Deakin University has officially announced an exciting new opportunity for aspiring PhD students: the 2026 Anti-Doping Among Women HDR Scholarship is now open for applications. This scholarship, supported by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), invites both domestic and international candidates to explore a rising issue in global sports—Performance and Image Enhancing Drug (PIED) use among female athletes.
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Led by Associate Professor Matthew Dunn and backed by an international consortium of researchers, this project will investigate the role of support personnel such as coaches and trainers in influencing women’s decisions to use or avoid PIEDs. It will also examine the broader psycho-social and cultural influences on female athletes. The qualitative research will be carried out across Australia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, making this a truly global and collaborative effort.
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Research Focus and Global Collaboration
The PhD candidate will work on a co-designed, multi-site project that brings together leading academic institutions:
- Deakin University (Australia)
- Griffith University (Australia)
- Heriot-Watt University (UK)
- Linnaeus University (Sweden)
The project aims to:
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- Explore the influence of coaches, trainers, and partners on PIED use.
- Understand cultural and psychological factors behind the trend.
- Contribute meaningful recommendations to sporting and anti-doping bodies worldwide.
HDR Scholarship Benefits
This prestigious scholarship offers the following benefits:
- Stipend: AUD $35,550 per annum (tax-exempt, 2025 rate) for 3 years
- Relocation Allowance: AUD $500–$1,500 (depending on whether the candidate relocates alone or with family)
- International Student Perks:
- Full tuition fee waiver for 4 years
- Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for visa duration.
This is a rare chance for international students to pursue fully funded research in Australia while contributing to a globally relevant issue.
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Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to both domestic and international candidates. To be eligible, you must:
- Meet Deakin University’s PhD entry requirements
- Be enrolled full-time
- Hold either a first-class Honours degree or a Master’s degree with a substantial research component
- Be a domestic student (Australian citizen, permanent resident, or NZ citizen) or an international student.
DATE . May/15/2025