Industry engaged graduate research opportunities

Adelaide University, in conjunction with an industry partner, offers successful candidates a minimum 3.5-year (full-time equivalent) major scholarship (equivalent to the University’s RTPS rate or higher). Additionally, for some projects, our partners provide a supplementary scholarship and/or additional funding for travel or research. Please see the advertised projects for more detail.

Alongside their University supervisory panel, industry-engaged PhD students will be connected with an experienced industry mentor, who will provide specialist guidance on the project across the duration of candidature.

Graduate researchers at Adelaide University benefit from a specially tailored program of professional development activities directed by the University’s Graduate Research & Innovation Training (GRIT) program. Selected GRIT courses and activities may focus on intellectual property, management/leadership, collaboration, entrepreneurship, research commercialisation and participation in the University’s 3MT competition. Additionally, all graduate research students embarking on a research internship receive preparatory training for their placement. Additional activities may include networking events, attendance at industry meetings, professional association meetings, seminars and conferences.

International graduate research students are encouraged to apply. Please keep in mind that some industry partners may have specific eligibility requirements and/or restrictions for international candidates.

You can complete your research internship on a full-time or part-time basis; for example, you can do so 1–2 days per week, providing you meet the required 60-day placement duration.

To be part of the program, organisations must meet the Australian Government’s definition of a research end-user. This typically includes businesses, government departments, NGOs and community organisations. It does not include research institutes or other universities. If you are unsure whether a potential partner qualifies, contact the Graduate Research Industry Engagement Team for advice. 

If your research internship extends your PhD beyond the standard 3.5-year timeframe, Adelaide University will provide up to three additional months of funding at the standard Adelaide University scholarship rate (pro rata). Please note that any supplementary scholarships you receive won’t continue beyond the standard completion period.