How to apply for a quantum PhD in Sydney

Our partner universities are home to leading quantum researchers. To help you find a potential supervisor and project, you can view our list of the latest quantum research opportunities or search our Sydney Quantum Expert list or to help you find a potential supervisor. You can search by university or research specialisation. 

Each university also has its own HDR supervisor search portals: 

• Macquarie University 
• UNSW Sydney 
• The University of Sydney 
• University of Technology Sydney 

You will need both a CV and a research proposal to approach and get an endorsement from a potential supervisor. You will also need these documents to apply for the PhD program at your partner university. 

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Your CV should include your educational qualifications, work experience, core skills and details of any conference presentations, and publications.  

Resources from our partner universities: 

• Macquarie University 
• UNSW Sydney (only available to current students and graduates) 
• The University of Sydney 
• University of Technology Sydney (CV template)

Research proposal

Resources from our partner universities: 

• Macquarie University 
• UNSW Sydney 
• The University of Sydney 
• University of Technology Sydney 

A draft research proposal will help you when approaching potential supervisors. Your proposed supervisor will likely provide input for the version you submit when you apply for a PhD program. 

Once you have a potential supervisor in mind, you need to contact them to see if they would be available and interested in supervising you.

You should send an email which includes a: 

• Brief introduction of yourself  
• Copy of your CV
• Copy of your draft research proposal
• Copies of your academic transcripts

Please ensure you email your proposed supervisor with plenty of time (at least a month) before the university application deadlines.

Application process

Check the individual application process requirements via the links below: 

• Macquarie University
• UNSW Sydney
• The University of Sydney
• University of Technology Sydney

HDR Scholarships

The main Higher Degree Research (HDR) stipend scholarships in Australia are funded by the Research Training Program (RTP). Each of the SQA partner universities offer RTP or similar scholarship programs. There are normally different streams for domestic and international students. They either cover tuition fees, a stipend for general living costs, or both.  

The value and application process vary from university to university. Check out more information about your proposed university’s RTP (and similar) offerings below:

• Macquarie University (International / Domestic) 
• UNSW Sydney (International / Domestic) 
• The University of Sydney (International / Domestic) 
• University of Technology Sydney (International / Domestic) 

The SQA PhD Scholarships offer funding streams that are either standalone full stipend scholarships or top-up recipients’ other funding, such as from RTPs. Find out more

Tuition Fees

Domestic students will likely be eligible for an RTP tuition fee offset, which will cover tuition fee costs.

Domestic HDR fees information from our partner universities: 

• Macquarie University 
• UNSW Sydney 
• The University of Sydney 
• University of Technology Sydney

International students may be eligible for a tuition fee waiver scholarship or similar, however this is not guaranteed.

International HDR fees information from our partner universities: 

• Macquarie University 
• UNSW Sydney 
• The University of Sydney 
• University of Technology Sydney

SQA Primary Scholarships includes international student tuition fee coverage. Find out more about SQA PhD Scholarships

Student Life

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

• Macquarie University 
• UNSW Sydney 
• The University of Sydney 
• University of Technology Sydney 

The SQA also provides quantum PhD students with entrance to the SQA PhD Experience program, with opportunities to network and socialise within the quantum community.

Links to apply below:

• Macquarie University 
• UNSW Sydney 
• The University of Sydney 
• University of Technology Sydney 

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 not sure what department your research would fall within.

Visit our SQA PhD Scholarships page for information on eligibility and how to apply.

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.

Visa requirements

Check the Australian Government website for information on visa requirements and application processes. Ensure you factor in visa processing times when applying for your PhD.

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.