University in Melbourne announces PhD scholarship in Shah Rukh Khan’s name

La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, has announced a PhD scholarship in the name of actor Shah Rukh Khan. It is called the ‘Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship’.

The announcement was made during the actor’s visit to the university as a chief guest at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). 

Giving details, John Dewar, vice-chancellor of the university, said in a statement, “The Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship recognizes Mr Khan’s extraordinary altruism, demonstrated in his work to advocate for women’s empowerment. Reflecting La Trobe’s values of inclusivity, equity and social justice, this scholarship will offer a unique and potentially life-changing opportunity for an Indian woman to conduct research in a critical area affecting the world such a cyber security, health or engineering.”

The candidate will also be supported with a four-year research scholarship valued in excess of Australian $200,000 to be completed at La Trobe’s facilities in Melbourne. 

Obviously excited by the announcement, Khan said in an official statement, “As a passionate advocate of women’s equality and empowerment, I am delighted that this scholarship will give an Indian woman a chance to pursue research in a field which is likely to lead her towards an exciting and a successful career. I thank the La Trobe university wholeheartedly for giving someone this wonderful opportunity.” 

On the opening day of the IFFM, Khan was also presented with the Excellence In Cinema award.