Graduate research
With graduate research at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, study in an environment of cross-disciplinary research excellence and build your expertise in your selected specialist area.
You’ll work alongside and be supervised by world leading engineering and information technology researchers and experienced advisory committees.
Graduate Research Showcase 2025
20 August, 5–8:30pm
Melbourne Connect
Join us for our annual Graduate Research Showcase, where you can connect with the brightest minds from the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. From biomedical technologies to AI, our researchers are pushing the boundaries of knowledge to drive real-world impact. Learn how you can work with us to develop solutions, test new ideas and attract emerging talent. Or get advice from our team about undertaking a PhD yourself.
Graduate research opportunities
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) students are guided to demonstrate academic leadership, increasing independence, creativity, and innovation in their research work.
Master of Philosophy - Engineering and IT
Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering and IT
Scholarship programs
Scholarships are available to high-achieving students undertaking graduate research at the University of Melbourne.
The University of Melbourne:
- Top-ranked university in Australia
- Leader in graduate research training
- Choose your research area expertise
- Be supported and supervised by world leading researchers
- Professional development opportunities
- Generous scholarships available
- Comprehensive support network
Explore the work of our graduate researchers
Developing new technologies to nurture Indigenous knowledge
PhD candidates should not be afraid to pursue topics that “get you out of bed every day,” says Dr Kagonya Awori. From a PhD internship at Microsoft to joining Google as User Experience Research Lead for Search (Sub-Saharan Africa), Dr Awori's passion has shaped her research-driven career in tech.
From a PhD to a job, startup company and Australian citizenship
Dr Martin Reinoso's PhD explored virtual reality and augmented reality as learning tools. Now as Senior Virtual Reality Developer for the not-for-profit organisation Orygen, Dr Reinoso uses the skills and knowledge gained during his PhD to improve the mental health of young people.
Making city planning more sustainable and inclusive
Experienced architect and urban planner Mark Allan embarked on a part-time PhD in Engineering to benefit his career and major projects at the City of Melbourne. His research led to a framework for better urban regeneration projects.
At the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT), we are at the forefront of integrating academic excellence with real-world applications through our Industry PhD and Internships Program. Our commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and industry practice sets us apart.
For graduate researchers, you will have a unique opportunity to work closely with industry leaders, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to innovative projects that have a real impact.
For industry, business and government, you can source top talent from our pool of STEM graduate researchers to help your business address its next R&D challenge.
Opportunities for PhDs: FEIT Research Internships
Our research internships provide graduate researchers with the chance to apply their expertise in real-world settings, collaborating with industry partners such as businesses, enterprises, and government agencies. These internships, which last between 3 to 6 months (with a minimum of 60 full-time equivalent days), allow you to work on research and development (R&D) projects that align with your research area.
We recommend exploring internship opportunities early in your PhD journey, ideally securing one within the first 18 months of your candidature. While you can complete an internship at any point during your studies, it’s important to ensure it fits within your candidature timeline.
By choosing an internship that aligns with your interests and builds on your skills, you’ll not only enrich your research experience but also gain valuable career opportunities post-completion.
Contact the Graduate Research Team at feit-gr-industry@unimelb.edu.au to find out more.
Opportunities for industry, business and government
Does your business have an R&D challenge? Did you know you can partner with Australia's top STEM PhD research talent to develop solutions, test new ideas and access specialist skills?
From biomedical technologies and artificial intelligence to sustainable infrastructure and cybersecurity, our researchers are pushing the boundaries of knowledge and working with industry to create real-world impact and address society's most pressing challenges.
Our graduate research industry programs offer unique opportunities that benefit organisations of all sizes. Contact us on feit-gr-industry@unimelb.edu.au to find your next STEM superstar.
The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology is involved in numerous research projects, listed below by department.
From here you may browse the breadth of research projects currently underway, and go directly to projects that are recruiting graduate researchers in your discipline.
If you are interested in joining a research group, email the Primary Contact directly to discuss your expertise and experience.
Biomedical
Research areas include: biomechanics, biosignals, computational bioinformatics and biocellular systems to address issues such as medical bionics, immune system function, infection, epilepsy and cancer treatment.
Chemical & Biomolecular
Within a diverse research program there is a focus on three themes: materials science, separations technologies, and biomolecular engineering. These themes are targeted at key socioeconomic fields, which include medicine; mining; sustainable energy production; water conservation and re-use; and food processing.
Computing & Information Systems
An international leader in research in Computer Science, Information Systems, and Software Engineering. Research strengths of the department include Business Information Systems, Complex and Intelligent Systems, Distributed and Cloud Computing, Computational Bioinformatics, Health Information Systems, Interaction Design, Knowledge Discovery, Optimisation, and Programming Languages.
Electrical & Electronic
Research is focused in four research labs: control and signal processing; communications and networks; electronics and photonics; and neuroengineering. Topics of interest include: mobile and wireless networks; network design and performance monitoring; optical communication systems; sustainability of growth of the internet; computational neuroscience; neuroimaging and neuroinformatics; audition, speech and bionic ear design; bionic eye design and vision; consciousness and communication; information theory; mathematical systems theory; numerical methods; signal processing and radar tracking; and control systems.
Infrastructure
Areas of research investigation include: structural engineering; geotechnical engineering; project management; energy efficiency in buildings; integrated transport; disaster management; geothermal energy; catchment systems; environmental monitoring and assessment; environmental water management, water resource management; next generation flood prediction; impacts of climate change; indoor and outdoor positioning; land administration and 3D cadastre; sensor networks; mobile mapping; environmental modelling; food production; artificial intelligence; and spatial data infrastructure design and development.
Mechanical
Research addresses major global challenges, including climate change, sustainable development, and improving human health and wellbeing. In mechanical engineering we approach these via research projects in energy and thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, computational mechanics, computational materials, design, manufacturing and industrial systems, biomotion and robotics.
Our joint PhD programs access expertise, resources and world-class training at the University of Melbourne and a leading institution abroad.
The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT) has several graduate research joint PhD initiatives.
Our Australian-German Climate & Energy College offers an interdisciplinary environment for Joint PhD training with one of three German institutions: the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, the University of Bayreuth, and the University of Potsdam.
Our Jülich-University of Melbourne Postgraduate Academy (JUMPA) is a multidisciplinary Joint PhD training program with the Jülich Research Centre, Germany.
Our Melbourne-CNRS Network is a multidisciplinary Joint PhD training program with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France.
Our Melbourne India Postgraduate Academy (MIPA) is a Joint PhD training program with one of three top Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Kharagpur.
Our Melbourne and Manchester Graduate Research Group is a multidisciplinary Joint PhD training program with the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
Our Priestley Scholarships are offered in conjunction with University of Birmingham.
For further information and how to apply, visit the University’s Study website:
Be ambitious in your research
There has never been a more exciting time to join us at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT). Backed by our ten-year FEIT 2025 strategy we are transforming the future of engineering and information technology at the University of Melbourne.
Scholarships are available to high-achieving students undertaking graduate research at the University of Melbourne.
Scholarships available to international applicants:
Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS)
Melbourne Social Equity Institute
Scholarships available to local applicants:
Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarships (RTP)
Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS)
Melbourne Social Equity Institute
Please see here for other available scholarships Find a scholarship | University of Melbourne
Further information – Graduate Research Stipend Scholarships
FEIT manages the award of stipend scholarships alongside offers of admission. You will automatically be considered for a Graduate Research Scholarship (such as the RTP or MRS) when you apply for a research degree in the faculty.
These scholarships are offered only to prospective graduate research students at admission, enrolled and deferring students are not eligible to re-apply. If you have already received an offer for a scholarship and wish to defer your enrolment, please check with the FEIT Graduate Research Team to confirm whether your scholarship can be deferred.
For questions relating to applications, scholarships and admissions please contact FEIT Graduate Research Admissions