PhD Global Mobility

This program is :

• open to Malaysian citizens and International students

You may submit your application here.

Please ensure that you have the following documents to upload as part of your application:

1. A supporting letter from your host campus supervisor. It must contain the following :

• signed by the host supervisor with full name, position in the institution and contact information
• start and end dates of research placement and total duration

2. A supporting letter from your home supervisor. It must contain the following :

• signed by your home supervisor
• how (in their opinion) this research placement will benefit you and your research

3. Your personal statement, written according to the guidelines.

All supporting documents must be uploaded as a single PDF file by the application deadline stipulated below.

Applications

• We aim to open applications approximately 4 (FOUR) weeks before the deadline.
• If you are applying by 2 March, please ensure that your proposed mobility program commences in the year that you submit your application.
• If you are applying by 3 September, please ensure your proposed mobility program commences the following calendar year.

• You must be currently enrolled on a PhD course;
• Currently enrolled at MUM and must have successfully completed the confirmation of candidature;
• Remain enrolled and not on a leave of absence from candidature for the period of the proposed travel period;
• Will not be submitting the thesis for examination before or during the proposed mobility or Study Away period;
• Not under examination at the time of application;
• Have not previously received this grant or participated in this program
• You must meet the eligibility criteria at the time of application and continue to meet eligibility criteria throughout your participation in the mobility program.

Liew Chan Yue |  Carnegie Mellon University, USA

My three-month research exchange at Carnegie Mellon University’s AirLab, under the supervision of Dr. Sebastian Scherer, was a transformative chapter in my Industrial PhD. Immersed in one of the world’s premier robotics ecosystems, I focused on the intersection of drones and deep learning. I developed a custom framework for evaluating cutting-edge Vision-Language Models for medical triage and built automated annotation pipelines using BoTSORT tracking algorithms, contributing directly to open-source frameworks.  Beyond the technical rigor and the inspiration of CMU’s state-of-the-art facilities, this journey was defined by immense personal growth. Much like the transition from autumn to winter I witnessed in Pittsburgh, I evolved professionally, gaining vital collaborative and industrial skills. Exploring seven states, from the self-driving cars of San Francisco to the vibrant streets of New York, broadened my global perspective greatly. I return home with fresh ideas and a renewed drive to integrate these international innovations into my own research.

Min Thu |  Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Germany

My research travel to Germany and the time spent there under the Monash PhD Global Mobility program was highly beneficial for both my academic and personal development. During the 2-month program, I completed a research placement at the Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH) and had the opportunity to attend the World Health Summit 2025 in Berlin.   At HIGH, I worked closely with the institute’s global digital health research team on a collaborative project focused on climate health monitoring. We exchanged experiences and knowledge, engaging in insightful discussions about the challenges we faced in our projects. We also began research on community-based chronic respiratory health. At the summit, I learned about the latest developments and trends in climate change, digital health, and chronic respiratory health. Additionally, I was able to network with global health leaders and researchers.  As part of my knowledge-sharing efforts, I delivered a seminar on global digital health and sensors to medical students and junior researchers at the institute. Locally, I contributed to the Malaysian National Forum on Adolescent Health and Development 2025 as a speaker in an online panel discussion on air pollution and adolescent health, connecting with an organizer I met at the summit. Beyond our digital health working group at HIGH, I expanded my professional network with other research teams focused on health systems and migration health.  On a personal level, I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful city of Heidelberg, especially during the autumn season. My stay in the nearby university city of Mannheim was warm and welcoming, reflecting its Asian and Muslim-friendly atmosphere. I experienced German city life and was reminded of my childhood history readings during my brief visits to historical sites in Berlin.   One of the most precious moments for me was the opportunity to connect mindfully with my professional background and current research, helping me to visualize my future career path. I greatly appreciate the harmonious, multifaith city life in Germany, which has spiritually awakened me.

Komalpreet Kaur |  The University of Queensland, Australia

My mobility experience at the University of Queensland was more than a research trip; it was a defining chapter of personal and professional evolution. By bridging my work on accent bias with the global expertise at UQ, I moved my research from a localized focus to a vibrant global dialogue.  The heart of this journey was the SIGN network, where academic rigor met a deeply supportive community. It wasn't just about the words on the page; it was the morning walks in the fresh Australian air, the shared meals, and the spontaneous late-night discussions that forged lifelong connections. Stepping into a new life abroad allowed me to rediscover my independence and reminded me that growth happens just as much in the quiet moments of exploration as it does in the heat of a seminar.  I returned to Monash Malaysia with a sophisticated theoretical lens, a network of international colleagues, and a newfound sense of self. Ultimately, this experience didn’t just change my manuscript; it changed the way I see my place in the world.

Wong Ka Heng |  National University Singapore, Singapore

My (pictured 2nd from the right) time as a visiting scholar at the Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies Laboratory (MARVAS) at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS).  Grateful to my host supervisor Prof Justin Chu Jang Hann (pictured 1st from the right) and Dr Adrian Oo (pictured first from the left) for the opportunity to work here, and to my supervisor Dr Adzzie Shazleen Azman (pictured second from the left) for her unwavering support. Their mentorship is greatly appreciated and will shape me into the researcher I hope to be. Bye NUS!

Manoj Kumar |  Arizona State University, USA

As part of the Monash PhD Global Mobility Program, I had the opportunity to undertake a three-month research placement at Arizona State University (ASU), USA. This experience provided valuable exposure to a world-class research environment, where I engaged with leading experts in my field and gained insights into advanced research methodologies and collaborative practices.  During my time at ASU, I expanded my academic network and initiated collaborations that have continued beyond the mobility period. The experience also allowed me to explore new research directions, enhancing the depth and quality of my work. Beyond academics, living in a different country enriched my personal growth by broadening my global perspective and adaptability.  Overall, the mobility program was an enriching and transformative experience that has significantly contributed to my development as a researcher and global academic.

Yong Zi Qian | Idiap Research Institute, Switzerland

My three-month PhD Global Mobility experience was an incredibly rewarding and memorable journey. It gave me the opportunity to experience a different research environment, collaborate with international researchers, and learn new perspectives on academic research and teamwork. I was inspired by the collaborative and supportive research culture, where researchers actively shared ideas and worked closely within research groups. Beyond academics, I also had the chance to experience the beautiful scenery and peaceful environment in Switzerland. The breathtaking mountain landscapes, clean cities, and calm atmosphere made the experience even more meaningful and unforgettable. My three-month PhD Global Mobility experience was an incredibly rewarding and memorable journey. It gave me the opportunity to experience a different research environment, collaborate with international researchers, and learn new perspectives on academic research and teamwork. I was inspired by the collaborative and supportive research culture, where researchers actively shared ideas and worked closely within research groups. Beyond academics, I also had the chance to experience the beautiful scenery and peaceful environment in Switzerland. The breathtaking mountain landscapes, clean cities, and calm atmosphere made the experience even more meaningful and unforgettable. Overall, the program not only broadened my perspective as a researcher but also helped me grow personally by becoming more adaptable, independent, and open to different cultures and ways of thinking. I am truly grateful to Monash and everyone who made this opportunity possible!

• Coverage includes access to a limited number of personal travel days. Please check the table below for advice on the number of personal travel days eligible for coverage by program.
• When you leave Malaysia to begin your overseas activity, you must have a return airfare. In the event of an emergency, there is no insurance coverage for return flights if they were not arranged before your program/activity commenced.
• If you have a pre-existing health or mental health condition, we recommend that you obtain a fit-to-travel certificate from your doctor.
• There is no coverage for university-affiliated domestic travel or travel in your country of domicile.
• You will not be covered if you travel to an area of the world where the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Smartraveller website provides advice not to travel or to reconsider your need to travel.

Review full policy details before you book travel and depart for your program.

Global 24 Emergency Assistance can provide a wide range of support if you encounter a problem overseas. In addition to emergency assistance, they can also provide information on accessing reputable medical practitioners, mental health support, or assistance with organising travel in an emergency situation.

In an emergency or urgent situation, contact Global 24 Emergency Assistance to obtain advice about seeking treatment or support in-country.

PHONE: +61 2 9312 5191

EMAIL: assistance@global24.com.au

Assistance card

Services provided:

• Emergency and non-emergency assistance
• Access to English-speaking doctors
• Evacuation
• Crisis response

Further details about the policy, getting coverage and submitting a claim can be found on the Monash Finance Intranet (login required). If you have any questions regarding your insurance policy or filing a claim, please email insuranceservices@monash.edu.

Please note: for the Monash PhD Global Mobility program, ‘program start date’ is taken to mean the first day of the mobility program at the host institution, as agreed with the host supervisor. The ‘program end date’ is taken to mean the final date of the mobility program at the host institution, as agreed with the host supervisor.