Australian National University has the best research unit for Astronomical instruments. As I am from instrumentation and wanted to work on Adaptive optics, I chose the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics of ANU.
Course Curriculum
As mine is an industrial Ph.D., I don't have to attend any classes. Most of the time I will be at the Research Centre. If I need any expertise in any topic, I can choose a course which is being offered in other departments and would just attend classes without any exams.
Exams
IELTS with 6.5 bands. I had Bachelors in Instrumentation and Masters in Astronomy and Space. So University wanted just an English test.
Placement
ANU ranks 22 in the world ranking and 1st in Australia. They have tie-ups with various industries and companies across the globe. So students have plenty of opportunities to find what they want. Also, many students can take up a part-time job during studies at the campus.
Internship
My research unit provides lots of internships. I have seen many international students here on a short project. ANU has a tie-up with many places and they have many exchange programs too. Some will have monthly payments and others will have one time pay.
Fees
As I am a Ph.D. student, I have wavered a college fee of 15000 AUD. Also, I am awarded a monthly stipend of 2500 AUD.
Examination Structure
As I am in Ph.D., I don't have any exams. But I have heard from Master's students that exams will be different. It will be based on the concepts rather than on things given in textbooks. Also, it is not mandatory to learn difficult formulas as it is allowed to take formula sheets for exams.
Faculty
As I work at Research unit, most of them have good knowledge and technical skills. Also, they are ready to clear the simplest doubt one can have. They are also open to learning new things.
