Industry PhD Programs

An industry PhD is a doctoral program in which a research project is developed in collaboration between the University and a partner organisation. We offer three dynamic pathways for industry PhD projects.

Whether you’re looking to solve specific challenges, develop your workforce, or establish a long-term research partnership with us, the University of Melbourne offers an industry PhD program to suit your needs.

National Industry PhD Program

Introduced in 2023, this is a government-backed initiative offering two unique streams:

Industry Linked PhD: Collaborate with the University on a co-designed, co-funded PhD project. Candidates receive additional financial support from your organisation with primary support from the University, enabling a program of focused research aligned with your organisation's needs.

Industry Researcher PhD: Upskill your employee through a tailored PhD program with the University. Retain your staff while they contribute to groundbreaking research, supported by a government subsidy to offset your costs.

CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD)

A three-way partnership between your organisation, the University, and CSIRO.

Co-develop a CSIRO-funded PhD project tackling specific business challenges, with the benefit of joint supervision by University of Melbourne and CSIRO experts. You’ll provide top-up funding towards the project, while leveraging CSIRO’s world-class facilities and expertise alongside the University’s excellent research capabilities.

UniMelb Industry-Engaged PhD

A bespoke collaboration model offering maximum flexibility and strategic alignment.

Co-design projects with us that precisely match your organisation's priorities and timelines.

Ideal for larger, team-based projects, thematic research programs, and organisations seeking long-term strategic partnerships with the University.

This program offers unmatched flexibility in project design, scale, and timing and is perfect for organisations seeking to build comprehensive research programs beyond the scope of the government schemes.

Why Choose an Industry PhD at Melbourne?

As Australia’s leading research-intensive University, we attract bright, curious and highly engaged PhD candidates, and are actively shaping the next generation of industry-ready researchers across a broad range of disciplines.

Our Industry PhD candidates are uniquely skilled and practically-oriented researchers, supervised by experts in their field, and are adept at solving real-world problems to drive innovation and impact.

Want to learn more? Download our Industry PhD Programs flyer.

Ready to innovate with us? Contact our team to explore how we can tailor an industry-engaged PhD program to your organisation’s unique goals and challenges.

Contact us

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