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Research and Innovation

Higher Degree by Research student internships

Utilise research skills and improve your career preparedness through a short-term industrial internship
Two students on campus at CDU

Overview

A research internship is a position with a research end-user where a student undertakes Research & Development related to their HDR project. A research internship can be paid or unpaid and may form part of the student's enrolment or be undertaken during an HDR suspension period.

The University strongly recommends that students explore an internship opportunity early in their candidature, ideally within the first 18 months, for full-time equivalent candidates. Students may complete the internship at any point of their candidature before thesis submission.

Students should plan early for an internship during their candidature, even if they want to finish it later. They may consult with their supervisor, HDR internships coordinator, and the HDR team to assist in planning and exploring how to manage the internship in conjunction with their other university and faculty milestones, coursework, goals and research activity.

Charles Darwin University offers domestic and international HDR students 3–6-month internship opportunities.

Benefits of internship for research students

An industry internship will help students advance professionally and academically. Some of the benefits of HDR internships are as follows:

  • Build skills that will help in the research
  • Fast-track career and enhance CV
  • Increase employability and develop soft skills to complement research expertise
  • Create networks and acquire industry exposure
  • Flexible conditions and tailored internship arrangements

Industry placement duration

Depending on the requirements of the Industry Partner, internship placements last between 3 months or longer. The student has to complete at least 60days Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) days of engagement in R&D activities. Both domestic and international HDR students from all disciplines are eligible to apply for an industry internship. 

Student information

Charles Darwin University HDR internship program aims to improve industry-university cooperation and give postgraduate research students the tools they need to succeed in a real-world setting. Students can gain experience in the commercial application of research by taking on a brief internship. Students may get a $3,000 monthly student stipend on appropriate HDR internship projects.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an HDR internship, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Be enrolled in a higher degree by research course
  • Be a domestic (Australian citizen or permanent resident), or an international student with the appropriate student visa

If unsure whether you are eligible to apply for the HDR internship, please contact hdr.intern@cdu.edu.au

Academic supervisor information

Academic Supervisors play a crucial role in the success of each HDR internship project. The Academic Supervisor, typically a student’s principal PhD supervisor, directs and leads the student towards the project’s research goals. Academic Supervisors can speed up Research & Development and develop relationships by engaging directly with the industry. Academic Supervisors may also be compensated for managing appropriate HDR internship projects. 

Benefits of an HDR internship for the industry partner

  • Rapid turnaround and accelerated innovation (project outcomes are stated in the project plan, and the students are tracked with milestones during the project)
  • CDU academic assistance in identifying problems and proposing solutions
  • Access to valuable new research talent
  • The chance to fill the current skill gaps in the industry
  • Flexibility in project design, including the ability to scope and complete follow-up tasks for larger projects and grants as well as work inside larger projects

Industry partners, supervisors and HDR students can express their interest in an HDR internship project by completing the following EOI:HDR Internships 2025 EOI form 

Industry partners can also contact at hdr.intern@cdu.edu.au.

How it works for CDU research students

CDU research students can self-source an HDR internship, apply for an internship opportunity advertised by the university or apply for any advertised research internship through a third-party provider. This can work in the following ways:

  1. Eligible research students can contact the HDR internships coordinator to discuss their self-sourced internship opportunity or submit their applications directly to an advertised internship.
  2. If students express interest in applying to an advertised internship opportunity, the HDR internships coordinator will assist in the application procedure.
  3. If successful, the internship provider will be in touch with the next steps.
  4. If short-listed for an interview, the HDR internship coordinator will assist with the interview process.
  5. Students who are offered a placement will then refine the internship’s project plan with the Industry Partner and their Academic Mentor.
  6. Once the agreement and project plan are signed, it’s full steam ahead!

If you have a prospective industry partner and/or student in mind who would benefit from this program, please contact the Office of Research & Innovation to assist with the process.

Further enquiries

For more information, please get in touch with the Office of Research and Innovation at hdr.intern@cdu.edu.au.

 
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