Info for Australian universities

EMBL Australia International PhD Program: Information for Australian universities

Australian life science students can now undertake an Australian PhD in Europe with the support of the EMBL Australia International PhD Program.

Up to three students a year can undertake a PhD at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory.

The PhDs will be jointly awarded by the student’s Australian university and the EMBL. Funding will be provided by EMBL Australia and each student’s Australian host university.

Australian universities will also benefit from the program through their partnership with EMBL.

Applications are open now, with candidates to commence in April 2011.

How do Australian universities become involved?

The Go8 has signed an MOU with the EMBL regarding the program. Universities don’t need to do anything until a student is accepted into the program. If one of my university’s students is selected, what are our obligations?
Once a student is accepted into the program, the university and the EMBL will sign a partnership agreement. A draft partnership agreement is available and can be amended to accommodate individual university’s student management principles.

What costs are involved?

Student fellowship costs are calculated based on the student’s individual circumstances (eg: spouse, dependant children). 2010 fees range from €24,855 (single, no children) to €32,916 (with partner and two children).  Fellowship costs are indexed annually for cost of living and from 2012 will increase to accommodate new pension plan scheme to be introduced in Europe/Germany, i.e. 14% on top of salary/stipend.

The EMBL will invoice each Australian university for fellowship costs. EMBL Australia will reimburse the Australian university for 50% of the student fees.

The EMBL will organise and pay for student travel as per usual student costs (i.e. during selection, at commencement and completion of program and other travel-related entitlements). The EMBL will also fund conference and related costs (registration, accommodation, travel, etc.) at which the student is required to attend.

The Australian university will be responsible for funding each student to return to Australia at least twice during the period of study.

EMBL and the Australian University will share the costs of the Australian university co-supervisor to travel at least once to EMBL for meeting(s) with student.   

What are the supervisor arrangements?

EMBL Australia International PhD program candidates will be co-supervised by an Australian supervisor and an EMBL supervisor.

How do students apply?

Applications must be submitted online via the EMBL website at: http://www.embl.de/training/eipp/application/index.html

What are the application requirements?

Candidates must be accepted via the normal EMBL selection process. Details on the EMBL PhD selection process can be found at: http://www.embl.de/training/eipp/application/admission/index.html

Can students use an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) with this program?

Yes. As long as they meet the criteria for an APA, they may use it for an EMBL Australia International PhD.

What form will the degree take?

The degree will be jointly-awarded between the Australian university and the EMBL.Where can I get more information?
It is recommended that prospective candidates read all the sections of the EMBL website regarding the EMBL International PhD (pre-doc) program, available via http://www.embl.de/training/eipp/index.html