Faculty of Engineering

Vacation Research Internship Program

Gain valuable research experience and pursue a career in research.

Our Engineering Vacation Research Internship Program offers engineering, computer science and project management research experience by working on real projects alongside respected and accomplished key researchers at the University of Sydney.

You'll be working and interacting with fellow students interested in pursuing a career in research and have access to a suite of research training and workshops.

Benefits of the internship program

By participating in a research program with us, you'll:
  • work with area experts and renowned researchers within the Faculty of Engineering on real life engineering, computer science and project management research projects;
  • develop and improve not only your research skills, but also effective communication, project and time management skills, and critical analysis;
  • attend a suite of research workshops that will prepare yourself for a future research career; and
  • be part of a network and community of researchers in engineering, computer science and project management.

Our research program is open each summer and winter to students currently enrolled at an Australian University. 

So whether you're interested in pursuing a research career at a university or in industry, we encourage you to explore our research offerings in engineering, computer science, project management, and our digital sciences initiative.

Summer program: December 2024 to February 2025 (approximately 8 weeks) 

Winter program: 23 June to 1 August 2025

To be eligible to apply, you need to:

  • be an enrolled undergraduate or postgraduate coursework student at the University of Sydney or another Australian university*
  • have achieved a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 75 (or equivalent) in your most recent undergraduate or postgraduate coursework academic transcript
  • have completed at least 96 credit points (or equivalent) at the time of application (for undergraduate applicants)
  • have completed at least two years of a bachelor's degrees or be enrolled in a master's degree, and
  • have the background knowledge, skills and experience required for your nominated research projects.

*Students applying from Australian universities other than the University of Sydney must be an Australian Permanent Resident or Australian Citizen.

Postgraduate coursework students who are in their first semester of postgraduate studies must provide the academic transcript from their undergraduate degree. Postgraduate students who have completed their first semester must provide their most recent postgraduate academic transcript.

Applications will be assessed on a range of factors, including academic merit.

Applications are assessed by a selection committee.

Applications for the Winter Program 2025 will open from Tuesday 1 April and close Monday 21 April 2025.

All applicants will be considered for a scholarship. A selection committee will review and select recipients for the Scholarship.

Scholarships are valued at $500-$600 per week for up to 6 or 8 weeks and is awarded subject to completing mid-project and final submission requirements as outlined by the project supervisor.

  • Faculty of Engineering Vacation Research Internship Program Scholarship is valued at $500 per week for up to 6 weeks during winter and 8 weeks during summer.
  • Tom Yim Scholarship is valued at $600 per week for up to 8 weeks. Open to Sydney University students only and only available during the summer program.

List of available projects