Frequently Asked Questions

Research Grants

Coming soon

Postgraduate Scholarships including MARS Program Scholarships

What is the MARS Program?

The Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Program is a whole-of-Government initiative working to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of workers and others in the mining industry.

What are the MARS Program Focus Areas?

The MARS Program is directed at research across three Focus Areas:

• Creating mentally healthy workplaces – by managing psychosocial hazards and promoting positive practices at work that support mental health and well-being;
• Building a culture of safety and respect – with healthy, safe, gender-equitable, respectful and inclusive workplaces, and;
• Preparing for workplace safety in future mining – by ensuring all workers are educated and trained in safety, addressing emerging risks and fostering safety innovation in new technologies.

What are the MARS Program PhD Scholarships?

Supported by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS), MARS Program PhD scholarships will be awarded to students who are or will be undertaking studies in one of the MARS Program Focus Areas, based primarily at a university campus located in Western Australia.

When are applications for MRIWA scholarships due?

The deadline for applications to MRIWA is close of Business.

What degrees can a MRIWA scholarship support?

The MRIWA Odwyn Jones PhD Scholarship, the MRIWA PhD Scholarship for Women, MRIWA PhD Scholarships (not offered every year), and MRIWA Directors’ Scholarships (not offered every year) can only be applied to support study in a PhD degree program at an eligible university. The MRIWA Indigenous Postgraduate Research Scholarship can support study in PhD or Masters degree by research programs. MARS Program scholarships administered by MRIWA can only support PhD studies.

Do I need to study in Western Australia?

Yes. All scholarships awarded or administered by MRIWA  can only be held by a student who will be primarily based at a university campus located in Western Australia.

When will I find out the results of my application?

All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application in January 2025. 

Do I need to apply to a university as well as to MRIWA?

Yes. MRIWA is not an educational institution and has no formal influence on the assessment and acceptance of applicants onto degree programs. Applicants for MRIWA Scholarships or MARS Program scholarships who are not already registered in a relevant postgraduate research degree at the time of application must have applied for an eligible postgraduate research degree prior to submitting an application to MRIWA.

Do I need to have a supervisor in place before I apply for a MRIWA scholarship or MARS Program scholarship?

Yes. Applicants are advised to begin discussions with potential supervisors as early as possible in the process of preparing their application.

Can MRIWA help me to find a potential supervisor?

No. Applicants are expected to conduct their own research and build any required relationships with supervisors and other relevant staff at a host University as part of their application preparations.

Will MRIWA supervise my studies?

No. Awardees will be supervised in their studies by academic staff at their host institution. MRIWA will provide additional support and networking opportunities to awardees and can act as an independent advocate on their behalf, but does not play a formal role in the management of their studies.

What are the English language requirements for a MRIWA scholarship?

Applicants from a non-English-speaking background must supply valid IELTS documentation (or equivalent) demonstrating competency in written and spoken English to the standards required by their proposed host University. Applicants who have a degree-level qualification from an Australian University are exempt from this requirement.

Can I submit an application or supporting documents in a language other than English?

No. All documentation must be submitted in English. Where original documentation is in another language, a certified translation into English must be provided along with the original documents.

Can I study part-time?

Yes. MRIWA will consider applications for either full-time or part-time studies where this is consistent with the policies of the intended host university.

Can I apply for a MRIWA scholarship or MARS Program scholarship if I am already studying?

Yes. MRIWA accepts applications for support at any point in an eligible degree program from initial registration to completion of the degree. Any period of studies already completed would be deducted from the duration of scholarship support that may be awarded.

Can I hold other scholarships while in receipt of a MRIWA award?

Yes. MRIWA scholarships and MARS Program scholarships are non-exclusive, and can be held alongside other awards. Where an awardee is also in receipt of an Australian Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or equivalent, the relevant scholarship administered by MRIWA is converted to a top-up award.

Am I eligible for the MRIWA Indigenous Postgraduate Research Scholarship?

The MRIWA Indigenous Postgraduate Research Scholarship is only open to Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants. Applicants are required to provide evidence of their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status. This would usually take the form of confirmation under the common seal of a community organisation. Where exceptional circumstances apply, statutory declarations and other forms of documentation may be considered. Original or certified copies of supporting documentation must be provided.

Does a MRIWA scholarship cover the costs of the research I will undertake?

An awardee’s supervisor and/or host institution are expected to provide the primary support for analytical and other costs associated with their research. All MRIWA scholarship and MARS Program scholarship awardees are also provided with up to $5,820 per year (administered by their host University) for ancillary research expenses, travel, and other costs related to their studies.

Does MRIWA support conference attendance and travel for awardees?

All MRIWA Scholarship and MARS Program scholarship awardees are also provided with up to $5,820 per year (administered by their host University) for ancillary research expenses, conference fees, travel, and other costs related to their studies.

Does MRIWA provide funding for relocation expenses?

No.

Do I need to have experience in mining to be awarded an MRIWA scholarship?

No. Candidates are assessed on the basis of their educational record, the relevance of their current or proposed studies to MRIWA’s research priorities, and their career and personal experience in relation to the proposed research program.

Would my proposed research need to be based in the mining industry?

Not necessarily. Applications from all subject areas will be considered as long as the applicant can demonstrate how the activity would deliver the intended outcome with regard to MRIWA’s research priorities or the focus areas of the MARS Program, as appropriate.