Research internships

Take your research beyond the lab. A research internship connects you with an industry partner to work on a real-world project that draws directly on your PhD expertise.

Why undertake a research internship?

A research internship puts your PhD expertise to work in the real world. Over 3 months full time equivalent (FTE), you’ll tackle a genuine research challenge alongside an industry partner, gaining hands-on experience, building your professional network and developing the practical skills that employers value.

On top of that, eligible Curtin PhD internship projects receive an internship incentive of $3,500.

Whether you’re exploring a career beyond academia or deepening your connection to a sector you’re passionate about, an internship expands what your PhD can do.

Elligibility
How to find a research internship
How to claim your incentive
Internship preparation workshops

Elligibility

To undertake a research internship and claim the incentive, your project must meet all of the following criteria:

You are enrolled in a Doctoral Degree (Research) or Doctoral Degree (Professional)
Your internship is a minimum of 3 calendar months, with at least 60 full-time equivalent (FTE) days of engagement
Your project is related to your area of research and involves research and development activities
Your industry partner is an eligible research end-user (external to academia)
Your internship agreement is signed within the first 18 months of your enrolment (FTE)
You complete all 60 days and satisfy all requirements before finishing your degree

Not sure if your project qualifies? Email ROC-Excellence@curtin.edu.au and the team can help.

How to find a research internship

Start the conversation with your supervisory team as early as possible, ideally within the first 18 months of your enrolment (FTE). Your supervisor can help you identify the right opportunity and industry partner.

There are three pathways to finding an internship:

1. Self-source your own PhD Internship:

Your supervisors may have ideas on a suitable industry partner to work with that may complement your research. Alternatively, once you have obtained supervisory support, you can contact an organisation directly.

2. Industry PhD programs:

If you are undertaking a CSIRO Industry PhD, National Industry PhD program or an industry sponsored doctoral degree with a valid research end-user, you may be eligible to claim an internship incentive. If you are unsure, email a copy of your agreement to ROC-Excellence@curtin.edu.au

3. Service providers:

Curtin partners with the following organisations to match doctoral students with paid industry research projects:

APR Intern – A national program that places PhD students in short-term industry internships, enabling them to apply their research expertise to real-world challenges while building professional networks and career pathways.
iPREP – An intensive training and industry placement program that equips PhD students with the skills to translate biomedical research into commercial and clinical solutions through real-world innovation projects.

How to claim your incentive

Eligible students can claim up to $3,500 for undertaking a qualifying research internship during their candidature. This is paid in two tranches, on commencement and completion of the internship.

To claim the internship incentive, your industry-based research project must meet the following criteria:

Check you meet all eligibility criteria (see above)
Complete the Pre-Internship Checklist via SONIA before starting
Ensure your Internship Master Agreement (signed by your organisation and Curtin) and Internship Participation Agreement (signed by you and Curtin) are in place
Submit your Internship Completion Form via SONIA once your internship is finished

Internship preparation workshops

To register, login to UniHub and under ‘Events’ search for HDR Internship Preparation Workshop. Workshops run 10am to 3pm AWST.

Stay tuned for 2026 workshop dates coming soon.

A portrait image of the testimonial author

“I’d definitely recommend internships to other PhD students. They keep you connected to industry and relevant. You don’t want to spend five years solving a problem that’s no longer a problem when you graduate. Internships help you stay in tune with real-world needs and give you a mental break from your thesis.”

Desire Runganga

PhD student intern with SICA

Most university-enabled work placements are for relatively short periods of time and with students whose skills are relatively nascent. By contrast, the Curtin HDR Industry Internship places students with industry partners for an extended period of time, and these students bring loads of skills and experience. This enables industry to assign them more substantial tasks that are likely to yield greater benefits for industry.

Per Henningsgaard

HDR Supervisor

“I would definitely recommend an internship to other students. It helps you gain insight into the expectations of the industry and enables you to assess whether the nature of the work aligns with your career interests. Even if you find the work unsuitable, the experience is invaluable in supporting you to make an informed decision about your future career.”

Yamini Kannappan

PhD student intern with Lynas Rare Earths

PhD Internship frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Get in touch with the Graduate Research School at roc.grs@curtin.edu.au

About the Research Internship Program

Why should I undertake a research internship?

A research internship lets you apply your skills and theory to real-world challenges, strengthen your thesis, and build valuable industry networks. Internships can also open pathways to future employment and new research collaborations.

Eligible doctoral students may receive a $3,500 internship incentive, paid in two instalments: at contract execution and at internship completion.

Are internships mandatory for PhD students?

Internships are strongly encouraged but not compulsory. They provide practical experience, industry exposure, and enhance employability. Students enrolled in an industry-sponsored PhD are already considered to be completing an eligible internship.

Where can I find internship opportunities?

The GRS Project Coordinator provides guidance on processes and documentation. Students can also find opportunities through:

External providers such as APR.Intern and iPrep Biodesign
UniHub, Curtin’s student employment and internship portal

Eligibility and Incentives

What are the eligibility criteria for a Research Internship incentive?

To be eligible for the $3,500 incentive, your internship must:

Be undertaken with an eligible research end-user (non-academic organisation)
Have a signed internship agreement within the first 18 months (full-time equivalent)
Run for at least 3 months or 60 full-time equivalent (FTE) days
Involve research and development activities related to your area of study (general work experience is not eligible)

For more information, read the Research Training Program’s FAQs for industry internships.

Who is an eligible research end-user?

Research end-user is defined as an individual, community or organisation external to academia that will directly use or directly benefit from the output, outcome or results of the research.

Examples of end users includes businesses, governments, non-governmental organisations, communities and community organisations.

See the TCSI Support glossary for more details.

Are master’s students eligible for the internship incentive?

Research master’s students are not eligible for the incentive but are encouraged to complete an internship. If you transfer to a doctoral degree and meet the internship criteria, you may become eligible to claim the incentive.

Can international HDR students undertake an internship?

Yes, international students can complete internships within the conditions of their student visa. You must remain enrolled throughout the internship. Onshore students should ensure the placement fits within their study plan. Offshore students may have more flexibility but are not eligible for the incentive payment.

Does the internship have to be undertaken during PhD enrolment?

Yes. The internship must occur while you are actively enrolled in your PhD or professional doctorate program. Previous employment or internships completed before enrolment are not eligible.

Is there a maximum or minimum time limit for internships?

Eligible Research Internships must be at least 60 FTE days, but there is no maximum time for completion. Working arrangements can be flexible (e.g. one day per week, remote, hybrid etc). You and your supervisor should plan the timing carefully to ensure you meet your research milestones.

I work in a cognate area to my PhD, can this count as my internship?

Yes, if your current role meets all eligibility criteria:

the activity being undertaken is a research activity
the organisation is an eligible research end-user
an internship agreement is in place within the first 18 months of enrolment (full-time equivalent)

Contact ROC.GRS@curtin.edu.au if you are unsure about meeting these criteria.

Logistics and Flexibility

If an internship is paid, will it affect my scholarship or stipend?

Usually not, though if you are undertaking a funded PhD you are encouraged to:

Check for any tax implications
Review your scholarship terms
Ensure there are no restrictions from your scholarship provider

Students may receive additional “top-up” funding or payment from the internship provider (at their discretion), provided it doesn’t breach scholarship conditions.

It is the responsibility of the student to do their due diligence and check their individual scholarship agreements.

Will my internship extend my enrolment or milestone deadlines?

There is no additional time for the enrolment; however, note that the internship format can be quite flexible, e.g., one day per week, remotely undertaken, etc. so long as the minimum 3 months/60 days is met.

Can internships be completed offshore?

Yes. Offshore internships are eligible if they meet all standard requirements (3 months, 60 FTE days, valid research end-user, and agreement signed within 18 months FTE).

Internships involving foreign organisations will undergo additional review by Curtin’s Foreign Arrangements team.

Contracts, IP and Reporting Policies and Procedures

How are internship contracts and intellectual property managed?

The Graduate Research School (GRS) oversees all internship contracts. A dedicated Project Coordinator can assist with documentation. Curtin provides approved agreement templates that include provisions for intellectual property (IP).

All agreements must be signed by the Authorised Delegate (ADVCR) before commencement.

How are internships reported to the Graduate Research School?

Internships are recorded at Milestone 1 or 2 and verified at Milestone 3. The Milestone forms have been updated to capture internship information, and changes can be made as your project evolves.Internship frequently asked questions

Research internship documents and guides

PhD Internship Flyer [.pdf 1MB]
Guidelines – RTP Eligible Internships [.pdf 406kB]
Pre-Internship Checklist (access via ‘SONIA’ forms)
Internship completion form (access via SONIA forms)
Internship Agreements
1. Internship Master Agreement [.pdf 354kB] – Organisation and Curtin signs
2. Internship Participation Agreement [.pdf 457kB] – student and Curtin signs
3. Partnership Contract: request via ROC-Excellence@curtin.edu.au

Contact us

Email the ROC Excellence Team for further information on how you can get involved.

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