Undergraduate scholarships

UNSW Science Vacation Research Scholarships (SVRS) 2023 - 2024 

THIS ROUND HAS CLOSED (applications closed on Friday 15 September 2023 at 11:59 PM). 2024-2025 information will be added below once known.

Are you a science student who would like the opportunity to experience the real world of scientific research first-hand?

Put your summer holidays to good use with a six-week Summer Vacation Research Scholarship. You’ll gain valuable research experience working with our renowned supervisors to participate in a research project. If you’re a talented undergraduate science student enrolled in your second year or above, it’s an opportunity worth applying for.

Students currently enrolled in second-year or above of an undergraduate program in the Faculty of Science or a science-related discipline at UNSW or another Australian university are invited to apply for an SVRS to join a BABS research team and participate in research over the coming summer.

Each SVRS scholarship is valued at $3,800 (2023-2024 value TBC) and students will participate in a six-week research project. 

The school facilitates collaborative research efforts across discipline boundaries for fundamental discoveries, generation of commercial opportunities and clinical research. BABS has key strengths in environmental microbiology, genetics and cellular biology, molecular medicine, and associated technology development in the areas of functional genomics and many facets of biotechnology. The school has a unique strength in combining fundamental biological and biomolecular sciences with strong applied biotechnology and medical focus. 

Eligibility

To be eligible: 

• You must be currently enrolled in second-year or above of an undergraduate program in the Faculty of Science or a science-related discipline at UNSW or another Australian university. 
• You must be able to be engaged in a project on a full-time basis (35 hours/week for six weeks during normal working hours unless advised otherwise by the supervisor). 
• Projects must focus on research-based activities (administration tasks are not regarded as research) and should be completed by the end of February. 
• Each successful candidate can hold only ONE such scholarship at a time. 
• Students who were previously awarded a UNSW Science Vacation Research Scholarship are not eligible to apply. 

How to apply

The first step of the application process is to contact the supervisor of your chosen project to discuss the project's requirements. When you have decided on your project preferences, please submit the application forms by the closing date listed above.

Full details (including how to apply) are provided on the Scholarships website and enquiries can be directed to science.adrt@unsw.edu.au. Note: Students are required to submit 2 applications - a scholarship application (attaching their CV and academic transcripts as one PDF file) and the UNSW Science Vacation Research Scholarship Form.

NOTE: If you identify a BABS staff member whose work you are interested in but they do not have a project listed on our website, you are encouraged to approach them to inquire whether they would be interested in offering a SVRS project.

Roy and Lois Tirrell Award (UGCA1213)

Amount: $5,000

The purpose of the scholarship is to support UNSW students studying an undergraduate degree program within the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science.

Eligibility

The recipient must be currently enrolled in any full-time undergraduate degree program within the UNSW School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science including, but not limited to, the following programs*:

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Science (International)
• Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours)
• Bachelor of Advanced Science

*Enrolment in a dual degree is also permissible.

Selection

Applicants will be considered based on their UAC Equity Scholarship or UAC Educational Access Scheme application, or another appropriate UNSW admissions pathway program.

Scholarship Availability

One recipient will be awarded this Scholarship. The Scholarship will be reoffered once the current Scholarship holder ceases to receive benefits. The last open round for applications was in 2019. See 'How to apply' below to confirm if applications are open.