Industry PhD Programs

An industry PhD is a doctoral program in which a research project is developed in collaboration between the University and an industry partner.  Industry PhD candidates are uniquely skilled and practically-oriented researchers, adept at solving real-world problems to drive innovation and impact.

National Industry PhD Program

The National Industry PhD Program is an Australian Government competitive initiative introduced in 2023 to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between academia and industry.

This program offers a unique opportunity for PhD candidates to undertake industry-focused research projects and be equipped with the knowledge and skills to better translate university research into commercialisation outcomes. Upon completion, candidates will have the ability to work at the interface of research and industry, and across the sectors in future.

The program consists of two streams:

1. Industry Linked PhD

This stream is for industry organisations seeking to collaborate with the University via a co-designed, co-funded PhD project.

In addition to a standard stipend and fee remission, candidates receive a stipend top-up of at least $17,000 per annum, jointly funded by the industry partner and the Government. This additional financial support enables candidates to focus wholeheartedly on their research endeavours.

2. Industry Researcher PhD

Aimed at upskilling industry professionals, this stream allows industry organisations to support a suitably qualified employee to undertake a co-designed PhD with the University while retaining their full salary and employment benefits.

Industry partner organisations receive a $45,000 per annum subsidy from the Government. This subsidy enables professionals to contribute to groundbreaking research while seamlessly integrating their industry expertise into their doctoral studies.

For more information, including program guidelines, please visit the National Industry PhD Program website.

CSIRO Industry PhD Program

Also introduced in 2023, the CSIRO Industry PhD (iPhD) program supports a three-way partnership between the University, an industry partner, and CSIRO to co-develop a fully-funded PhD project.  Candidates are jointly supervised by the University, CSIRO and the industry partner, and will work on a project to tackle a business problem for the industry partner. The iPhD program is funded by the Australian Government with a $12,000 per annum stipend top-up provided by the industry partner for up to four years.

For more information, including program guidelines, please visit the CSIRO Industry PhD website.

Customised Industry PhD Opportunities

Where the National Industry PhD and CSIRO Industry PhD programs do not fully align with your needs, the University offers customised Industry PhD options. We can work with both domestic and international industry partners to design tailored PhD projects that meet specific organisational goals.

Applications

Applications for both the National Industry PhD Program and the CSIRO Industry PhD Program must be led by a University researcher. To find potential research collaborators, see the University’s Find an Expert page.

For general enquiries, or to explore other opportunities for research collaboration with University of Melbourne PhD candidates, please contact us.

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