The SQA PhD Scholarship 2026 at UNSW Sydney is a fully funded doctoral scholarship offered through the Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA). The scholarship supports outstanding domestic and international students undertaking full-time PhD research in quantum science and quantum technologies at one of SQA’s partner universities, including UNSW Sydney. Successful recipients receive a tax-free stipend of AUD 42,754 per year (2026 rate) for up to four years, access to the SQA PhD Experience Program, career development funding, and tuition fee support for international students.
About the SQA PhD Scholarship
The Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA) established the SQA PhD Scholarship to develop Australia’s future leaders in quantum science, quantum engineering, and quantum technology. SQA is a partnership between UNSW Sydney, the University of Sydney, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and Macquarie University.
Students undertake world-class PhD research under internationally recognised supervisors while participating in a structured professional development programme. The scholarship supports research across a broad range of quantum disciplines, including:
- Quantum computing
- Quantum information science
- Quantum communications
- Quantum sensing
- Quantum software
- Quantum hardware
- Quantum engineering
- Quantum physics
- Quantum materials
- Quantum algorithms
The programme combines academic excellence with leadership development, industry engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare graduates for careers in research and the emerging quantum industry.
Why Choose The SQA PhD Scholarship?
This scholarship allows you to complete a fully funded PhD at UNSW while joining Australia’s largest quantum research community.
You benefit from:
- A generous tax-free annual stipend
- Up to four years of funding
- Entry into the SQA PhD Experience Program
- Career development funding
- Tuition fee support for international students
- Access to Australia’s leading quantum researchers
- Professional networking across partner universities
- Leadership and industry development opportunities
The programme prepares graduates for careers in:
- Quantum computing
- Quantum technologies
- Artificial intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Advanced engineering
- Academic research
- Government laboratories
- High-technology industries
SQA PhD Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Australia
- Host University: UNSW Sydney
- Scholarship Name: SQA PhD Scholarship
- Scholarship Provider: Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA)
- Study Level: PhD
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded PhD Scholarship
- Research Areas: Quantum Science, Quantum Engineering, Quantum Computing, Quantum Technologies
- Study Mode: Full-Time
- Scholarship Duration: Up to 4 years
- Annual Stipend: AUD 42,754 per annum (2026 rate, tax-free)
- Eligible Applicants: Domestic and International Students
- Application Mode: Online
- Applications Open:26 August 2026
- Application Deadline:8 October 2026
- Selection Basis: Academic excellence, research potential, supervisor endorsement, and overall competitiveness
Scholarship Benefits
The SQA PhD Scholarship provides:
- AUD 42,754 tax-free annual stipend (2026 rate)
- Funding for up to four years
- Entry into the SQA PhD Experience Program (participation is compulsory)
- Access to SQA career development funding
- Tuition fees are waived for international scholarship recipients
- Possible support for other costs, such as visa expenses and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), at the university’s discretion
- Professional networking across SQA partner universities
- Leadership, entrepreneurship, and research training opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Apply for or already be enrolled in a full-time PhD at UNSW Sydney or another SQA partner university
- Meet the PhD admission requirements of the chosen university
- Demonstrate excellent academic achievement
- Show strong research potential
- Obtain support from an eligible PhD supervisor
- Meet English language requirements where applicable
- Hold a bachelor’s degree with honours or an equivalent master’s qualification in a relevant discipline
Applicants from disciplines such as:
- Physics
- Quantum Science
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Materials Science
- Chemistry
- Software Engineering
- Information Technology
- Related fields
are encouraged to apply.
Required Documents
Applicants typically need to submit:
- Online scholarship application
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Personal statement
- Research proposal or statement of research interests
- Supervisor endorsement
- English language test results (if required)
- Additional supporting documents requested in the application guidelines
Supporting documents should follow the requirements outlined in the SQA application guidelines.
Application Process & Timeline
Follow these steps:
- Identify a suitable PhD research project at UNSW Sydney.
- Contact a potential supervisor and obtain their support.
- Apply for admission to a full-time PhD programme at UNSW.
- Prepare your scholarship application documents.
- Complete the online SQA PhD Scholarship application.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
- Participate in interviews if shortlisted.
- Accept the scholarship and commence your PhD.
