How to apply for a quantum PhD in Sydney

10 Tips to Ace Your PhD Scholarship Application

Our PhD scholarships support postgraduate students working in the field of quantum technology at our partner universities: Macquarie University, UNSW Sydney, The University of Sydney, and University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

If you are thinking about applying for a PhD scholarship and feeling overwhelmed by the process, you're not alone. It can sometimes feel like you need a PhD just to figure out how to get one. To help, we've broken down the application and preparation process into 10 manageable steps to guide you successfully through the journey.

1. Check Your Eligibility

Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria for the relevant PhD program before you begin your application. Carefully review the requirements, including academic qualifications, research experience and focus, citizenship restrictions, and application deadlines. Verifying your eligibility early will save you time and help you focus on preparing a strong application.

2. Read Relevant Documents

Read the relevant documents related to your preferred scholarship. This includes the Application Guidelines and the Conditions of Award. 

3. Prepare your Supporting Documents

To obtain a supervisor’s endorsement and apply for a PhD program at one of our partner universities, prepare the following documents:

Resources from our partner universities:

4. Find a Supervisor

A crucial step in starting your PhD journey is finding a supervisor who can support and guide you through your application process. Use our database to find a suitable supervisor. You can search using either the supervisor’s name or the research topic. Contact potential supervisors who align with your research interests and academic goals as soon as you decide to pursue a PhD. When applying for a scholarship, aim to reach out at least one month before the application deadline.

If you would like to express your interest in a research project advertised on our website, please email the primary supervisor. Their contact details are listed in the project description. Keep in mind that a supervisor’s expertise should also align with your research proposal or research goal. It is a good idea to work with a supervisor to formulate your research proposal.

Once you've identified a few potential supervisors, email them, introduce yourself, your research interests, and enquire if they are available to supervise your research. Securing a supervisor's agreement is essential for a successful application.

You should contact the supervisor by email and include:

Don’t get frustrated if you don’t get a response from a supervisor. Avoid emailing them more than twice. If there is no response after your second email, they are likely busy or not interested. Move on to your next shortlisted supervisor.

If you are applying for the SQA PhD Scholarship, you may choose a supervisor not listed in our expert database or partner university website. However, you must still have a co-supervisor from an SQA partner university, and your project must be sufficiently related to quantum technology.

Resources from our partner universities:

5. Academic Referees

Once a supervisor agrees to oversee your PhD project, you will need to provide contact details for up to two academic or professional referees who are able to comment on your most recent [within last 5 years] studies or research experience. The supervisor will contact the referees for their endorsement.

Resources from our partner universities:

6. Draft Your Project Proposal

A project proposal is a document that outlines the plan for a research project. Its purpose is to present and justify the need to study a research problem and suggest practical ways in which the study should be conducted.

Carefully consider the subject of your research project and begin developing a draft research proposal to provide to potential academic supervisors. While your initial proposal will evolve, it’s important to clearly explain your research ideas, demonstrate why your research is noteworthy, and how it aligns with your proposed supervisor’s research interests.

You should have at least one supervisor partially on board before preparing a detailed research proposal. This ensures you focus your time and effort on an idea that aligns with academic interest. Once a supervisor agrees to oversee your research project, you will discuss and refine the project together.

Pro Tip: Reaching out to current or former PhD students in your research area can be helpful. They can provide authentic insights into the program, the academic and social environment, and practical aspects such as housing, transportation, and local amenities. Visit our website for a list of all current and former PhD scholarship recipients.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL TEMPLATE: This is a guide only | Your proposal should be a maximum of 2 pages, excluding the bibliography

Title of project: 

Your title should give a clear indication of your proposed research approach or key question.

Background and context of project: 

Given the XXX [background statement- provide context for why the research is necessary or important]

Aims and objectives: 

This research project aims to investigate XXX [briefly introduce the research topic] and state the research problem or question]

This study seeks to understand XXX [state what the problems and issues are to be explored]

By addressing these challenges, the research aims to XXX [explain the impact you intend to achieve through your research or why the problem is worth exploring].

Methodology:

This research will be conducted using XXX [describe the methods or approaches you will use to conduct the research]

Anticipated results or outcomes: 

The findings of this research could XXX [ summarise anticipated results or outcomes of your research]

Bibliography

Include a list of references to key articles and texts discussed within your research proposal.

Resources from our partner universities:

7. Proofread Your Proposal, Then Proofread it Again

As a PhD candidate, your attention to detail is going to be integral to your success. Start practising it now by making sure your research proposal is perfect. Clarity and writing quality should never be overlooked in a PhD proposal. Double-check that the questions of your thesis are clear and unambiguous, then revise the rest of your proposal.

8. Submit Your Application

If you’ve met the eligibility criteria, confirmed a supervisor, selected a research project where available, written a research proposal in collaboration with your supervisor, and prepared all your documents, it’s time to lodge your PhD scholarship application. Submit your documents before the scholarship deadlines to ensure your application is considered. Use the checklist below to make sure you have all the relevant documents. We’ve provided a blank sample of the application form so you know exactly what to expect.

9. Apply to the Relevant Partner University (if not already enrolled)

To be eligible for the scholarship, you must apply for or be enrolled in a full-time PhD program related to quantum technology at one of our partner universities.

Check the individual application process requirements via the links below:

Depending on your sub-discipline, or that of your supervisor, it may affect what faculty or department you apply for a PhD in. For example, in some universities you may be under science and others you may be under engineering or computing. Check with your supervisor if you are unsure.

Student life

Each of the SQA partner universities has its own dynamic and social student communities. From campus facilities to student societies, Sydney has much to offer.

Student life resources from our partner universities:

Visa requirements

If you are an international student, apply for your student visa after you receive an offer of admission or an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) from the University. Check the Australian Government website (Student visa Subclass 500) for information on visa requirements and application processes. Ensure you factor in visa processing times when applying for your PhD.

English language proficiency requirements

Check the English language proficiency entry requirements at your university. Depending on your country of origin and educational background you may need to complete an English proficiency test.

Certifying and translating documents

If you have undertaken prior studies in a non-English speaking institution, you will need to organise certified translations to any documents required for your application.

Resources from our partner universities:

Pro Tip: The Study NSW Website helps international students enhance their study experience through providing factual information about studying, living and working in Sydney and NSW.

Application Checklist

Use this handy checklist to keep track of your progress.

10. Breathe

The application process can be time consuming, and stressful. Take care of yourself along the way. Carve out time for your family and friends and give yourself a breather after you have submitted your last application. Good luck with your application! Each year, the calibre of applicants for our PhD programs reaffirms our confidence in the future of quantum technology.

If you have any questions, please contact info.sqa@sydney.edu.au or reach out to us on our social media channels.

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