Study

Through the UQ–IITD joint-PhD program, you can receive a scholarship to study at two world-leading, research-intensive institutions – The University of Queensland (UQ) and the Indian Institute of Technology  Delhi (IITD) – on multidisciplinary projects.

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be offered a jointly awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from both UQ and IITD. A PhD is one of the highest degrees that can be awarded.

The aim of the UQ–IITD Joint PhD is to foster the development of independent research skills in addressing grand challenges of global significance.

You will complete a thesis of no more than 80,000 words, with your research representing a significant new contribution to your discipline. You will investigate a significant research problem, master conceptual and methodological skills, and relate your research to a broader framework of knowledge.

You must meet the relevant eligibility criteria for consideration for entry into the joint PhD program.

The eligibility criteria is different depending on whether you are an Indian or international student (i-student) or an Australian domestic student (q-student).

Your completed degree must be in an area relevant to your intended PhD, including sufficient specialisation such that you will have already developed an understanding and appreciation of a body of knowledge relevant to the intended PhD.

Your degree and/or professional experience must demonstrate that your knowledge of the discipline in which you plan to undertake your PhD is current. It is therefore expected that you will have completed your tertiary studies and/or any relevant professional experience in the ten years immediately prior to your intended entry to the PhD.

All UQ–IITD students will spend time at both The University of Queensland (UQ) and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD).

The university where you begin your studies depends on your student type:

• Indian or international students (i-students) spend their first year of study at IITD before completing one year (or more) at UQ. They then complete the remainder of their studies at IITD.
• Australian domestic students (q-students) spend their first year of study at UQ before completing one year (or more) at IITD. They then complete the remainder of their studies at UQ.

No, you do not need to apply separately for a UQ–IITD scholarship. You will automatically be considered for a UQ–IITD scholarship as a part of the application process.

If you are successful in your application to the UQ–IITD joint PhD, you will be offered a scholarship for the duration of your candidature of up to four years (full-time study) to allow you to focus on your research.

Please note, that i-applicants with fellowships (CSIR, UCG-NET, etc.) are encouraged to apply for all i-student projects.  However, some projects will only consider applications from i-students with a fellowship (CSIR, UCG-NET, etc.). If applicable, please provide evidence of fellowships as a part of the application process.

We accept applications in two rounds each year. Application Round 1 opens around February for July intake commencement of the same year. Application Round 2 opens in September for January intake commencement of the following year.