Education & Training // Higher Degree Scholars
Higher Degree Scholars
Higher Degree scholarships are cornerstone of the Marine Bioproducts CRC Education & Training Program, designed to develop Australia’s next generation of researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators in marine bioproducts.
The Program provides world-class Honours, Masters and PhD scholarships that support industry-aligned research addressing challenges and opportunities across the marine bioproduct supply chain. Through strong partnerships with universities and industry, Scholars undertake commercially relevant research while gaining access to world-class facilities, professional development opportunities, industry placements, and a collaborative national network.
By combining research excellence with meaningful industry engagement, our Higher Degree scholarships prepare graduates to translate research into real-world impact and build the future workforce for Australia’s marine bioproducts sector.
World-class scholarships for PhD Scholars:
- Up to $60,000 p.a. PhD base scholarship
- Up to $30,000 p.a. PhD top-up scholarship
- Up to $20,000 p.a. PhD operating
For Honours and Masters:
- Honours: $5,000 scholarship + up to $10,000 p.a. operating
- Masters: $15,000 scholarship +up to $20,000 p.a. operating
Conditions of Award

Brad Darkson
PhD
Flinders University

Chanhee Jeong
Honours
Griffith University

Evan Worden
PhD
Deakin University

Jack Starr
PhD
Flinders University

Jessica Gibbs
PhD
University of Sunshine Coast

Kunhao Liu
PhD
The University of Queensland

Md Abu Zafar
PhD
University of Sunshine Coast

Olivia Hodgkin
Honours
Charles Sturt University

Paramitha Sandani Wanni Arachchige
PhD
The University of Queensland

Pretty Londhe
PhD
University of Southern Cross

Sepideh Banayan
PhD
The University of Queensland

Sophia Olijnyk
PhD
Flinders University

Valeria Sanders
PhD
Flinders University

Velislav Kotevski
PhD
Charles Sturt University

Amber Senysyn
Masters
University of Tasmania

Bonnie Homer
Honours
University of Adelaide

Bryan Mendoza
Honours
Flinders University

Dr Cheng Yang
PhD
University of Tasmania

Dr Micah Landon-Lane
PhD
University of Tasmania

Dr Vigasini Subbiah
PhD
Deakin University

Dylan Ebner
Honours
University of the Sunshine Coast

Jack Starr
Honours
Flinders University

Manav Subbanna
Masters
Flinders University

Michael McWilliams
Honours
Flinders University

Sophia Olijnyk
PhD
Flinders University

Voon Leong Chung
Honours
Flinders University
frequently asked questions
What is a Marine Bioproducts CRC Higher Degree Scholarship?
The Higher Degree Scholarship Program provides stipends and operating support for Honours, Masters and PhD students undertaking industry-aligned research from Marine Bioproducts CRC Core University Partners that addresses challenges and opportunities across Australia’s marine bioproducts sector.
All Higher Degree projects must be supported by at least one Industry Partner (not necessarily a Marine Bioproducts CRC Industry Parter) and led by a Marine Bioproducts CRC Core Research Partner to ensure quality, alignment, and industry relevance.
Who are the Marine Bioproducts CRC Core Research Partners?
Scholar needs to be enrolled in the following Universities, unless otherwise approved by the Marine Bioproducts CRC:
- Charles Sturt University
- Deakin University
- Flinders University
- Griffith University
- University of South Australia
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- University of Tasmania
- The University of Queensland
Joint arrangements with international partner Universities and/or research organisations can be considered.
Who can apply?
Applications are open to high-quality domestic and international candidates who meet the admission requirements of the enrolling University and whose research aligns with Marine Bioproducts CRC priorities.
What funding is available?
Marine Bioproducts CRC offers a range of scholarship options, including full and co-funded Scholarships, PhD top-up Scholarships, and research operating funds. Funding levels vary depending on the qualification, project and funding model.
What research areas are supported?
Scholarships support research aligned with the Marine Bioproducts CRC’s strategic priorities across sustainable marine resources, innovative bioprocessing technologies and new Australian marine bioproducts, with every project linked to an industry partner.
Do I need an industry partner?
Yes. Every Higher Degree project must involve at least one Industry Partner to ensure the research is relevant to industry needs and has clear pathways to translation and impact.
What additional opportunities are available to Scholars?
Scholars become part of the Marine Bioproducts CRC Education & Training Program, with access to professional development, Marine BioConnect, industry placements, networking opportunities, and funding support for eligible conference travel and exchanges.
Can international students apply?
Yes. International applicants are eligible to apply. However, scholarships do not cover university tuition fees, health insurance or relocation costs.
How do I apply?
Higher Degree Scholarships are attached to approved Marine Bioproducts CRC research projects. Prospective applicants should contact the relevant project supervisor or the Marine Bioproducts CRC to discuss available opportunities and the application process.