The Forrest-Kerry Hill PhD Scholarships support doctoral research in architecture, building design and related fields at five universities in Western Australia. Forrest Research Foundation established the program to honour architect Kerry Hill AO.
Recipients study full time at a Western Australian campus, live in the Forrest Hall scholarly community in Perth unless granted an exemption, and receive mentoring and professional development. The scholarship is offered once every four years; the 2026 round is closed and the next round is due in 2029.
Benefits & funding
- The package is valued at more than AU$270,000 over four years.
- The 2026 RTP or equivalent stipend is AU$34,315–AU$37,500 per year, set by the enrolling university and indexed annually.
- The 2026 accommodation allowance is AU$25,740, indexed annually, to cover a studio apartment at Forrest Hall.
- Recipients receive up to AU$12,000 for approved research and travel, plus an economy airfare to Perth for the scholar and immediate dependants.
- International scholars receive full tuition and overseas student health cover through an RTP fees-offset or equivalent scholarship; domestic scholars receive a tuition-fee exemption.
Eligibility
- Applicants may come from any country or nationality.
- Applicants need a bachelor’s degree at First-Class Honours standard or an equivalent qualification such as a Master of Research, plus a GPA of at least 3.8/4.0.
- The proposed research must focus on architecture, urban and regional design and planning, environmental engineering, urban and industrial design, landscape architecture, or a related discipline, and reflect the spirit of Kerry Hill’s work.
- Applicants must meet their chosen university’s English-language admission standard before applying.
- Applicants must apply for internal, full-time PhD enrolment at the Western Australian campus of Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, The University of Notre Dame Australia or The University of Western Australia; anyone already enrolled in the proposed PhD or who has previously undertaken research toward a research doctorate is ineligible.
- A proposed supervisor must agree to supervise the research before submission. Applicants must also apply for the relevant RTP stipend and fees-offset scholarship.
- Scholars are expected to reside at Forrest Hall, although the Foundation’s Governors may approve an exemption in special circumstances.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Residence required
Australia
Education required
Bachelor · Master
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Application process
- 1Contact a potential supervisor at one of the five eligible universities and obtain agreement to supervise the project.
- 2Check that university’s PhD process, then apply separately for PhD admission and the relevant RTP scholarship.
- 3Complete the Forrest application form and prepare a CV, academic transcripts, a passport-style photograph and details for three referees, including at least two academic referees.
- 4Upload the application through the Foundation portal while the round is open; the most recent round closed on 19 October 2025 at 11:59pm AWST.
- 5If shortlisted, attend an interview before the Selection Committee makes its recommendation.
Program timeline
Most recent application deadline, for the 2026 scholarship round.
Oct 19, 2025, 11:59pm AWST
Next Forrest-Kerry Hill PhD Scholarship round; the exact opening date is not published.
2029