Our Undergraduate Studentship Program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to work on real-world problems in a leading R&D organisation. Each scholar undertakes a research project under the supervision of our staff. over the summer.

Participation in the Undergraduate Studentship Program (previously known as the Summer Vacation Student Program) has influenced previous scholarship holders in their choice of further study and future career options. Many have gone on to pursue a PhD in CSIRO or to build a successful research career within CSIRO, a university or industry.

Space and Astronomy has a long and successful history in the space sector from radio astronomy research, managing complex facilities and observing Earth from above to supporting data and manufacturing supply chains.

Our space and astronomy research enables humanity to better understand the Earth and Universe. It contributes to solving the greatest challenges and building future industry. For more information please see our website at Space and Astronomy.

Over the 2024/25 summer Space and Astronomy has 20 students working on projects across a range of disciplines and based at our sites in Marsfield, Kensington, Black Mountain and Tidbinbilla. For details please see the project list (link to Excel file).

Pre-requisites and eligibility

To be eligible to apply you must be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident or an international student who has full work rights for the duration of the placement (does not require visa sponsorship).

Appointment to this role may be subject to conditions including provision of a national police check as well as other security/medical/character clearance requirements.

Undergraduate Studentships are open to students who:

• Are enrolled in an undergraduate degree at an Australian university.
• Have completed 3 years (full-time equivalent) of an undergraduate course, however exceptional second-year students may be considered.
• Have a strong academic record (credit average or higher).
• Have an interest in pursuing a research career in science or technology, or a career in a related discipline.
• Are able to undertake a full-time placement for 8-12 weeks over the university summer vacation period.

Apply

Applications for the 2024/2025 program have closed. We expect applications for the 2025/2026 program to open in July 2025.

2024 – 2025 Undergraduate Student Symposium

The Undergraduate Student Symposium will be held on 5 and 6 of February 2025. Program and call-in details are available here.

Contact