The SQA PhD Scholarship is a fully funded doctoral scholarship offered through the Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA) in partnership with the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), the University of Sydney, the University of Technology Sydney, and Macquarie University. The scholarship supports outstanding domestic and international students who undertake research in quantum science and quantum technology. Moreover, the program prepares future leaders for careers in academia, industry, and government by combining high-quality research with professional and leadership development. It also connects scholars to one of Australia’s largest collaborative quantum research networks.
Background and Purpose
The scholarship supports students enrolled in a full-time PhD at one of the SQA partner universities. At UNSW, recipients receive the university’s standard PhD scholarship together with an SQA top-up scholarship. Furthermore, every scholar must complete the SQA PhD Experience Program, which forms a mandatory component of the scholarship. The program delivers advanced technical training, interdisciplinary workshops, entrepreneurship education, leadership development, industry engagement, networking opportunities, and collaboration across Australia’s quantum research ecosystem. Students conduct research in areas such as quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, quantum materials, quantum software, quantum devices, quantum engineering, photonics, and quantum information science. As a result, they develop both research excellence and practical skills for the rapidly growing quantum technology sector.
SQA PhD Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship provides a primary living stipend of AUD $42,754 per annum based on the 2026 indexed rate for up to four years. In addition, eligible recipients receive an annual SQA top-up scholarship of AUD 5,000. Scholars also gain access to SQA career development funding, professional development activities, technical training, networking events, and industry engagement opportunities throughout their candidature. Furthermore, international students may receive tuition fee support through their host university. Consequently, recipients benefit from comprehensive financial, academic, and professional support.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must secure admission to a full-time PhD program at one of the participating universities and satisfy the university’s admission requirements. Both domestic and international students are eligible to apply. Furthermore, applicants must undertake research aligned with quantum science or quantum technology. Strong academic achievement, demonstrated research potential, and an academic background in physics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, materials science, or related disciplines will strengthen an application.
SQA PhD Scholarship Application Process
Applicants should first identify a suitable PhD research project and obtain the support of an academic supervisor at a participating university. They must then complete the PhD admission process and satisfy all scholarship requirements established by both the host university and the Sydney Quantum Academy. Furthermore, applicants should demonstrate how their research interests align with the objectives of the SQA program. Therefore, early preparation and strong academic documentation will improve the competitiveness of an application.
Opportunities for Scholars
The scholarship provides an outstanding opportunity to conduct internationally recognized research while building valuable industry and professional connections. Moreover, scholars collaborate with leading researchers, industry partners, and government organizations to translate quantum research into practical technologies. They also develop leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills through the SQA PhD Experience Program. Consequently, graduates are well prepared for careers in academia, quantum technology companies, government research organizations, advanced engineering, and the global quantum industry.