Industry PhD (iPhD) Program


Australia’s National 
Science Agency


Training new researchers to create impact with industry



We are Australia’s national science 
organisation, and one of 
thelargest and most diverse 
scientific research organisations in 
the world. Our research focuses on 
the biggest challenges facing the 
nation.

We seek high calibre PhD students 
to deliver real world solutions to 
grow our industries and contribute 
to an innovative Australia.

Supported by the Australian 
Government, we will deliver 50 
industry-focussed PhD projects 
each year for the next decade.All 
Australian universities and industries 
can participate.


CSIRO Industry PhD Program
Your student experience


CSIRO Industry PhD projects address an industry problem while complying with the 
participating university's requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy degree.


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Admission to a 
university PhD 
program


Supervision by 
university, 
CSIRO and 
industry 


Four-year 
scholarship of 
$46,000 per 
annum


Four-year 
project 
expense 
package of 
$13,000 per 
annum


60-day Industry 
Engagement 
component 


Embedded 
professional 
development 
and training 
program





CSIRO Industry PhD Program
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To apply:

•submit an expression of interest (EOI) following the 
instructions on the participating university’s 
webpage
•if shortlisted, attend an interview conducted by the 
supervisory team
•if successful, apply for the position following the 
university’s instructions
•if all admission criteria is met, the university will 
issue a letter of offer requiring acceptance



“The iPhD program is perfect as it provides a 'trial' of industry, university, and 
CSIRO/Government. It allows me to build a broader foundation of knowledge 
which ultimately enhances my future employability. The iPhD program will 
also help me develop professional contacts which are vital in early career, and 
it will allow me to identify what it is that I enjoy and excel in”. 

 – Current iPhD student


Admission: meeting requirements


Students are subject to the 
policies of the 
participating university in 
addition to the CSIRO 
Industry PhD Program 
terms and conditions.


To be eligible:

•be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New 
Zealand citizen
•meet host university PhD admission requirements
•meet university English language requirements
•have not previously completed a PhD
•be able to commence the program in the year of the offer
•enrol as a full-time PhD student
•be prepared to be located at the project location(s)



CSIRO Industry PhD Program
Supervision:three-ways


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CSIRO Industry PhD projects are developed 
and supervised by an industry partner, 
CSIRO and an Australian university.

Each project draws on expertise from the three partners throughout the 
project. Students gain access to additional expertise and facilities, forge 
deep networks, and gain an understanding of the needs and drivers of 
each organisation.

Logistics

•Each supervisor will be responsible for certain aspects of the student’s 
supervision.
•The primary supervisor, allocated from the university, is responsible for 
monitoring and assessing the student in accordance with the 
university’s PhD academic requirements.
•Students are provided with tools to help them engage with their 
supervisors and to develop a tailored project management and 
communication plan.
•iPhD program staff actively support students and supervisors and act 
as a point of call should any issues arise.



“The networking opportunities within the iPhD program will help me gain 
access to professionals in both research and industry positions which will 
enhance my career prospects.” 

 – Current iPhD student


CSIRO Industry PhD Program
Scholarship & project expense/development funds: 
your competitive package


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The CSIRO Industry PhD program 
provides a stipend worth approx. 
$46,000 per annum (2024 rate) for full-
time study, which is made up of:


CSIRO Industry PhD Program
Australian Government iPhD scholarship

Valued at $34,000 per annum (2024 rate), indexed annually at 3%


Top up scholarship

Valued at $12,000 per annum (not indexed) funded by the industry 
partner


A project expense and development package of $13,000 per annum is provided to your supervisory panel 
to cover project-related costs.



Industry engagement: 
60-day component


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Specifics

•Duration of at least 60 full-time equivalent days throughout the PhD
•Can be completed full-time, part-time or in short strategic blocks
•Primary location is expected to be the premises of the industry partner
•Activities for the Industry engagement should contribute to the 
development, research and outcomes of the PhD project
•The industry supervisor will have increased responsibility for the 
student during this time
•The participating university may have reporting requirements for this 
component
•If student travel is required, these costs can be covered by the Project 
Expense and Development package, however budgeting should be 
discussed prior to project commencement.



CSIRO Industry PhD Program 
“I think the program will make me a more well-rounded researcher as I will be 
exposed to numerous settings.” 

 – Current iPhD student



Embedded training program:

career& professionaldevelopment

TheCSIROIndustry PhDprogram includesapproximately 20daysof careerandprofessionaldevelopmentacrossfouryears.Training is mostly online andself-pacedtocatertostudentsacrossAustralia,andtofit intotheirbusylives.

The curated careerand professionaldevelopmenttraining instilsthebusinessand IP,innovation and commercialisation,and stakeholdermanagementskills thatresearchersneed to collaborate and work acrossthe university and industrysectors.These include understanding the driversofresearch in industrywhile 
demonstrating projectmanagementand communication skills to deliverimpactfrom research.

Highlights

•Two-dayONLaunch Camp for iPhD,modelled fromCSIRO’ssuccessfulON Programand delivered byexpert facilitators(Innovation Studios)
•Access toQUT e-Grad School
•Access to CareerControl Online withPostdoc Training
•Access tothousands ofonline courses available to CSIROstaff
“Ithinkthenetworkingthat’sinherentin theiPhD programhasreallybenefitted myfuture job prospects,as Ihave beenable tomeetand workwithnumerous people withvarious backgrounds”.

–CurrentiPhD student
CSIRO Industry PhDProgram


For further information 
Industry PhD Program Office 
iPhD@csiro.au

www.csiro.au/iphd


As Australia’s national science agency 
and innovation catalyst, CSIRO is solving

the greatest challenges through innovative 
science and technology.

CSIRO. Unlocking a better future for everyone.


Contact

1300 363 400

csiro.au/contact csiro.au