Program Overview

Introduction to the UniSQ HDR Internship Program

The UniSQ HDR Internship Program provides an opportunity for doctoral students and Master of Research (MRES) students to undertake internship placements with industry. The program aims to enhance engagement between universities, industry, and HDR students, strengthening links between the latest research and fostering industry innovation.

Benefits of Undertaking an HDR Internship

As an HDR student, there are many benefits to be gained from undertaking an internship, including:

• Developing and establishing networks
• Demonstrating and strengthening professional and research skills
• Gaining experience in a 'real-life' setting
• Applying research knowledge into an actual project
• Enhancing employability outcomes
• Developing links with industry
• Professional development opportunities
• Helping to narrow down career path choices

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to complete a UniSQ HDR Internship, students must:

• Be a current enrolled HDR student
• Have up-to-date milestones and progress
• Have approval from their Primary Supervisor to complete an internship
• Have an internship agreed upon in written form within the first 18 months (full-time student) or 36 months (part-time student) of commencement of their studies
• Ensure the internship is related to their field of research

UniSQ HDR Internship Scholarship

UniSQ will support students undertaking an eligible industry internship with a UniSQ HDR Internship Scholarship valued at a maximum of $9,250. This scholarship is indicative and effective from 2025.

Duration and Mode of Internship

• An internship must be a minimum of three calendar months in duration and at least 60 full-time equivalent (FTE) days.
• The maximum duration of an internship is 90 days.
• Internships can be flexible and are negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
• An internship can take place on-site, remotely, or a combination of both modes.
• Internships can be undertaken on a full-time, part-time, day a week, or block placement basis.
• Internships must be completed within a twelve-month period.

Enrolment and Scholarship Details

• Students undertaking an industry internship must enroll in the applicable research internship course for their program for the duration of the internship.
• Enrolment is managed by the Graduate Research School (GRS).
• If a student is in receipt of a UniSQ or industry-funded stipend scholarship, this will be paused while receiving a UniSQ HDR Internship Scholarship.
• The stipend scholarship will be reinstated at the completion of the internship.

Leave of Absence and Current Employment

• Students cannot be on a Leave of Absence while undertaking an internship.
• An HDR student's usual place of employment may be eligible as an industry internship, provided all criteria are met.
• However, they would not be eligible for a UniSQ HDR Internship Scholarship if receiving payment from their employer.

Thesis Submission Date Extension

• If a student has completed an eligible HDR internship, the GRS can approve an extension to their thesis submission date for a duration of sixty days.

Finding an Internship

• Internships can be sourced from various methods, including speaking with the supervisory team to identify prospective internship hosts within their networks.
• Most HDR internships are self-sourced by the student, but it is essential to speak to the Industry Internship Coordinator prior to speaking with a prospective industry partner.
• The GRS may advertise internship opportunities via the HDR Student Forum.
• Internships can also be incorporated as a requirement of a scholarship.

Industry Host Partners

• An internship industry host partner must meet the government requirement of being a research end-user.
• Examples of research end-users include businesses, government, non-governmental organisations, communities, and community organisations.
• Specific exclusions of research end-users are other higher education providers, organisations that are affiliates, controlled entities, or subsidiaries of a higher education provider, and their equivalents.

Testimonial

Dr. Ekta Sharma's experience with the internship program was highly favorable, providing a solid foundation for her ongoing work and demonstrating the value of such opportunities for HDR students.