The Australian Government is supporting our research workforce under the Increase Workforce Mobility initiative. This initiative includes the National Industry PhD Program which helps hundreds of postgraduates gain industry PhDs and opens to the way to new careers.
What is an Industry PhD?
An Industry PhD is a doctoral program designed with an industry application. Under appropriate academic and industry supervision, PhD candidates undertake a co-designed research project with university and industry participation.
Case Studies
Research advancements unlocked through the National Industry PhD Program
Australia’s research sector is delivering new breakthroughs for industry, with the National Industry PhD Program helping turn university expertise into practical solutions for complex challenges.
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National PhD program driving impact
Research is transforming dementia care in Australia and empowering First Nations people through sport, two initiatives making a real difference to Australian’s lives.
Read moreHow the Program Works
The National Industry PhD Program provides grants and training to support industry PhD research projects. The program provides grants to universities and their industry partners to jointly support PhD candidates during their degrees.
There are two types of grants for PhD candidates who are in different circumstances:
- Industry Linked PhDs receive a scholarship from the university.
- Industry Researcher PhDs are employed by the industry partner.
PhD candidates in the program receive training to develop skills in collaboration and research commercialisation, including face-to-face training, an online module, and networking and showcase events.
The department delivers the program through a service provider, Campus Plus, which is contracted to promote awareness of the program, manage the grant application process, distribute funding, deliver training to PhD candidates, and monitor their progress.
Explore National Industry PhD Program data and insights.
Application Process
- There are 2 grant application rounds per year.
- Universities can submit applications for either stream.
- An independent panel assesses the applications.
Visit the Campus Plus website for to find out how to submit an application and further details.
The Increase Workforce Mobility Initiative
- The program is part of the Increase Workforce Mobility initiative which includes the Australian Research Council’s industry fellowships and CSIRO’s ‘iPhD’ Industry PhD program.
- The Increase Workforce Mobility initiative was part of the 2022 University Research Commercialisation Action Plan.
Expression of Interest
You can also submit a short Expression of Interest to receive direct support from the Campus Plus team.