CSIRO Industry PhD Program 
Overview for students

The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a 4-year research training program that focuses on applied research and working with the industry sector. Projects are co-developed by the industry partner, university, and CSIRO. 

The Program includes:
a) joint supervision by an Australian university, CSIRO and an industry partner 
b) a four-year scholarship package consisting of the CSIRO Industry PhD scholarship and industry top-up as per the annual rates listed on the iPhD website
c) a four-year Project Expense and Development package for research operating costs and skill development as per the annual rates listed on the iPhD website
d) a three-month (60 days full-time equivalent) Industry Engagement component 
e) structured career and professional development training (approximately 20 days over four-years).

The iPhD program has additional requirements to that of a traditional PhD program. The student:
* must enter an iPhD Student Agreement, complete an Industry Engagement component, participate in career and professional development training and program evaluation activities 
* be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen
* must meet participating university PhD admission and project-specific requirements
* must not have previously completed a PhD
* must enrol as a full-time PhD student
* must be prepared to be located at the project location(s) listed. 

Student Agreement 
The student is required to sign a Student Agreement, a 3-way contract between the student, university and CSIRO which provides a legal framework for publications, intellectual property, confidentiality, and copyright. It aligns to the Collaboration Agreement executed for each project between CSIRO, the university and industry partner. Students are subject to the policies, procedures, and guidelines of their university, in addition to the terms specified in the Student Agreement. 

Industry Engagement component
The student is required to undertake a 60-day Industry Engagement component preferably at the industry partner’s main location. This can be completed as a block or spread throughout the four-year candidature. The student and supervisory team may be required by the host university to develop an approved a plan for the Industry Engagement component. For further information, please visit our FAQS.  

Career and professional development training
The iPhD program includes structured career and professional development training that builds skills needed to deliver industry-focused research including innovation, entrepreneurial skills, and leadership. This is a mandatory component, requiring a time commitment of approximately five days per year. The training is curated by iPhD program staff and is delivered alongside the student’s PhD. Participation is mostly online. 

Responsive program improvement 
To support ongoing improvement, the program effectiveness is continually evaluated to achieve its stated objectives and intended outcomes for students. Students will be expected to participate in program evaluation activities including interviews, longitudinal surveys and focus groups.