Industry PhD (iPhD) Scholarship – CQUniversity, CSIRO and Future Energy Exports CRC Limited 2026

The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a four-year research training program, focusing on applied research that benefits industry by solving real-world challenges. It aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia. 

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineApril 29, 2026
• ValueAU$48,000
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorCentral Queensland University (CQUniversity)
• School to studyCentral Queensland University (CQUniversity)
• Course to study
• Eligible CountryAustralia , New Zealand

Benefits

• Admission to a university PhD program.
• Supervision by the participating university, CSIRO, and an industry partner.
• A four year scholarship package totalling approximately $48,000 per annum tax exempt (2026 rate).
• A four year Project Expense and Development package starting from $13,000 per annum.
• A 60 day Industry Engagement component with the industry partner.
• A structured professional development and training program to develop your applied research skills.

Requirements

The applicant must: 

1. Be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen.
2. Meet CQUniversity PhD admission requirements.
3. Meet CQUniversity English language requirements.
4. Not have previously completed a PhD.
5. Be able to commence the Program in the year of the offer.
6. Enrol as a full-time PhD candidate. Part-time arrangements may be considered if approved by the supervisory team and in accordance with university policy.
7. Be prepared to be located at the project location(s) that CQUniversity has approved and, if required, comply with CQUniversity’s external enrolment procedures.
8. Be prepared to undergo onboarding to CSIRO, which will include passing mandatory government background checks (allow for between 4 to 8 weeks) and complete any other CSIRO requirements. 

Selection criteria

Ideal applicant skillset: 

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics or a related discipline.
• Basic knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, cryogenics, refrigeration cycles, and hydrogen energy systems.
• Experience with simulation and modelling tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL, ASPEN, or Python.
• Core research skills, including literature review, technical report writing, process design, data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Familiarity with magnetic refrigeration principles and/or hydrogen liquefaction processes.
• Experience with laboratory work and experimental validation.
• Ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams and engage with industry stakeholders.

Selection Process

1. The EOI is assessed by the supervisory team and shortlisted applicants are interviewed.
2. The supervisory team will nominate a preferred applicant.
3. Applicants will be notified via email.

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applicants are required to submit an expression of interest (EOI) directly to principal supervisor Dr Saif Al Ghafri via email: [email protected].

For more information, kindly visit the CQUniversity Scholarship webpage.