Developing solutions to forced migration

Exploring the role of non-humanitarian migration pathways in addressing forced migration

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 June 2024

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

About the research project

Globally, there is a pressing need for more and better solutions to forced migration. To address this, attention is moving beyond traditional refugee and human rights law frameworks to consider how non-humanitarian migration pathways – including labour migration, student visas and regional free movement of persons agreements – could protect refugees and other forced migrants. While such pathways create potential opportunities for forced migrants to find safety and rebuild their lives, they have generally been developed with a country’s domestic economic interests in mind. They may not recognise nor address forced migrants’ humanitarian needs, and may obscure the special international law obligations owed by states not to return (refouler) those who are at risk of persecution or serious harm.

To further understand the potential impact of non-humanitarian migration pathways in addressing forced migration, we invite proposals that address any of the following issues:

  • Scope and application of international and regional law and policy frameworks in this context, including (but not limited to) laws and policies relating to human rights, refugee protection, migration and sustainable development.
  • Potential role of particular types of pathways – eg labour migration, students visas, free movement agreements – in providing protection and solutions to forced migrants.
  • The roles and responsibilities of institutions involved in developing migration pathways for forced migrants, including governments, UN agencies (in particular, IOM and UNHCR), civil society groups and religious organisations.
  • Case studies of individuals countries or programs addressing this issue.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Tamara Wood

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applications are open to applications from Law or other closely related disciplines
  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Tamara Wood to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 June 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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