Having done my masters' from IIT-Roorkee, I wanted to explore the field of railway geotechnical engineering. The iconic railway lab facilities at the University of Wollongong compelled me to apply to the University. I was inspired by the state-of-the-art research being carried out at UoW and wanted to learn and pursue research in the field of experimental geotechnics.
Course Curriculum
The projects under my PhD supervisor were mainly industry oriented. The research topics were offered to students on the basis of the challenges faced by the railway industry. For those associated with Industry linkage projects, like myself, we had to present our findings to the industry in the form of progress meetings. This provided me with an opportunity to interact with practicing engineers.
Exams
IELTS: min 6 band throughout to be eligible for University Scholarship. Living allowance is on the discretion of the supervisor and the funding available for the research project.
Placement
The research opportunities are plenty as most of the research is focused on industry-related problems. Job opportunities prefer the aspirants to have full-working rights in Australia.
Internship
No.
Events
UoW has many student events running around the year. There is O-week (Orientation for new students), Garden party, pool party, several volunteering events, etc. You will get to make friends from different parts of the world and work/volunteer alongside them. There are food-courts, table tennis tables, Uni-bar, Uni-shop etc. on campus. The campus in itself has lush-green gardens and a soothing ambience.
Fees
Approx $17000 per semester. But it is waived if you receive IPTA Scholarship.
Scholarship
Yes. I received the University Post-graduate Award, UPA (for living allowances) and the International Post-graduate Tuition Award, IPTA (to cover the tuition fees)
Faculty
My supervisors are super approachable and are keen to work on challenges faced by the railway industry. They have moved to the University of Technology Sydney. I would encourage the prospective students to visit the Transport Research Centre webpage on the UTS website for further information.
Hostel
I would encourage first time students to enroll into University Accommodations, which are slightly priced higher than the surrounding properties. However, if you have any friend/acquaintance you may look at the prospects of leasing a house nearby the Wollongong campus. The weekly rent would vary somewhere between $150 to $250 depending on the accommodation.
