Start your PhD with the AIBN

What we offer

The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) is a haven for PhD students seeking to undertake research in the disciplines of personalised medicine, nanoengineered materials and the bioeconomy, while accessing world-class facilities that are at the cutting edge of biological, chemical and physical sciences.

We have a proven track record in:

 Creating global connections for our PhD students

  Identifying, and pursuing, ground-breaking research that has real-world impact

 Designing world-first technology in partnership with our students

Urgent solutions are needed for the way our global community generates and uses energy, engages with our environment, and deals with serious health issues. At the AIBN we're working on the answers.

Established in 2004, we are one of the largest institutes of our kind globally, and are proud to call The University of Queensland home.

Students will also feel right at home, with a range of inclusive social events regularly hosted by the AIBN Students' Association (ASA) to provide a community and support network for the students that work at the AIBN.

                              

Spots available with

Novel biodegradable packaging materials, medical textiles, and bioelectronics to create a greener future.
A focus on nanoarchitectured design of nanocrystals and nanoporous materials for practical applications.
The development of theory and computational methods for study of molecular systems and their applications.
Point-of-care diagnostics that will transform disease detection and personalised treatment.
Cell biology with a focus on understanding the fundamental mechanisms that regulate cell adhesion and the cytoskeleton.
The causes and consequences of metabolic dysfunction in motor neuron disease (MND).
Next-generation RNA vaccines for applications including vaccines, cellular reprogramming, and onco-immunology.
The design of carbon materials and their hybrid structures with organic/inorganic species and next-gen battery technologies.
Polymer chemistry and understanding the fundamentals of kinetics and thermodynamics of polymers.
The synthesis of functional nanomaterials, specifically nanoporous materials and their applications.
For a full breakdown of groups and what they study.

How to apply

The pathway to a PhD can be daunting or confusing, but it doesn't have to be. Please read the how-to guide under the heading most relevant to you. If you still have questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions section.

You're a domestic student if you are:

  • a citizen of Australia or New Zealand,
  • an Australian permanent resident, or
  • a holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.

In order to progress forward with a PhD at the AIBN as a domestic student, you will need to do the following.

1. Meet the entry requirements

To progress forward with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at the AIBN, you will need to prove that you:

  • have completed some research experience (for example, you can provide evidence that you've planned and executed project work and/or a body of research with some independence)
  • have completed an approved university degree in your field of research no more than 10 years ago, and;
  • can meet the English language requirements.

You can find more on entry requirements here.

2. Find a supervisor

Identify a researcher with relevant expertise and get agreement to support your PhD and project. A full list of research Group Leaders who have capacity can be found below.
Group Leaders also post their student projects here.

3. Gather your documents
A full list of the necessary documents can be found here.

4. Apply online
Once you have prepared your application and contacted a potential supervisor, use the online application form to apply. Your application can only be assessed once your referees have responded to us, and all outstanding documents and school/institute endorsements have been received.

You're an international student if you are:

  • intending to study on a student visa,
  • not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand,
  • not an Australian permanent resident, or
  • a temporary resident (visa status) of Australia.

In order to progress forward with a PhD at the AIBN as an international student, you will need to do the following.

1. Meet the entry requirements

To progress forward with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at the AIBN, you will need to prove that you:

  • have completed some research experience (for example, you can provide evidence that you've planned and executed project work and/or a body of research with some independence)
  • have completed an approved university degree in your field of research no more than 10 years ago, and;
  • can meet the English language requirements.

You can find more on entry requirements here.

2. Find a supervisor

Identify a researcher with relevant expertise and get agreement to support your PhD and project. A full list of research Group Leaders who have capacity can be found below.
Group Leaders also post their student projects here.

3. Gather your documents
A full list of the necessary documents can be found here.

4. Apply online
Once you have prepared your application and contacted a potential supervisor, use the online application form to apply. Your application can only be assessed once your referees have responded to us, and all outstanding documents and school/institute endorsements have been received.

5. Apply for a student visa once you are approved

As soon as you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from The University of Queensland, apply for your visa.

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Doctor of Philosophy are eligible to apply for an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.

You can learn more here.

Financial packages and support

Looking for a financial package or scholarship? Here at the AIBN we offer a range of financial support options so you can relax and focus on your research.

Make sure you check scholarship round application deadlines and outcome dates before applying.

There is also a great explainer resource for scholarships on the UQ website, which can be found here.

Travel and IT support

PhD students are eligible for an IT support package to purchase a desktop or laptop computer package here at the AIBN.

Students are also eligible for funding to support participation and travel to scientific conferences or workshops.

  • Domestic travel: up to $1,000
  • International travel: up to $3,000

At the time of application, students needs to be enrolled in a PhD through AIBN. They must also achieve the following:

  • Students must have completed their confirmation of candidature
  • Enrolment must still be active at the time of the travel
  • Students must demonstrate an attendance record of at least 50% for seminars (minimum 20 per year and at least 10 from the AIBN Seminar Series) from 14th of April 2022

Are you a current student? Learn more on the internal AIBN website here.

 
"My PhD at the Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology focuses on white matter disease; specifically an ultra-rare inherited neuro degenerative condition known as Hypomyelination with brainstem and spinal cord involvement and leg spasticity. My goal is to understand this disease and the application of how it can be extended to other diseases in white matter."

Bahaa Al-mhanawiEntrepreneurial PhD Scholar

 

"My PhD project focuses on using bacteria that consume waste gases to produce biofuels. The AIBN has provided me the tools to develop research skills to work towards solutions to real-life problems in a multidisciplinary, multicultural, and supportive environment. Having the opportunity to undertake a PhD here also allowed me to meet passionate researchers on their field’s forefront, increasing my curiosity and helping me shape my career interests."

Karen Rodriguez Martinez, PhD student

 

More student success

Contact us

If you have general enquiries about studying at AIBN please contact our HDR team

 hdr.aibn@enquire.uq.edu.au