Research with us

Join our cosmic quest for knowledge

Our research program extends its impact through collaborations with national and international institutions, fostering academic and student engagement on a global scale.

If you are a prospective research student interested in our centre, you can find more information about studying PhD and research degrees below.

Higher Degree Research (HDR)

HDR students include both Master of Research (MRes) and Doctorate (PhD) courses of study. HDR students work closely with the centre’s leading researchers and are further supported by a formal co-supervisor from within our team.

When you study a PhD with us, you benefit from:

• Financial assistance: A support budget and scholarship are available to help cover your research, living expenses and fees.
• Travel opportunities: Visit cutting-edge research telescopes like the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile.
• Collaborative opportunities: We have links with innovative instrumentation engineers and astronomers at the Australian Astronomical Optics and CSIRO Space and Astronomy.
• Research environment: Astrophysics and Space Technologies is one of the fastest-growing astronomy research centres in Australia, ranked ‘well above world standard’ in Astronomy and Space Science.
• Learning opportunities: While students may focus on specific research areas, they also benefit from exposure to a wide range of materials, including weekly seminars, informal discussion groups, regular visitors from academics and industry representatives.
• Public outreach: We host a range of events year-round, including discovery sessions at our on-campus observatory, functions at the mobile planetarium and our annual Astronomy Open Night which attracts more than 2000 visitors each year.
• Community: Based on the Wallumattagal campus in North Ryde, the centre is made up of a diverse, international and friendly community of students and staff.

Note: Eligibility grading scales may vary internationally. International candidates are encouraged to contact us at astrohdrinfo@mq.edu.au to discuss eligibility.

Research fellowships

We are always ready to provide strong support for excellent candidates wishing to apply for competitive fellowship schemes to join our research team. Currently, there are three primary avenues.