Short-term research at QUT

Conduct cutting-edge research at QUT alongside renowned experts in world-class facilities. There are two primary ways to complete one or two semesters of your research degree with us:

Exchange

Join our exchange program if you’re studying at one of our partner universities. In this program you can undertake a research project for one or two semesters. You must be nominated by your home institution and study full-time (three or four units) for a full semester. Students in this program usually study under an Australian student visa.

Study abroad

If your university isn’t an exchange partner, you can still conduct research with us through our Study Abroad Program. This program requires full-time enrolment (three or four units) for an entire semester, with some study areas requiring a minimum of four units. Tuition fees apply, and most students in this program study under an Australian student visa.

Additionally, explore other research opportunities, such as a joint PhD or an occupational traineeship, to further enhance your academic journey.

Exchange timelines

Program duration

Our research study abroad and exchange programs run during our standard university semesters. You can apply for one or two semesters:

  • Semester 1: February - June
  • Semester 2: July - November.

If you want to research with us for less than a semester contact the respective faculty or school for approval and application information.

Visiting student (research)

You can come and research with us by doing laboratory work on a research project, and earn credit towards your home degree without enrolling as a student at QUT. You will be considered a junior visiting staff member, but you will not have access to student concessions. Applications for this program are processed by our research centres.

Contact the research centre that you want to work with to apply.

How to apply for research at QUT

Step 1: Find a supervisor

You'll need a supervisor while you're researching with us. Find an academic that you'd like to work with and think about the possible research you'd like to do with them.

Step 2: Complete the form

Complete sections 1-7 of the application for research study abroad/exchange form (SER form) (PDF file, 655.3 KB), and email this to the academic supervisor you wish to work with. Your supervisor must approve your proposal and complete sections 8 and 9 of this form to confirm their approval.

Step 3: Submit the form

Sign and date the declaration in section 10 on the SER form and ensure you have completed all items on the checklist (section 11). Submit the form and all supporting documents to stae@qut.edu.au.

What happens next?

We will let you know if your application is successful or not.

If your application is successful, we'll send you an offer letter. Once you've accepted your offer, you can start preparing to come and research with us.

Need more information?

If you have any questions about short-term research, get in touch with the study abroad and exchange team.