Science Summer Research Program – Denison Scholarship

The Science Summer Research Program offers second- and third-year undergraduate students the opportunity to undertake supervised research projects during the Australian summer break.

The program is a great way to gain research experience and an insight into research process while working alongside our leading scientific researchers.

You will select from the list of available projects.

You will also complete a short assessment at the end of the project.

Participants in the program are awarded the Denison Research Scholarship to help support you while you complete the project.

The program eligibility criteria can vary from year to year, and will be specified in the scholarship terms and conditions for that year.

Important information:
• 100 places are available in the program.
• The program runs from 19 January 2026 to 1 March 2026.
• Project duration is six weeks. Projects are expected to be undertaken on a full-time basis (35 hours per week). Days and hours of the project are to be agreed with the supervisor prior to the commencement of your project.

1. Ensure you have read the updated program information on this page.

2. Check you meet the current eligibility criteria, including the scholarship terms and conditions.

3. Gather your documents to demonstrate how you meet the eligibility criteria:

- CV
- Academic transcript or other official academic records confirming:

i) Your undergraduate science degree
ii) Statement of results and credit points completed, including an explanation of the grading system used
iii)  Your Weighted Average Mark (WAM), or equivalent
iv) If you do not yet meet the minimum credit point criteria but expect to by the end of 2025, you will also need to provide documents to confirm your current enrolment and study load

4. View the available projects and decide which projects you wish to apply for (at least 1 and up to 4).

5. Prepare your personal statements for each project to demonstrate:

• Why you wish to apply for the project you have chosen and your aptitude for research in that area
• Relevant academic and research achievements to date
• How you feel the project would enhance your student experience and develop your research skills
• How this experience may apply to future study or career pathways in science

6. Apply for the program, projects and scholarship in a single online application.

1. Background

a. The Denison Research Scholarship provides students with an opportunity to engage in a formal supervised research project over the summer break period, equipping participants with valuable academic and professional skills, as well as links to industry. These projects allow students to engage in research whilst completing their undergraduate studies, which enhances their student experience and provides insight into potential further research studies.

2. Eligibility

a. To be eligible for the Scholarship, applicants must be a currently enrolled University of Sydney student.

b. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate science degree (including combined, single degrees or science major).

c. Applicants must have completed at least 72 credit points (or equivalent) of study towards their undergraduate science degree at the time of application.

d. Applicants must be on track to complete at least 96 credit points (or equivalent) of study towards their undergraduate science degree by the time they commence their research project.

e. Applicants must have achieved a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 75 (or equivalent) in their current undergraduate degree. For students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, the WAM requirement will be in the discretion of the Dean of the Faculty of Science, or their nominated delegate, with the recommendation of the respective School or Unit.

f. Applicants must be eligible to enrol in the unit of study DENR3901 Denison Research in the Intensive February session.

g. Applicants who have already commenced their Honours year or a postgraduate course are not eligible.

h. Applicants who have previously received a Denison Research scholarship are not eligible.

3. Selection Criteria

a. The Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of:

i. academic merit and
ii. a supporting personal statement for each project selected detailing why the applicant is applying for the project, their academic and research achievements to date, how they feel the scholarship would enhance their student experience and develop their research skills, and how this experience may apply to any future study or research.

b. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to attend a face to face or phone interview with the project supervisor of the relevant project.

c. The Scholarship will be awarded on the nomination of the Dean of the Faculty of Science, or their nominated delegate with the recommendation of the respective School.

4. Value

a. The Scholarship is valued at $3,000 as fixed amount for the duration of 6 weeks.

b. The Scholarship will be paid in two equal instalments, the first occurring near the beginning of the research project and the second near the conclusion of the research project. The actual payment schedule will be provided in the offer letter.

c. Deferral of the Scholarship is not permitted, and it is not transferable to another university faculty or university without prior approval.

d. Students who participate in a placement do so on a voluntary basis. No employment relationship is created between participating students and the University.

e. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funds.

f. No other amount is payable.

5. Ongoing Eligibility

a. To continue receipt of the Scholarship, the recipient must enrol and continue to be enrolled in DENR3901 for the duration of the research project.

6. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated if the recipient:

I. withdraws from an eligible course or fails to enrol,
II. withdraws from or fails to enrol in DENR3901,
III. does not maintain satisfactory academic performance, or does not meet the requirements of the placement unit of study DENR3901,
IV. undertakes an additional placement with another faculty or university during the tenure of this Scholarship,
V. commences or continues to undertake employment (paid or otherwise) that interferes with their ability to complete the project,
VI. is determined by the University to be guilty of serious misconduct, including, but not limited to, having provided false or misleading information as part of their Scholarship application, or
VII. any other provision as indicated in these terms that would lead to termination.

b. Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated unless due to University error.

c. Where a student is found guilty of serious misconduct or the Scholarship is terminated under any instance in the Termination Clause of these terms and conditions, the University reserves the right to request that any Scholarship funds paid to the Scholarship recipient be reimbursed.