Admission Alert: UQ-IIT Delhi Joint PhD Program (July 2026 Intake)

Event Overview & Host Profile

The UQ-IITD Academy of Research (UQIDAR) has officially opened applications for its prestigious Joint PhD Program (July 2026 Intake). This is a transnational partnership between two world-leading institutions:

• The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia: Ranked consistently among the world’s top 50 universities.
• Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi): An “Institution of Eminence” and one of India’s highest-ranked engineering institutes (NAAC A++ context).

This is not a dual-degree program where you get two separate certificates; it is a Joint Degree where you receive a single parchment bearing the seals of both universities. Selected scholars (referenced as “i-students” or “q-students”) gain access to world-class facilities at both campuses, global mentorship, and generous financial support.

Detailed Objectives

The UQIDAR Joint PhD program is designed to create a pipeline of globally competitive researchers. The core value propositions include:

• Global Mobility: Students spend time at both institutions (e.g., “i-students” spend Year 1 at IIT Delhi, Year 2 at UQ, and return to IIT Delhi).
• Cross-Disciplinary Impact: The program focuses on solving “grand challenges” that require expertise across science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
• Industry-Ready Skills: Graduates emerge with a global perspective, making them highly desirable for top-tier academic positions and R&D roles in multinational corporations.

Key Themes & Topics

The research projects under this program are clustered around five multidisciplinary themes. Applicants must apply to specific projects available under these domains:

• Healthy Ageing: Healthcare, Biotechnology, and Biomedical Engineering.
• Feeding the World: Agriculture, Food Security, and Bio-sciences.
• Resilient Environment: Clean Energy, Sustainability, and Environmental Science.
• Technology for Tomorrow: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technologies, Digital Futures, and Advanced Materials.
• Transforming Societies: Humanities, Social Sciences, Public Policy, and Livelihoods.

Note: You can browse specific project codes (e.g., UQ-IITD 513) on the official website before applying.

Critical Logistics

Feature	Details
Intake Cycle	July 2026 (Cohort commences July 2026)
Application Mode	Online (Expression of Interest – EOI)
Application Deadline	January 7, 2026 (7:00 PM IST)
Interview Period	March – April 2026 (Tentative)
Offer Release	May 2026
Venue	Hybrid (Research conducted physically at IIT Delhi, India and UQ, Brisbane, Australia)

Registration & Payment Details

This is a fully funded program for selected candidates.

Fee & Scholarship Structure:

• Tuition Fees: “i-students” (Indian nationals) pay tuition fees at IIT Delhi but receive a 100% Tuition Fee Waiver at UQ (paying only a small Student Services fee).
• Stipend (Generous Funding):
  • Year 1 (at IITD): ~₹41,000/month + HRA.
  • Year 2 (at UQ): ~AUD $32,000/annum (approx.) + Relocation Grant (AUD $5,200).
  • Year 3 & 4 (at IITD): ~₹45,000/month + HRA.

How to Apply:

1. Check Eligibility: Master’s degree (65%+) or Bachelor’s from CFTIs (8.0 CGPA+). GATE/NET/CSIR scores are highly desirable.
2. Select a Project: Visit the [UQIDAR Projects Page] to find an open project that aligns with your interest.
3. Submit EOI: Complete the online Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
4. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will face a joint interview panel from UQ and IITD.

[Internal Link: Struggling to write your research statement? Check our guide on “Mastering the Art of Academic Writing”]

Contact Information

For specific queries regarding project eligibility or technical issues:

• Coordinator: UQIDAR Administrative Team
• Email: pgrad.admit@iitd.ac.in (IITD side) or uqiitd@uq.edu.au (UQ side)
• Official Website: uqiitd.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do I strictly need a GATE or CSIR-NET score to apply?

While a valid GATE/NET/CSIR score is not mandatory for all candidates (specifically those from CFTIs with high CGPA > 8.0), it is highly expected to be competitive. Candidates without these scores must demonstrate exceptional research experience.

Q2: Is the PhD degree recognized in India?

Yes. You receive a single Joint PhD degree signed by both institutions. It is fully recognized by the UGC and global bodies for academic promotions and employment.

Q3: Who pays for the flight tickets to Australia?

The program provides a Relocation Grant (approx. AUD $5,200) specifically to cover travel expenses between Delhi and Brisbane.

Q4: Can I apply for more than one project?

Yes, during the Expression of Interest (EOI) phase, you can usually indicate your preference for specific projects or themes. However, your statement of purpose should align with your primary choice.

Q5: What is the duration of the stay in Australia?

For Indian students (“i-students”), the standard requirement is to spend at least one year (12 months) at the University of Queensland, typically during the second year of the PhD.

Call to Action (CTA)

Ready to launch your global research career?

Applications for the July 2026 intake close on January 7, 2026. Don’t wait until the last minute.

BUTTON: Apply Online (Official Link)