Industry-sponsored research scholarships | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Industry-sponsored research scholarships

Drive innovation

Industry partners can support research talent and drive innovation through an industry funded research scholarships for PhD or Masters by Research students.

UniSC’s PhD and Master by Research programs offer organisations a powerful opportunity to shape future talent, accelerate innovation, and access high quality university research in a cost effective and collaborative way.

Industry funded HDR (Higher Degree by Research) scholarships at UniSC are project specific, co designed with external partners, and tailored to address real world problems. Each scholarship is unique – reflecting the needs, goals and priorities of the sponsoring organisation – and enables a dedicated HDR candidate to undertake research that delivers tangible sector impact.

Industry partners

Sponsoring an Industry PhD or Industry Master by Research offers multiple strategic advantages, including:

  • Developing skilled professionals with industry relevant expertise
    Support the growth of emerging specialists who gain deep knowledge in areas aligned to your organisation’s innovation needs.
  • Strengthening ties between industry and academia
    Build long term connections with UniSC researchers, accessing expertise, infrastructure and cutting edge methodologies.
  • Cost effective research collaboration
    Engage in high value research with reduced overheads compared to traditional consultancy or contract models.

These collaborations allow industry partners to guide research direction, gain early access to new findings, and strengthen their competitive edge.

Scholarship requirements

UniSC welcomes new industry partnerships and collaborative project ideas. Whether you’re seeking to solve a technical challenge, explore a new market opportunity, develop innovative technologies, or strengthen your research capacity, sponsoring an HDR candidate can be a transformative investment.

To support the scholarship and ensure the success of the project, industry partners commit to:

  • Financial support for the student stipend and/or research expenses over a period of two to four years, which supports the HDR candidate and essential project costs.  Industry Partners interested in collaborating for shorter-term research engagements may wish to consider Contract Project Research collaborations.
  • Providing opportunities for industry engagement and supervision. This may include industry based mentoring, site access, data sharing, or co supervision where appropriate.
  • Ensuring the research aligns with industry needs and priorities. Projects are co designed with UniSC to address challenges, innovation opportunities, or strategic goals relevant to your organisation.

These commitments help create an applied research environment where the student can generate outcomes that hold direct industry value.

Industry partners interested in discussing collaboration opportunities are invited to contact the Graduate Research School, where our dedicated Partnerships, Scholarships and Admissions team can connect you with academic researchers in related fields and assist you with recruiting a suitable student.  

HDR candidates

Prospective HDR candidates interested in applying for current research scholarship opportunities are encouraged to visit HDR Scholarships.

Considering a PhD or Masters by Research?

Enquire today and we’ll help get your HDR journey started.

We’ll respond with personalised guidance and include scholarship opportunities you may be eligible for.

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