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 biotechnology.

Access world-class facilities that are at the cutting edge of biological, chemical and physical sciences and see your potential grow.

Learn from some of the world's most successful scientists. We have 5 ARC Laureate Fellows, 2 NHMRC Leadership Fellows, 9 NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellows, and 10 ARC DECRA Fellows, among many others.

We pride ourselves on:

 Creating global connections for our PhD students with leading industry partners, placing you in the best possible position for a job

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

 Designing world-first technology in partnership with our students

 World-class, leading facilities right here in the building

In partnership with our PhD students, we are creating novel biofuels, world-first magnetic PFAS removal methods, and next-generation biomedical sensors, among so many other world-leading discoveries. 

We are one of the largest institutes of our kind globally, and are proud to call The University of Queensland home, which is ranked 43 in the world.

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

                              

Who has availability?

The AIBN is renowned for it's expertise in the field of personalised medicine, with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment at your fingertips.

We are rapidly moving towards a more sustainable world; will you join us? We are at the forefront of biotechnology, with a proven track record of research in this space.

Why stop at mediocre? Here at the AIBN we are constantly improving the standard, thanks to some of the brightest minds in the industry, backed by some of the best equipment on the market.

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 contact them to get agreement to support your PhD and project. A full list of research Group Leaders who have capacity can be found above.

Only proceed once you have been accepted by a supervisor. Without this, you will not be able to move forward.

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

4. Apply online
Once you have prepared your application, contacted a potential supervisor, and been accepted by that 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.

Find me a supervisor  Apply today

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 contact them to get agreement to support your PhD and project. A full list of research Group Leaders who have capacity can be found above. Only once you have received confirmation of acceptance by the Group Leader can you progress.

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

4. Apply online
Once you have prepared your application, contacted a potential supervisor, and been accepted by your 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.

Find me a supervisor  Apply today

Financial packages and support

Looking for a scholarship?

You might be surprised by how many scholarships you can apply for throughout your studies.

Scholarships can help with financial support, tuition, accommodation, mentoring and industry experience.

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

View available scholarships

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 14 April 2022

Are you a current student? Learn more 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

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