The joint PhD in Human Flourishing and Interreligious Relations reflects a shared commitment by Australian Catholic University (ACU) and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) to research that enables flourishing lives, thriving communities, and an ethical future.

Delivered under a formal cotutelle agreement, the program enables candidates to complete a PhD under joint supervision, with research undertaken across Australia and Indonesia and examination conducted collaboratively. It brings together ACU’s strengths in theology, philosophy, ethics, and applied research with UGM’s internationally recognised leadership in interreligious studies and engagement with plural, multireligious societies.

Aligned with ACU’s Vision 2033, the program advances research that addresses complex global challenges including peacebuilding, depolarisation, social cohesion, human dignity, and interreligious understanding. Candidates benefit from an immersive international research experience, spending periods at one of ACU's Australian campuses and Yogyakarta, working within diverse cultural and religious contexts.

The program seeks to integrate and test perspectives on human flourishing from the Global South and the Global North, grounded in real-world plural and multi-religious contexts, to strengthen institutions and communities and improve peoples’ lives.

Partner institutions

Australian Catholic University (Australia)

The Faculty of Theology and Philosophy at ACU is Australia’s largest faculty of its kind, offering strong research expertise across theology, philosophy of religion, ethics, interfaith relations, and applied theology, with extensive international collaborations.

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Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia)

UGM's PhD in Interreligious Studies is an internationally recognised, interdisciplinary program delivered in English through UGM’s Graduate School and the Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies, drawing on Indonesia’s rich multireligious context.

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About the PhD

How to apply

This joint PhD is designed for high‑calibre researchers committed to scholarship with global relevance, societal impact, and a strong ethical foundation. 

The successful applicant must be approved for admission by both ACU and UGM. The program is suited to applicants who:

• Have a clear research focus aligned with human flourishing or interreligious relations
• Seek an intensive international research experience under joint supervision
• Meet the admission requirements of both institutions. Review UGM’s admission requirements here.

To apply to ACU

Step 1: Assess your eligibility 

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

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

Step 2: Submit your application

To be considered for this joint PhD, 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 cover letter specifying that you are applying for the joint PhD and detailing demonstrated interest and/or experience in human flourishing and interreligious relations.

Next Steps

To be admitted to this joint PhD, applicants must also apply to UGM’s PhD program through the central admission system.