Murdoch, or the equivalent at another university.
- A postgraduate coursework qualification – completion of other postgraduate qualifications that involved a substantial research project, such as a master’s degree.
- Other qualifications or work experience – evidence of your professional work experience conducting research projects. If you’ve led large projects, presented at conferences, published research outcomes or implemented organisational change, these might demonstrate your ability to fulfil the entry requirements.
How to Apply
Applicants should send their CV, a cover letter highlighting their relevant skills and experience (one page), and an expression of interest to Tara.Zirakbash@Murdoch.edu.au
The expression of interest should include a brief research proposal (one page) outlining the applicant’s interest in the topic and a proposed approach for conducting the research.
If shortlisted in the first stage, applicants will be contacted to provide additional supporting documents and to arrange a time for the interview.Required Documents
- Master degree or equivalent in a relevant field of study
- CV and cover letter highlight the relevant skills and or experience related to the project
- A list of your publications (with journal ranks), conference presentations, and projects
- A brief research proposal about the topic (1 page or no more than 4).
- ID (Passport preferred. For name changes, we will require certificates as well)
- Professional experience documents
- Transcripts with grading key
- Two academic referee reports
- An up-to-date English proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOFEL/PTE) and properly translated copies of your degrees and transcripts for international student
| IELTS Academic | Overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 90 with no band less than 20 |
| PTE | Overall score of 64 with no skill below 58 |
Payment Method
The successful applicant will receive a PhD scholarship stipend paid by Murdoch University. The stipend will be deposited into the student’s nominated bank account after the completion of the University’s recruitment and enrolment process for the PhD project.