This research will explore the systemic, pedagogical, and technological challenges shaping equitable access to STEM, particularly in under-resourced and rural contexts. It will investigate how AI and emerging technologies are being integrated into classrooms, and whether they are supporting or exacerbating existing disparities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study will engage with teachers, students, and policymakers to assess the impact of policy and curriculum reforms on STEM curriculum and delivery.

The PhD candidate will investigate scalable innovations, infrastructural barriers, digital inclusion strategies that influence equitable access to STEM education, and teacher capacity needs that influence the implementation of STEM education in Global South. They will analyse how emerging technologies, particularly AI, are being adopted in diverse educational settings and evaluate their potential to support inclusive, future-focused learning. Through this work, the candidate will generate critical insights to inform educational planning and policy, contributing to India's vision for equitable STEM education.

Key research areas may include

1. Policy Interpretation and Local Implementation of curriculum and policy reforms in STEM Education - Investigating how the vision of STEM education articulated in curriculum and policy reforms is being interpreted, adapted, and enacted across different school contexts.
2. Infrastructural and Pedagogical Barriers to Technology Integration - Examining the challenges related to infrastructure, teacher preparedness, and pedagogical practices in integrating AI and digital technologies into STEM teaching.
3. Educator Capacity and Support Systems for Policy Implementation - Exploring the professional development, institutional support, and systemic enablers or constraints that influence how educators engage with technology-driven reforms.
4. Innovation and Impact of Emerging Technologies on STEM Learning - Evaluating innovative practices, including AI-assisted tools and digital learning platforms, that are shaping STEM teaching and influencing student learning outcomes.
5. Cross-Sector Partnerships and Scalable Models of Inclusive STEM Delivery - Analysing the role of collaborations across government, private sector, NGOs, and other education providers in supporting scalable, inclusive, and sustainable models of STEM education.

The PhD candidate will work closely with a team of two supervisors from ACU and one supervisor from Christ University. The research will also support ACU's commitment to global partnerships and advancing inclusive STEM education through evidence-informed approaches.

How to apply

Applications close: 1 October 2025, 11.59PM AEST

Eligibility

• This opportunity is open to international applicants only.
• The eligibility criteria for the PhD program at ACU can be found in the Higher Degree Research Regulations.
• The eligibility criteria for research scholarships can be found in the ACU Research Training Program Scholarship Policy.

Academic requirements

To apply, you must have one of the following:

• Undergraduate Degree with Honours (Second Class Division A / 70%+ or Distinction / 75%+)
• Master's Degree with Research Training (e.g., MEd with dissertation)
• Equivalent Qualification or Demonstrated Research Experience (e.g., a peer-reviewed publication)
• Other professional experience demonstrating research training and capacity to undertake an independent research project

ACU recognises variations in international grading systems.

English requirements

• IELTS: Overall 6.5-7.0, with no band below 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: 79-100
• PTE Academic: 58-68

Application process

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

• A CV detailing 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 "STEM Education in Global South: Opportunities and challenges in the context of emerging technologies and curriculum directions".

Before you apply

Interested candidates should contact Dr Sindu George before applying for the PhD program and scholarship.