ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´

What you'll investigate

This scholarship is dedicated to the ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´-CHRIST Global STEM Centre, supporting collaborative research between ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ and Christ University.

The PhD candidate will examine how the aspirations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for integrated, multidisciplinary, and experiential learning can be achieved through STEM education in Indian schools. Focusing particularly on rural and under-resourced contexts, the study will investigate the systemic, pedagogical, and organisational factors that enable or constrain the implementation of Integrated STEM Education. Working with teachers, school leaders, students, and policymakers, the research will explore issues of teacher preparedness, curriculum integration, resource availability, and educational equity. The project aims to develop a contextually relevant framework to support the effective implementation of Integrated STEM Education in India and contribute to the achievement of NEP 2020's vision for inclusive, innovative, and future-focused education.

The research will support ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´’s commitment to global partnerships and advancing inclusive STEM education through evidence-informed approaches. 

Scholarship package

The successful applicant will be awarded a scholarship package consisting of:

* International candidates only

Your research community

Supervisors

The PhD candidate will work closely with a team of two supervisors from ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ Assoc Prof Sindu George and Prof Donna King and one supervisor from CHRIST University .

Associate Professor Sindu George

Associate Professor Sindu George conducts research in the fields career entry motivations, self-efficacy, professional transitions, and STEM education across international contexts.

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Faculty

Faculty of Education and Arts

Research at ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´'s Faculty of Education and Arts explores the transformative power of learning, culture, and creativity. Through interdisciplinary inquiry in education, humanities, and the arts, our researchers address social and cultural challenges, inform policy and practice, and contribute to a more inclusive and reflective society.

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Affiliation

National School of Education

The National School of Education at ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ is committed to research that advances educational excellence and improves outcomes for learners, teachers, and communities. Research underpins all teacher education programs, ensuring they are evidence based, contemporary, and responsive to the evolving needs of schools nationally and internationally. Key research strengths include STEM education, literacy education, educational leadership, inclusive education, and early childhood education. Through strong collaborations with schools, industry, local and global partners, the School translates research into innovative pedagogies, curriculum design, and professional learning that have real-world impact.

Visit the School's website

Industry partner

ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´-CHRIST Global STEM Education Centre

A historic partnership combining Indian academic excellence with Australian innovation to create a premier global research ecosystem.

How to apply

Applications close: Monday 9 November 2026, 11:59 pm AEDT

Step 1: Assess your eligibility

Eligibility

Before you apply, confirm you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• This opportunity is open to international applicants only.
• The eligibility criteria for the PhD program at ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ can be found in the .
• The eligibility criteria for research scholarships can be found in the .

Requirements

In addition to the eligibility criteria, the successful applicant should have:

• teaching qualification and teaching experience
• experience in writing publications in peer-reviewed journals
• experience with Research Data Analysis Software

Conditions

By applying, you acknowledge and accept the following conditions:

• The scholarship package is subject to satisfactory progress and full-time study mode.
• The scholarship conditions align with the .
• The successful applicant will be required to assign their intellectual property (IP) to ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ as a condition of enrolment.

Step 2: Express your interest

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Associate Professor Sindu George prior to applying for the PhD program and scholarship, to express their interest and discuss the project in detail.

Email: sindu.george@acu.edu.au

Step 3: Submit your application

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must submit all documentation required for an application to the PhD program at ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´, as detailed in the How to Apply instructions, plus:

• A CV outlining relevant academic and practical experience; and
• A cover letter detailing demonstrated interest and/or experience in the program of research described.

When completing the PhD application form, please indicate that you are also applying for a stipend scholarship and include the name of this project "Integrated STEM Education in India under National Education Policy 2020".