The Research School for Astronomy & Astrophysics (RSAA) at the Australian National University invites applications from outstanding undergraduate students of all nationalities for fully-funded PhD scholarships to begin in 2013/2014. Students with previous research experience in astrophysics or related fields are particularly encouraged to apply.
The RSAA PhD Program includes 6 months of innovative graduate level astrophysics courses taught by some of the world's preeminent astrophysicists, including Nobel Prize Winner Brian Schmidt, and Prime Minister's Science Prize Winner Ken Freeman. PhD research projects on offer are at the cutting-edge of astrophysics, and include observations with the Hubble Space Telescope, the Gemini 8m telescope, the Keck 10m telescope, and new theoretical simulations with the ANU and the National Supercomputer facilities.
PhD scholarships include a tax-free stipend of AUD$30,653 with tuition fees waived. PhD students may apply for annual named top-up scholarships of AUD$5,000 awarded for outstanding research. PhD students may also access internal research funds and fellowships to cover travel and other research expenses, including international conferences and telescope observing.
The RSAA is ranked number 10 in the world by Space Science. Our astronomers have won the Nobel Prize, the Prime Minister's Science Prize, and Australian Research Council Laureate, Federation, and Future Fellowships. RSAA astronomers are members of the National Academies of Science in Australia, the USA, the UK, the Netherlands, and Spain. Our graduating students regularly achieve prestigious international fellowships including Fulbright, Zonta, Hubble, CfA, ESO, Magellan, and Jansky Fellowships.
The RSAA designed and built the first two Australian instruments for the international Gemini Observatory. The RSAA is leading the Australian participation in the billion-dollar, international Giant Magellan Telescope. In addition to PhD projects in observational and theoretical astrophysics, we also offer PhDs in instrumentation research and development.
The Australian National University is located in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. Canberra is one of the few capital cities where nature reserves and parkland are integral to the city plan. Canberra has extensive walking and bike trails. The Research School for Astronomy & Astrophysics is located at Mount Stromlo, within the Stromlo Forest Park. The Stromlo Forest Park includes a world-class mountain-biking trail, the Robert de Castella cross-country running track, the Stephen Hodge Criterium cycling circuit, and extensive equestrian and hiking trails.
Scholarship applications are due on 15 March, 2013. For details on how to apply to the RSAA graduate program, eligibility requirements, and available research supervisors and projects, please see http://rsaa.anu.edu.au/study/international
