Summer and Winter Research Program - Careers and Employability

In the knowledge-based global economy, in-demand skills include the ability to think and reason critically, develop innovative ideas, analyse data and clearly explain results.

The Summer and Winter Research Programs are coordinated by the Student Employability Centre (SEC) in conjunction with University of Queensland (UQ) research units and provide an opportunity for motivated UQ students to participate in an educational research experience.

During the programs, students will team up with some of the University's leading academics and researchers to engage in research-related activities for a selected project. In doing so, students have the opportunity to further develop and apply their degree specific knowledge whilst developing valuable research and professional capabilities. Further support is available through a range of professional development workshops, networking sessions and opportunities to present the research.

The programs are offered during the university vacation periods (June to July & November to February) and all selected students will receive a scholarship. Participation is open to undergraduate (including honours) and postgraduate coursework students who are currently enrolled and will maintain ongoing enrolment in a program at UQ.

How to apply

Find a project

Conditions of Participation

Information for Selected Research Scholars

Information for Staff

Important dates

2020/2021 Summer Research Program
6-10 weeks between November and February.
Applications have now closed.

2021 Winter Research Program
4-5 weeks between 21 June - 23 July, 2021.
Applications will open in March, 2021.

Benefits for students

Include:

an opportunity to develop new academic and professional capabilities to enhance employability
experience in research as a "test-drive" before embarking on future research studies
access to research networks and connections with staff and postgraduate students
supervision by world-class UQ researchers
possibility of obtaining credit towards your degree

Benefits for staff

Include:

collaboration helps identify new areas of exploration
scholars can facilitate the process towards publication
opportunity to identify potential Honours and HDR candidates
gaining experience in supervising and mentoring students

If any of your questions don’t feature here, please email us at employability@uq.edu.au

Am I eligible to participate if I am graduating at the end of this semester?

If you are graduating in the same semester that the Summer or Winter Research program is due to commence you won’t be eligible to participate. This ruling is made on the basis that your enrolment status at UQ will cease upon graduation (which usually takes place whilst the Summer or Winter Research Program is being offered). This will result in you not fulfilling condition (b) of the eligibility criteria.

Can I participate if I am graduating but continuing on to further study at UQ?

If you are due to graduate from your current program of study and will be commencing further study at UQ the following semester, you may be eligible to participate. This will depend on whether you can demonstrate enrolment in your new program of study prior to the Summer or Winter Research Program commencing. You may be asked to provide evidence of enrolment by providing an Enrolment Status Report, available through Si-Net

It is highly recommended you liaise with the Unit Coordinator of the research unit you wish to apply to, to determine if your application will be considered pending re-enrolment. The decision to accept your application will reside with the research unit you apply to.

I am in my first year at UQ, can I still apply?

I am in my first year at UQ but have an academic transcript from another university, can I include this in my application?

Can part-time students still apply and receive a scholarship?

Can I obtain recognition towards my degree requirements?

Can I participate in the Summer Research Program if I am also enrolled to study in the Summer Semester (Nov - Feb)?

I have participated in the program previously, can I apply again?

Can a student studying at another University apply for the program?

Can I apply for more than one project?

Can I claim my involvement in the Summer or Winter Research Program for Engineering Professional Practice hours?

Engineering students may be able to claim hours for participation in the Summer and Winter Research Program towards their Professional Practice requirement. If you can demonstrate that your project has a clear link with industry and you completed the project under the direction of a supervisor with an engineering qualification, you may be eligible to claim your hours as type A hours. Each type A hours claim will be assessed on a case by case basis by the Deputy Associate Dean (Student Experience). If your project did not have an industry linkage aspect or you were not under the direction of a supervisor with an engineering qualification, you can claim type B hours. Summer and Winter Research projects can be claimed under category 1 via the EPP system.

How much do you have to know or learn before applying for the program?

James Hill

"The Winter Research Program is such a valuable way for students like myself to increase their employment prospects. Once you get your foot in the door, one experience can easily turn into three."

Jeremy Briggs

"The skills and experience I gained from my experience are invaluable and I’d strongly encourage anyone to apply for a project, even if they are not interested in pursuing research long term."

Simona Sarmiento

"Not only have I gained a wealth of knowledge in terms of technical and analytical skills, but I have made contacts with other students studying similar majors and staff members/post doctorates."

Information for staff

Access resources designed to assist staff administering the Winter Research Program

Summer & Winter Research Programs