Welcome nights and social events
We hold welcome nights and end of semester events for students to socialise and network with the Sydney quantum community of PhD students and academics.
PhD Experience Program
The PhD Experience program provides a supportive community for Sydney’s growing quantum PhD community, offering specialised training, seminars, networking and work experience opportunities, designed to give students a competitive edge in quantum’s future workforce.
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About the program
Our PhD Experience Program is designed to expand students' quantum knowledge and provide valuable career development, community building, and networking opportunities throughout their PhD journey. Scholarship recipients are expected to actively participate in and complete the program over the course of their four-year PhD. This includes engaging fully in coursework, workshops, and events, with requirements to complete 4 coursework units (1 core and 3 elective), attend 6 workshops, and participate in 25 events. The program features:
Coursework
Explore the core themes of quantum science and technology from both a fundamental theory and a practical perspective. As an SQA PhD Experience student, you have access to a range of quantum technology coursework offerings across our partner universities.
Events
Attend regular research seminars and development workshops designed to help you develop complementary skills such as entrepreneurship and career development strategies. Our events include student-led presentations, academic seminars, panel discussions, workshops and social events.
Networking
During the program you’ll connect with other students, rising stars and world-leading academics from the Australian and international quantum tech community, gaining knowledge and contacts to take with you throughout your career.
How to enrol in the program
SQA PhD Scholarship recipients automatically gain access to the SQA PhD Experience Program.
Students in relevant fields who are interested in participating can also join the program by submitting an EOI application for a non-stipend SQA PhD Experience Scholarship. Career development funding opportunities are available for all scholarships, subject to conditions for non-stipend scholarship holders.
Program highlights
Seminars from leading quantum academics
Our Seminars explore Sydney's cutting-edge quantum research, the different career pathways, and how to take advantage of Australia’s thriving quantum ecosystem.
Expert panels
Hear from leading quantum technology experts sharing insights into the current landscape and the future of quantum, and engage in a lively conversation.
Workshops
Our workshops give student the tools to be competitive when entering the quantum workforce. Workshops cover professional skills such as pitching your ideas, leveraging social media platforms, and how to promote yourself when applying for jobs.
Hackathons
We host tailored hackathons where students work together in multi-disciplinary groups to solve real-world problems and pitch their solutions to expert judges - including our hackathon in February 2022, with KPMG and Microsoft.
About our students
Wondering what it’s like to become part of the Sydney quantum scene? Our PhD students share personal stories about their journey into quantum tech and what excites them about our program. Read more.
Meet the 2025 SQA Student Committee
The committee plans, promotes and co-hosts events, and represent the student voice. It consists of five representatives: Social & Engagement, Career, Training & Industry, Secretary/Deputy Chair, Quantum Tech Research Event, and Chair.
Extra opportunities for students
Internships
Our internship program brings together talented students with industry organisations working in quantum technology space, offering paid work experience to help broaden your skill set.
Outreach ambassadors
SQA students with a passion for communication and representation can participate in our outreach ambassador program attending summer camps, careers nights, webinars, conferences and other events.
Industry events
Our students can also attend industry-focused events such as the Quantum Innovators Network seminar series or Quantum Australia conference.
How to contact us
Have a question? Contact us at info@sydneyquantum.org or join our mailing list to be notified of news and opportunities.
