Undergraduate Vacation Scholarships

Potential, determination, creativity and passion to follow a career in science are some of the key traits we look for in our research students.

Vacation scholars will be placed within one of WEHI’s world-respected research teams at our Parkville campus. Training in a variety of research fields is available, depending on the scholar’s interests.

Scholars may be assigned a small research project to undertake with supervision, or may assist a researcher as part of a larger project. Scholars will also be able to attend seminars to broaden their scientific knowledge.

Scholars are provided a stipend of $400 per week for a maximum period of 6 weeks (full time). For students with employment or other commitments, part-time arrangements can be negotiated.

Vacation placements are individually arranged with supervisors. Students usually will complete their winter placement during their university winter break (June/July) or summer placement during their university summer break (November to February). 

Vacation scholars must be currently enrolled in an Australian undergraduate degree and have completed at least one year of discipline-specific study. Scholars must be continuing their university enrolment during their scholarship placement period.  This means students in their final semester of third year are not eligible; (even if you intend to commence Honours next year).

Scholars will be required to submit a short report at the conclusion of their placement that may be used by WEHI for future promotions.

WEHI is committed to offering opportunities to people from a range of different backgrounds and varied life experiences. We appreciate that diversity of thought drives innovation and leads to better scientific outcomes.

Undergraduate students may directly email supervisors to query if a laboratory has availability to host an undergraduate student over vacation periods. Students should ensure their query email includes their CV, current academic transcripts and explanation of their research interests and relevant skills.

Supervisors will respond to students if an undergraduate vacation project is available.

There is no formal application deadline for vacation scholarships, as each placement is arranged directly by the labs. Each lab will have their own availability.

We recommend reaching out to supervisors as soon as you know you are interested in completing a vacation scholarship, as lab placements do fill up quickly.

Scientific Education Office
Email: education@wehi.edu.au