The Immersive Technology for Heart Surgery PhD Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) top-up scholarship offered by UNSW Sydney through the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. Designed to advance digital healthcare, the project integrates augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies into Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedures to improve surgical precision, visualization, and patient outcomes. Successful applicants receive an AUD 15,000 annual top-up scholarship in addition to an existing UNSW Research Training Program (RTP), Research Training Program International (RTPI), University Postgraduate Award (UPA), or University International Postgraduate Award (UIPA) scholarship.

About the Immersive Technology for Heart Surgery PhD Scholarship

UNSW Sydney offers this scholarship to support interdisciplinary research at the intersection of immersive technologies, biomedical engineering, and cardiac surgery. The project addresses the limitations of current Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedures, where surgeons rely on two-dimensional greyscale medical imaging that often provides limited spatial and temporal resolution.

Researchers investigate how augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can be integrated into live heart surgery to provide enhanced three-dimensional visualization, improved navigation, and greater procedural accuracy during minimally invasive cardiac interventions. By advancing immersive technologies in operating theatres, the research aims to improve patient safety and clinical outcomes.

Students work within an interdisciplinary research team that brings together experts in creative technologies, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, and medicine. Associate Professor Susann Beier supervises the project within an international research environment in Sydney.

Why Choose This Immersive Technology for Heart Surgery PhD Scholarship?

This scholarship enables you to conduct innovative research that combines immersive digital technologies with cardiovascular medicine.

You benefit from:

  • AUD 15,000 annual scholarship top-up
  • Research at one of Australia’s leading engineering universities
  • Collaboration with engineers, clinicians, and medical researchers
  • Access to advanced AR and VR technologies
  • Opportunities to develop technologies with direct clinical applications
  • Interdisciplinary supervision and international collaboration
  • Strong career opportunities in biomedical engineering, medical technology, and healthcare innovation

Graduates pursue careers in:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Medical Robotics
  • Virtual Reality
  • Augmented Reality
  • Digital Health
  • Medical Imaging
  • Healthcare Technology
  • Academic Research

Immersive Technology for Heart Surgery PhD Scholarship Summary

  • Host Country: Australia
  • Host University: UNSW Sydney
  • School: School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Scholarship Name: Immersive Technology for Heart Surgery PhD Scholarship
  • Study Level: PhD
  • Scholarship Type: Top-Up PhD Scholarship
  • Research Area: Biomedical Engineering, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Medical Imaging, Digital Health
  • Research Topic: Immersive Technology for Heart Surgery
  • Study Mode: Full-Time
  • Scholarship Duration: Up to 3.5 years (subject to the underlying HDR scholarship)
  • Scholarship Value: AUD 15,000 per year (Top-Up Scholarship)
  • Additional Requirement: Applicants must hold or be awarded a UNSW RTP, RTPI, UPA, or UIPA scholarship
  • Eligible Applicants: Domestic and International Students
  • Supervisor: Associate Professor Susann Beier
  • Application Mode: Email application
  • Selection Basis: Academic excellence, research potential, and suitability for the project

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship provides:

  • AUD 15,000 annual top-up scholarship
  • Supervision by internationally recognised researchers
  • Access to advanced AR and VR research technologies
  • Collaboration with clinicians, engineers, and medical specialists
  • Weekly research group and individual meetings
  • Opportunities to contribute to translational healthcare research
  • Professional research training and international networking

Recipients continue to receive the benefits of their underlying RTP, RTPI, UPA, or UIPA scholarship in addition to the annual top-up award.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be eligible for admission to a PhD at UNSW Sydney
  • Be awarded or eligible to receive one of the following:
    • UNSW Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship
    • Research Training Program International (RTPI) Scholarship
    • University Postgraduate Award (UPA)
    • University International Postgraduate Award (UIPA)
  • Have a strong programming background
  • Have experience with immersive technologies such as AR or VR
  • Demonstrate excellent problem-solving and communication skills
  • Show enthusiasm for health technologies and interdisciplinary research
  • Meet UNSW English language requirements where applicable

Female applicants are particularly encouraged to apply.

Required Documents

Applicants should submit:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Cover letter
  • Academic references
  • Final GPA or Weighted Average Mark (WAM) for all completed degrees

The cover letter should clearly address all of the project’s selection criteria. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to submit a formal UNSW Higher Degree Research scholarship application.

Application Process & Timeline

Follow these steps:

  1. Review the project description and confirm that your background aligns with the research.
  2. Prepare your CV, cover letter, academic references, and GPA/WAM information.
  3. Email your application to Associate Professor Susann Beier at [email protected].
  4. If shortlisted, complete the formal UNSW Higher Degree Research admission and scholarship application.
  5. Accept both the primary HDR scholarship and the Immersive Technology for Heart Surgery top-up scholarship if selected.