Study With Us
Work or study alongside our distinguished researchers, across diverse fields of evolutionary biology, environmental change and population genetics.
The Australian Centre for Ancient DNA provides opportunities for students and scientists to join its innovative and collaborative research programs.
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Higher degree study
Image: Natural Trap Cave in Wyoming, USA. One of our field sites for collecting samples.
ACAD has several postgraduate projects by research for students who meet the following criteria:
- Have a 1st Class Honours or MSc degree and high undergraduate academic record in any of the following areas: evolution, genetics, microbial ecology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, paleontology, archaeology, or anthropology.
- Are highly motivated and enjoy independent and unusual research.
- Have an interest in evolution and natural history.
- Meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements.
- Must be an Australian/NZ citizen or permanent Australian resident or in the case of international students, must apply for an International Postgraduate Research Scholarship. This award covers stipends (a living allowance) and in some cases tuition fee waivers.
Closing date for applications is 31 August for International Students and 31st October for domestic students with minor application rounds throughout the year. Refer to further information below about application requirements.
If you meet the above criteria and are interested in studying at ACAD, please submit your expression of interest in writing and include your CV by contacting the relevant supervisor.
Domestic students
Domestic students (Australian/NZ citizens) are encouraged to apply for a Research Training Program Scholarship (RTPS), where applicable. The closing date is October 31 each year with a mid-year round closing 31 May each year.
The Australian Centre for Ancient DNA is able to provide alternative stipends in some cases should your RTPS application be unsuccessful. These are referred to as Divisional Scholarships.
Eligibility usually requires a minimum of a Second Class Honours degree or equivalent and applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Australia prior to the closing date.
Scholarships are offered on the basis of academic merit and faculties may also consider area of research when selecting recipients. These scholarships share similar conditions to the RTPS.
Scholarships provide a living allowance of approximately AUD$28,000 (2020) tax-free per annum for up to three years and are indexed annually.
International students
International students are required to apply for an international scholarship to be able to study in Australia. These scholarships are available to outstanding international students from any country, are highly competetive and based on an excellent academic record, publications and work experience.
Prior to contacting our office, please read the University's international scholarships website for information on how to apply.
Both the Australian Department of Immigration and the University of Adelaide expect international applicants to meet English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements. The ELP is based on high scores in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The Knowledge Base provides more information about IELTS.
Closing date for international scholarships is usually 31 October of each year, with mid-year rounds where applicable.
An alternative for international students to be able to study in Australia is to obtain sponsorship from their respective country.
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Undergraduate summer scholarships
Summer research scholarships offer real-world research experience to undergraduate students who will work alongside our scientists and research groups.
These scholarships are traditionally held over the summer break (late November to February) for a period of 4-8 weeks depending on the scholarship funding. These projects can be a gateway into an honours year as they provide similar projects and learning opportunities that you may experience in an honours degree.
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Work opportunities
Most research positions at the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA are attached to grant funding, and currently positions are filled.
When positions become available they are posted on the University careers website. Please visit this page regularly for upcoming career opportunities.