2021 Undergraduate Vacation Studentships

Our scholarship and postgraduate programs provide the future generation of scientists with the opportunity to launch their scientific careers working alongside leading scientists in world-class facilities to deliver real-world solutions. Opportunities include an annual vacation scholarship program (advertised in July) for undergraduates and a variety of postgraduate scholarships.

• Get hands-on research experience
• Access CSIRO's world-class facilities
• Apply for a CSIRO Vacation Studentship today!

Available Undergraduate Vacation Scholarship projects:

• Education & Outreach
• Sustainable Buildings
• Learning Academy
• Information Management and Technology
• National Collections and Marine Infrastructure
• CSIRO Futures
• Commercial
• Space and Astronomy
• Manufacturing
• Energy
• Planning, Performance and Impact
• Health & Biosecurity
• Land and Water
• Data61
• Infrastructure Technologies
• Mineral Resources
• Agriculture and Food

Our Undergraduate Vacation Studentships are run over the Australian summer holidays and offer high achieving and promising undergraduate students the opportunity to collaborate with leading CSIRO researchers in our world-class facilities.

Students will have the chance to work on a real project in science, technology or a related field such as science communication.  Placements are full time and typically begin in late November or early December and can be from 8 - 12 weeks in length.

Participation in the Vacation Studentship Program has influenced previous scholarship holders in their choice of further study and future career options. Many have gone on to pursue a PhD in collaboration with CSIRO or to build a successful research career within CSIRO, a university or industry.

CSIRO Mineral Resources are delivering breakthrough innovation to create a more productive, sustainable and globally competitive mining and mineral resources industry for the benefit of Australia and the world.  For more information please see our website at Mineral Resources (link).

Pre-Requisites/Eligibility:

To be eligible to apply you must be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident or an international student who has full work rights for the duration of the placement (does not require visa sponsorship).

Vacation scholarships are open to students who:

• are currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree at an Australian university;
• have completed at least three years of a full-time (or equivalent) undergraduate course (however exceptional second-year students may be considered);
• have a strong academic record (credit average or higher);
• intend to pursue a research career in science or technology, or a career in a related discipline; and
• are available to undertake a full-time placement for 8-12 weeks over the university summer vacation period.

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent.

Apply Online

To apply for an Undergraduate Vacation Scholarship you will be required to:

1. submit a Resume/CV and Cover Letter (as one document) in the ‘Resume/CV’ field which includes:
   • the reasons why the research project/s you have selected are of interest to you and how your skills/knowledge meet the project requirements; and
   • an outline of your longer-term career aspirations and how this program will help you achieve them.
2. upload your academic results in the ‘Cover Letter’ field;
3. in the ‘Education’ section select your university from the Educational Institute list; 
4. in the ‘Job-Specific Information’ section select your two preferred research projects for Mineral Resources in order of preference; and your Grade Point Average (GPA) as per the University Admission Centre’s methodology. If you have a WAM, please read the Methodology on this site and calculate a GPA using the formula provided.

If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 984 220 and someone will be able to assist you.

Diversity and Inclusion

We’re working hard to recruit diverse people and ensure all our people feel supported to do their best work and empowered to let their ideas flourish. Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology.  We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

Applications Close

Wednesday, 4 August 2021

COVID-19 restrictions:  We have many projects on offer across our sites and we hope to fill all of these positions, however, please be aware that the COVID-19 restrictions could impact some projects.  Depending on the restrictions in place we may not be able to proceed with some projects or we may be required to only consider students who reside closer to the location due to restricted interstate travel. We will endeavour to keep everyone informed of any changes as we progress through the recruitment process.