Information for Universities and PhD Supervisors
If you have PhD candidates and researchers that want to work more closely with industry, the Industry PhD Program is designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas and research talent across the sectors. The National Industry PhD Program will equip PhD candidates with the skills and experience to better translate university research into research impact.
There are two streams for PhD applicants: the Industry Linked PhD and the Industry Researcher PhD.
The Industry Linked PhD is a university PhD candidate working on a research project that has been co-designed with an industry partner. They will spend between 20% to 50% of their time embedded with the industry partner who will provide a co-supervisor or mentor, access to equipment, facilities, material and staff to carry out their research project, a stipend top-up, and of course, experience of conducting research in an industry setting.
The Industry Researcher PhD supports an existing employee of a business to undertake a PhD, with the full support of their employer (industry partner). The industry partner and university researcher co-develop the research project and the Industry Researcher PhD candidate spends between 20% to 50% of their time with their university supervisor and research team, honing their research skills and understanding research from an academic perspective.
The Lead academic supports you throughout your project
ARE YOU A GRADUATE RESEARCH LIAISON OFFICER?
We have resources especially developed for you to assist with the application process:
Funding for Participating Universities
Participating universities will receive a grant of $11,892 a year, for up to 4 years, for each full-time Industry Linked PhD and Industry Researcher Candidate. Values are for 2026.
Existing PhD Students
Existing PhD students are eligible to join the program within the first year of their PhD candidature.
Where to Next?
If you are a researcher/PhD supervisor and are interested in the program, please fill in the short Expression of Interest form. This will help us to better understand your field of research, any current research that would make a suitable Industry PhD research project(s), and whether you need assistance in finding an industry partner to work with. You can also join the Mailing List to get up to date program information, announcements and important date reminders.