Science Internship Program

Science coursework internship program

Program overview

In your internship you will complete a project as part of working within a host organisation. The project will be relevant to them and will give you the opportunity to network and gain professional skills within an organisation that interests you, as well as earning credit towards your coursework degree.

Internship projects are available at different levels, to undergraduates (SCNC2000/SCNC3000/HLMD2000/HLMD3000), and postgraduates (SCNC8000/HLMD8000). To be eligible for an internship, you must have at least a Distinction average across Science subjects.

For more information on internships for research candidates (PhD) please view the Science, Health & Medicine HDR Internships page.

We offer 6 and 12 unit internships (the equivalent of one or two courses). You can either work for 1-2 days a week for a semester (~90 hours with the host for a 6 unit internship) or you can negotiate to study intensively for a few weeks during semester breaks. During the break you would work 4-5 days per week over 3 or 4 weeks.

Science internship study guide

Internship timeline/checklist for students

Frequent asked questions

Am I eligible for an internship?

  • Domestic and international students may apply.
  • You must have completed a minimum of 72 units with at least a Distinction average in Science courses.
  • Postgraduate students require approval from their Postgraduate Program Convener
  • Selection may include an interview.
  • Additional selection criteria may be set by the host organisation.

Do I get paid?

No, as you are getting credit towards your degree these internships are unpaid.

Can I get course credit for my internship?

Yes, subject to the following:

  • The project must be able to count towards your degree.
  • The project is approved by an ANU supervisor and the Internship Course Convener.
  • You successfully complete the academic requirements of the course.

Can I take more than one internship during my degree?

No, you may only enrol in one Science internship course (SCNC2000/3000/8000 or HLMD2000/3000/8000) once in your degree.

Are internships guaranteed?

No, the number of internships is limited and they are highly competitive. But we will make sure we help you in any way we can to find a suitable organisation to intern with.

How to apply

Follow these steps to apply for a science internship. The process is slightly different depending on whether the placement is advertised or you find it yourself.

1. Express your interest

Submit an Expression of Interest form (EoI) to confirm your eligibility for the course. To be eligible you must have a Distinction average in your Science courses and have completed a minimum of 72 units by the time of placement. Postgraduate applicants are required to have completed 24 units and have approval from their Program Convener.

For Winter/Semester 2, 2024 advertised projects, EoI's will open 14 March and close on Tuesday, 2 April. As additional placements may become available up to the closing date, you may express multiple EoI's. Please note that your new EoI will supersede your previous EoI.

Please refer to each ad for specific details regarding internship levels, preferred project skills, terms, etc.

 

2. Complete your application

After you receive confirmation of your eligibility from the Science Internships Office, complete your application by following the link sent to you via email and upload your resume, one-page Statement of Interest and Suitability for each preference and any other documents as advised by the Science Internships Office. For Winter/Semester 2, 2024 advertised projects, these documents will be due Wednesday, 10 April.

For advertised internships, applications will be forwarded to the Host Organisations for consideration/selection.

For self-sourced internships, we must confirm the suitability of the project. You will not be eligible for enrolment for a self-sourced internship until you have received formal approval from the Internship Course Convener.

 

3. Attend the interview

For advertised internships: you may be asked to attend an interview, and we will notify you if you are successful.
For self-sourced internships: we will inform you if your project is approved.

If you are successful or approved for an internship, we will send you the Placement Details form (or Schedule), Student Placement Agreement (or Deed Poll), and Student Application for Enrolment Change forms for completion. Final approval is conditional on you finding an ANU supervisor.

 

4. Complete documentation

The following forms must be completed before you can begin your placement:

  • Placement Details form (or Schedule)
  • Student Placement Agreement (or Deed Poll)
  • Student Application for Enrolment Change form
  • WHS Risk Assessment (if applicable)

Scan and email the completed/signed forms to science.internships@anu.edu.au 3 weeks before your start date . You must receive approval from both ANU and the Host Organisation before you can be enrolled in the internship course and commence your internship.

 

5. Enrolment and induction

Once all signatures and approvals have been received, Student Services will enrol you in the internship course. After enrolment, you may then proceed to commence the internship as outlined in the Placement Details form (or Schedule). You must attend any Internship Induction sessions as advised by ANU or the Host Organisation. If you are undertaking an internship in Winter/Semester 2, 2024, you must attend an ANU Science Internship Induction session: 12 June 2024 (10am - 12pm); 2 July 2024 (12 pm - 2pm); or 22 July 2024 (10am - 12pm).

Internship experience

Solene Chretien is studying a Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability / Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics. As part of her studies, she completed an internship with Stop Food Waste Australia.

Solene Chretien is studying a Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability / Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics. As part of her studies, she completed an internship with Stop Food Waste Australia. 

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Terence Johnson is studying a Bachelor of Science. As part of his studies, he completed an internship at Esri Australia.

Terence Johnson is studying a Bachelor of Science. As part of his studies, he completed an internship at Esri Australia.

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Isaac Kozlovskis is studying a Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science. As part of his studies, he completed an internship at the Australian Academy of Science.

Isaac Kozlovskis is studying a Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science. As part of his studies, he completed an internship at the Australian Academy of Science.

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