The Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems (CSES) at the Australian National University (ANU) is always looking for highly motivated research students. PhD, Masters and Diplomarbeit projects are available in the areas of solar thermal and photovoltaic technologies, spanning the range from fundamental to applied research. People with higher degrees in the field of renewable energy have excellent employment prospects in this rapidly expanding sector of the economy.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TOPICS

• Sliver and Epilift solar cells
• Advanced solar mirrors
• Energy controller for hot water systems
• Renewable energy opportunities in Australia (economic, technical and social issues)
• 25% efficient low cost silicon concentrator solar cells
• Micro-concentrator systems (optical, mechanical and solar cell design)
• High power/weight ratio solar cells for solar powered aircraft and satellites
• Mechanical and exergetic optimisation of solar energy systems
• Lifetime spectroscopy in silicon
• Solar thermochemical energy storage (ammonia cycle)
• Many other topics are available, by negotiation

PhD Scholarships

Two PhD Scholarships are currently available in Photovoltaics and Solar Energy.

Requirements for Postgraduate Students

As a guide, potential students should be able to demonstrate academic achievement to the level of:

• Australian students - 1st class or 2A Honours or equivalent
• Overseas students - Approximately the top 1% of your country in your field of study.
  

Costs - Australians and permanent residents

Tuition fees are generally not payable.

Scholarships are available to provide a living allowance. Top-ups may be available (an extra $5,000-$15,000 per year) for suitably qualified applicants.

Possible income sources include:

• The Australian Postgraduate Award - contact us (and visit us if possible) and we will provide detailed information
• The Australian Postgraduate Award (Industry) - occasionally available when a member of the Centre has been awarded a grant with such a scholarship attached
• Scholarships and top-ups from the Australian CRC for Renewable Energy (of which ANU is a member)
• ANU scholarships
• Tutoring and paid employment in research groups

Costs - Non-Australians

The Australian government charges tuition fees for students from overseas. The fees are around A$15,000 per year.

Living expenses also need to be covered (A$12,000-A$15,000 per year). Sources of money to meet these expenses include:

• Scholarships from your own country
• Overseas postgraduate research awards from ANU. These awards are very competitive.
• Diplomarbeit students do not have to pay fees
• The Australian aid agency Ausaid offers scholarships to citizens of developing countries.

A visa is also required. The type required is an Occupational Trainees visa #913. The general rules are:

• For training, with limited employment
• No Australian citizen to be adversely affected
• Skilled people only

The ANU applies for a visa on the student's behalf. It is helpful if the student can arrange his/her own medical insurance. The ANU provides worker's compensation insurance. Students can informally attend lectures. The ANU may make a contribution towards travel and living expenses during the visit.

Before sending a Resume or any inquiry to CSES, please read carefully the information on postgraduate study at:

http://www.anu.edu.au/graduate/

Our City - Canberra

The Australian National University is located in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. It is a pleasant city of 340,000 people about 300 km southwest of Sydney. For general tourist information please click here. The city has a low population density, with many parks and reserves with its boundaries. It is located 2.5 hours by bus or car from good surfing beaches and from the Australian ski fields. There are several million hectares of National Park within 3 hours drive from Canberra.

The city has a dry climate (annual rainfall 600ml). Summer maximum temperatures are typically 28 degrees (ranging up to 40 degrees), and winter maximum and minimum temperatures are typically 12 degrees and -2 degrees respectively.

Our University - The Australian National University

The Australian National University is Australia's largest research University. The Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems is part of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.

The Australian National University campus is 5 minutes walk from the city centre and is well served by public transport and bike paths. A car is not needed.

Accommodation is available in colleges on campus (full board costs about $9,000 per year) and in share houses nearby (about $4,000 per year).

More detail for potential post-graduate students is available from the Graduate School's website.