Summer Research Scholarships
Spend your summer immersed in science, working alongside our world-class scientists.
‘Get a taste’ of real-world research as you boost your exploratory skills and stimulate your enthusiasm for science. Summer Research Scholarships (SRS) are available in all schools and across all fields of science which means you can explore new research areas and uncover new career pathways.

Undergraduate student Karri Thomas gets some hands-on research experience in the lab during her Summer Research Scholarship placement at Waite
Scholarship benefits
- Participate in a ‘real’ research project and work with some of the world's top scientists.
- Get paid while you do it.
- Obtain valuable work experience that you can include on your CV.
- Build relationships with potential honours and PhD supervisors.
- Develop research experience to enhance your future studies.
- Experience new and diverse research fields to expand your interests.
Projects and how to apply
There are several types of summer research scholarships. You are strongly encouraged to apply for more than one type.
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All research areas
Research areas
Adelaide Summer Research Scholarships are offered by the University and are hosted in any of the below schools or centres.
Duration and funding
6 weeks at $200 p/w
How to apply
Apply by September 18
- Enquire directly with researchers regarding availability of summer scholarship positions.
- Complete and submit the application form.
Special conditions: Refer to scholarship rules
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Agriculture, food and wine
Research areas
These scholarships are awarded and hosted by the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine at Waite campus in the following fields:
- Biometry and bioinformatics
- Entomology and plant pathology
- Farming systems
- Food and nutrition
- Plant biology and biochemistry
- Plant genetics, genomics and breeding
- Soil science
- Viticulture and horticulture
- Wine science
Duration and funding
6 weeks at $200 p/w
How to apply
Apply by September 18
- Either:
- Choose a project from the list of those advertised by the school; or
- If you have an interest in an area of research which is not included in the project list, you may enquire directly with researchers within the school.
- Complete the Adelaide SRS application form.
Special conditions: Preference is given to students who have completed two years of study. Outstanding first year students, or students who have just completed their bachelor’s degree, may be considered. Non-University of Adelaide students are also welcome to apply.
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Animal and veterinary sciences
Research areas
Awarded and hosted by the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Roseworthy campus in the following fields:
- Animal and veterinary bioscience
- Companion animals
- Production animal health
- Animal pathobiology, public and population health
Duration and funding
6 weeks at $200 p/w
How to apply
Apply by September 18
- Enquire directly with researchers within the school regarding availability of summer scholarship positions.
- Complete and submit an Adelaide Summer Research Scholarship application form by the closing date.
Special conditions: Preference is given to students who have completed two years of study. Students who have completed less than two years of study may be considered. Your application for a project through the Adelaide Summer Research Scholarships will automatically be considered by the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences for a School based scholarship.
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Biological sciences
Research areas
Awarded and hosted by the School of Biological Sciences in the following fields:
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Ecology
- Entomology
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Marine biology
- Microbiology
- Spatial information
- Zoology
Duration and funding
6 weeks at $200 p/w
How to apply
Apply by September 18
- Enquire directly with researchers within the school departments regarding availability of summer scholarship positions.
- Complete an Adelaide SRS application form.
Special conditions: Preference is given to students who are currently enrolled in second year courses in the school department to which they are applying.
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Chemistry, physics and earth sciences
Research areas
Awarded and hosted by the research groups and centres within the School of Physical Sciences in the following fields:
- Chemistry
- Earth sciences (i.e. geology, geophysics, environmental geoscience, palaeontology)
- Physics
Duration and funding
6 weeks at $200 p/w
How to apply
Apply by September 18
- Enquire directly with researchers within the school departments regarding availability of research projects.
- Complete and submit an Adelaide SRS application form by the closing date.
- For general enquiries, contact the school at physicalsciences@adelaide.edu.au
Special conditions: Preference is given to students who have completed two years of study. Students who have completed less than two years of study may be considered.
Key dates
- July - research projects advertised and applications open.
- September - Deadline to apply (as per above).
- Mid-late November - outcome of application advised.
- Late November / start December - summer scholarships start.
Scholarship FAQs
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When do the research scholarships start and finish?
Scholarship positions run between late November and February. The scholarship period can be split before and after the Christmas break if desired, but the exact dates will need to be negotiated directly with your supervisor.
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How many scholarships are offered each year?
The number of scholarships varies each year due to the availability of supervisors and a suitable research project within each school.
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Can international students apply for these scholarships?
Yes, scholarships are available to both domestic and international students. International students will be required to show a current visa allowing work in Australia.
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Can non-Adelaide University students apply for these scholarships?
- Scholarships offered by the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine are available to non-Adelaide students.
- Non-Adelaide students interested in chemistry, earth sciences (geology) or physics please contact the School of Physical Sciences to find out if you are eligible to apply for a researcher funded summer scholarship.
- All other scholarships are only open to current University of Adelaide undergraduate students.
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Are my grades considered in the application process?
You should aim to have at least a credit average. However, as you will need to be matched to suitable research projects, the scholarships may not be awarded strictly on the basis of academic merit.