Taught vs Research Master’s: Funding, PhD Entry & an 8-Question Checklist
ApplyKite Editorial 3 Nov 2026
Master’s Opportunities in Material Characterization in Australia
No perfect match, but here’s what’s close
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University of Cambridge
Top university
Just Landed
United Kingdom
.
New Today
Top university
Just Landed
The University of Cambridge is offering a four-year 1+3 MRes/PhD studentship through the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero, in collaboration with Network Rail. The project investigates low-carbon cements and alternative cementitious binders for lower-strength and lower-risk applications across Great Britain's rail infrastructure. Potential applications include walkways and kerbs, blocks and pavers, drainage channels, cable troug...
Environmental Science
Materials Science
Civil Engineering
+2 more
New Today
Ecole Polytechnique
France
.
3 days ago
Fully Funded Master's Internship in Low-Temperature Plasma Deposition of Wide-Bandgap Semiconductors
A fully funded Master's-level research internship is available at the Laboratoire de Physique des Interfaces et des Couches Minces (LPICM), École Polytechnique, in Palaiseau, France, starting in February 2027 with flexible dates. The project investigates the low-temperature plasma deposition of wide-bandgap semiconductors. The selected student will contribute to advanced materials characterization using THz spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and SEM/TEM, while helping dev...
Electrical Engineering
Materials Science
Artificial Intelligence
+6 more
3 days ago
AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
Austria
.
1 week ago
The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology in Vienna, Austria is offering a master’s thesis position in the Center for Energy, within the Competence Unit Power and Renewable Gas Systems . The project sits in the research field of Energy Conversion and Hydrogen Technologies and focuses on electrocatalytic CO2 reduction , specifically the development, synthesis, and characterization of Ni-alloy thin-film catalysts . The thesis topic is titled “Development of Ni-Alloy Electrocatalysts for Electrocata...
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Materials Science
+8 more
1 week ago
Parashu Kharel
South Dakota State University
United States
.
5 months ago
South Dakota State University is advertising MS and PhD openings in Physics for Fall 2026 , with up to two PhD students to be recruited by Professor Parashu Kharel . The research area is experimental condensed matter physics , with a specific focus on the development and characterization of magnetic materials . This opportunity is a strong fit for students interested in physics, materials science, and experimental research on functional or magnetic materials. Supervisor / announcer: Parashu Khar...
Experimental Physics
Materials Science
Material Characterization
+2 more
5 months ago
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Living costs in Australia
Estimated costs in Australia.
MonthlyYearly |  Australia |
|---|---|
 University Tuition Average PhD tuition per year | A$34.1k $22,000/yr |
 Clothing Basic clothing and seasonal needs per year | A$1.9k $1,200/yr |
 Books & Academic Supplies Textbooks, stationery, and academic materials per year | A$1.1k $700/yr |
 Groceries Basic food shopping for one student per year | A$4.5k $2,880/yr |
Estimates based on university averages and Numbeo
Popular professors
Associate Professor
Curtin University
Australia
Research Interests
Materials Chemistry
Polymer Physics
Nanostructured Materials
Material Science
Additive Manufacturing
Lecturer
University of Sydney
Australia
Research Interests
Structural Engineering
Solid Mechanics
Building Physics
Steel Structure
Construction Materials Engineering
Professor
UNSW Sydney
Australia
Research Interests
Solid Mechanics
Prosthodontics
Composite Material
Composites Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Professors you could contact
MONASH UNIVERSITY
Australia
Research Interests
Rock Mechanics
Geotechnical Engineering
Geological Engineering
Geomechanics
Poroelasticity
University of New South Wales
Australia
Research Interests
Solid Mechanics
Materials Chemistry
Mechanics Of Materials
Fluid-solid Interaction
Composite Material
Lecturer
La Trobe University
Australia
Research Interests
Tissue Engineering
Polymer Physics
Nanostructured Materials
Biomaterial
Material Characterization
Scholarships relevant to you
Monash Graduate Scholarship
Varies
Monash UniversityAustraliaAnnual
AustraliaAnnualMonash Graduate Scholarship supports domestic and international students undertaking research master's or PhD study at Monash University in Australia, typically with a living-cost stipend and, in some cases, additional scholarship support.
Master
PhD
Research Training Program (RTP)
Varies
Australian GovernmentAustraliaAnnual
AustraliaAnnualThe Research Training Program (RTP) supports higher degree by research students at Australian universities, typically for Master's by Research and PhD study. Funding and eligibility are administered by each participating university.
Master
PhD
International Research Training Program Scholarship (iRTP)
Varies
Australian GovernmentAustraliaAnnual
AustraliaAnnualThe International Research Training Program Scholarship supports international students undertaking higher degree research in Australia, typically at master's by research or PhD level.
Master
PhD
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Quick
Questions
Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying for a PhD position?
In many European and Asian universities yes; in some US programs applications are centralized but supervisor contact still helps.
Is GRE required for master’s or PhD applications abroad?
It depends on the country and university — many programs have made GRE optional, especially outside the US.
Do funded PhD positions usually cover tuition and living expenses?
Yes. Most funded PhD roles include tuition coverage plus a monthly stipend, but details vary by country and lab.
Are publications required to apply for PhD or postdoc positions?
Not always required for PhD, but strongly recommended. For postdoc roles, publications are usually expected.
Will I need to pay a tuition deposit for master’s admission?
In many countries yes — especially for taught master’s programs — but funded PhD positions typically do not require deposits.