ACPFG is divided into different research areas. Each group investigates how we can improve wheat and barley’s tolerance to environmental stresses. The PhD Honours Projects Bulletin has a list of PhD projects. For additional opportunities, please see the ACPFG research groups and the individual, university nodes below.

Pursuing a PhD with ACPFG

We’re looking for motivated, enthusiastic students with a degree with honours (first class or high 2A) or a Masters degree in one of the following fields:

Agriculture	Biology	Bioinformatics
Biotechnology	Computer Science	Genetics
Mathematics	Molecular Biology	Physics
Plant Physiology	Science	Statistics
Software Engineering

PhD students must have a source of funding that includes their stipend (living allowance) and international students must also have funding that covers university tuition fees.

Funding is available from a variety of sources, as outlined below. Please note that all successful applicants will be required to sign an ACPFG confidentiality agreement.

How to apply for a PhD position at ACPFG¹

Firstly, choose an ACPFG node where you would like to do your PhD, then send the following information to the appropriate person for the relevant node:

1. Letter of interest. Outline why you would like to do a PhD the ACPFG, and which research areas interest you.
   
   
2. Curriculum vitae (current). that includes the names and contact details of at least two professional referees.
   
   
3. Copy of your academic transcript (scanned). Also, include a description of the grading system as appropriate.
   
   
4. Letter detailing your funding source. If you do not have funding, please apply for a scholarship (see below).
   

¹ Please note: There are additional requirements for international students.

The Selection Process

All student candidates for the PhD must undergo an ACPFG selection process and must also apply for admission into the university associated with their chosen ACPFG node.

Both ACPFG and the university will assess applicants to ensure they have relevant knowledge and research experience to successfully complete a PhD. The email contacts for the university nodes are:

Monica Ogierman, The University of Adelaide

Dave Edwards, The University of Queensland

Tony Bacic, The University of Melbourne

Desmond Lun, University of South Australia

Upon receiving your complete package, we will assess your application, and subsequently arrange for a meeting to discuss projects and application procedures.

To view two PhD Scholarships currently on offer at the University of Melbourne click here.

International Students

ACPFG is a multicultural research facility attracting top researchers from all over the world. We welcome enquiries from international students.

Application requirements are outlined above (see How to apply for a PhD position at ACPFG), however please be aware that there are certain English language requirements that must be fulfilled to be eligible for PhD scholarships and entry visas.

Information for International Students, including the application procedure and all requirements can be found at the following websites and following the links to post-graduate research:

 The University of Adelaide

 The University of Queensland

 The University of Melbourne

 University of South Australia

International studes, please note the additional requirements for International Students.

Funding / Scholarships

While we offer ACPFG PhD scholarships to outstanding students, we encourage students to first apply for scholarships offered by universities associated with ACPFG nodes as detailed above.

ACPFG PhD scholars receive $AUD25,000 tax free per year, plus support to attend an international conference.

Students will also receive additional training in areas such as scientific writing, communication / poster writing and media training, as part of their professional development.

We have a PhD committee dedicated to supporting our PhD students and each student will have access to a mentor.

ACPFG Scholarship opportunities are available at all our research nodes. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Eligibility

Students applying for ACPFG PhD scholarships must be Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents.

International students can apply for these scholarships only if they have received a university tuition fee waiver (or if they receive a stipend which covers the tuition fees).

Additional information for International Students

The following information for International Students, including the application procedure and all requirements, can be perused at the University of Adelaide's International Students Page.

• English language requirements (postgraduate research)
  
  
• Tuition fees
  
  
• Entry requirements
  
  
• Important deadlines and dates
  
  
• Credit for previous study (see frequently asked questions)
  
  
• How to accept your offer
  
  
• Tuition and fees
  
  
• Cost of living
  
  
• Overseas Health Cover - required
  
  
• Visa information
  
  
• Applications forms¹
  
  
• Follow the links to Postgraduate Research Scholarships

¹ You will need the postgraduate research form. In this section there is the option ‘want to make an enquiry?’, to directly your question to Staff at the International Student Centre.