As a leader in industry research collaboration, UniSQ is working with partners both locally and internationally to deliver research outcomes directly to end-users and drive future prosperity.
We encourage our current partners and potential future collaborators to contact us to explore how we can work together to provide solutions - leveraging existing grant schemes, engaging in large industry university collaborative initiatives and designing tailored research projects.
Collaborative opportunities for industry and university researchers include:
Industry centres programs are also available for large-scale and long-term research initiatives involving a range of external partners.
Contact the Research Partnerships team for more information.
UniSQ facilitates a range of opportunities for industry partners to connect with our HDR students through internships and placements.
We are also happy to explore bespoke opportunities for you to host our students, assisting with the contractual process and sourcing a suitable student and supervisor.
To learn more about hosting an intern, please view our brochure. Please contact our Industry Engagement Coordinator HDR Initiatives to discuss your needs.
UniSQ provides a range of opportunities for employers to connect and engage with UniSQ students.
These services are coordinated by the Career Development team, and a full list of Employer Services is available.
UniSQ can facilitate industry-funded scholarships to support UniSQ’s existing research agenda. Scholarships enable the University to pursue new areas of research, assist research students and promote industry innovation.
Industry can fund higher degree by research (HDR) students embarking on a masters by research or doctorate in a specific field or support a particular type of scholarship student. These typically cover fees and a stipend for living costs and can be awarded to either commencing or continuing students.
The National Industry PhD (NiPhD) Program is a doctoral initiative designed with a strong industry focus. PhD candidates engage in co-designed research projects involving both university and industry collaboration.
The program aims to equip PhD candidates with the skills and knowledge to translate university research into commercial outcomes effectively. It offers two distinct streams:
1. Industry Linked Stream:
This stream allows PhD candidates to work on research projects co-designed by universities and industry partners. Candidates have opportunities to be embedded in an industry setting and participate in a 12-week training program.
To participate in the program, you will need to provide:
a PhD stipend top-up of $10,000 (minimum) a year for up to 4 years full time, or $5,000 (minimum) eight years part time.
2. Industry Researcher PhD Stream:
This stream is tailored for highly capable employees who are supported by their employers to undertake PhD projects in partnership with a university, while continuing their industry employment and salary benefits.
To participate in the program, you:
Commit to supporting employee (as a PhD candidate) to study and work concurrently.
Continue to pay full salary and benefits for the program duration.
Will receive $46,458 a year, to subsidise for time spent on their PhD project. Rate paid at 50% for part time students.
Candidate will spend between 20% and 50% of their time working on the project.
Program requirements for both streams:
Be a research end user, undertaking R&D activities.
To be eligible for the Industry Researcher stream you must be a Body Corporate.
Co-design a research project that is suitable for a PhD candidate.
Provide access to suitable facilities, equipment, and staff for their research project.
Provide a supervisor that has extensive experience working in the research area as well as business sector knowledge.
Support attendance at 12-week training program.
For more detailed information, including eligibility, duration, application processes, training embedment, and funding support, refer to the NiPhD program guidelines.
Stay Updated: Sign up for the mailing list to receive updates on the National Industry PhD Program.
Application Details: Applications for Round 7 open in February, 2026. Projects will commence late 2026. Projects must commence within twelve months of receiving the award.
For further details, please contact UniSQ’s NiPhD Graduate Research Liaison Officer, Rebecca Boddington.
CSIRO’s Industry PhD (iPhD) program collaborates with an industry partner, a university, and CSIRO, Australia’s leading science agency, to co-develop a four-year, industry-focused PhD project. This program equips PhD students with unique skills to conduct impact-driven research.
The iPhD program is part of an Australian Government initiative to better translate university research into commercial outcomes.
Become a program partner and support a PhD student undertake a research project that tackles your business problem. Students are jointly supervised by the industry partner, the student's university, and CSIRO.
Program requirements:
Industry Partners must:
You can review the Program Rules, Expression of Interest form and video overview on their website: www.csiro.au/iPhD Information for industry is available here.
Application Details: Applications for the CSIRO Industry PhD Program Primary Round opens 2 February 2026 and closes 2 April 2026. The secondary round opens 4 May 2026 and closes 7 August 2026. Projects will commence in late 2026 or early 2027.
Stay Updated: Subscribe to CSIRO’s mailing list for future program updates and event invitations.
For any questions regarding the CSIRO’s iPhD Program, please contact Rebecca Boddington, Industry Engagement Coordinator HDR Initiatives.
