HDR Internships

• The candidate must be enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program.
• A minimum of 60 full-time equivalent days must be completed, undertaking research and development activities with a single organisation.
• The internship agreement must be finalised within the first 18 months of full-time candidature (or equivalent for part-time).
• Candidates must maintain satisfactory progress in their candidature during the internship.
• The Principal Supervisor must endorse the internship.
• The internship must be completed prior to degree conferral.
• The internship must be related to the candidate’s area of research.

In some cases, UNE will advertise available internships or projects as requested by the host organisation that candidates may apply to undertake.

In designing a custom internship, the candidate and supervisor initiate conversation with the host organisation to develop a proposal. Once the host organisation agrees to the initial proposal, a formal Internship Agreement form must be signed by all parties detailing all project specifics and expectations including Intellectual Property if required. The Graduate Research School should be notified to assist in the preparation and completion of the Internship Agreement form.

The following guidelines apply to UNE PhD students who are participating in an Industry internship. This program allows the internship to be undertaken while the student is on candidature or while taking a leave from candidature. A leave from candidature in order to undertake an internship under the program is referred to as PhD Internship Leave, to distinguish it from other forms of leave from candidature that a student might take.

Candidates in receipt of RTP-funded scholarship

Option 1:

Candidate does not access PhD Internship Leave while undertaking their internship - This option should be used if the candidate’s internship will directly contribute to the student’s research project and thesis content, and is not expected to delay delivery of the thesis within the normal period of candidature.

• Candidate will remain in receipt of RTP stipend during the internship period.
• Additional funding from Industry partner may be received up to 75% of stipend value (as per RTP legislation)
• There will be no provision for an extension to a candidates RTP scholarship past the 3.5 year duration.

Option 2:

Candidate accesses HDR Internship Leave while undertaking their internship - This option should be used if the candidate’s internship, while aligned with their research project, might not directly contribute to their thesis and might impact their ability to complete their thesis within the normal period of candidature.

• PhD Internship Leave will be activated upon commencement of a formal internship, executed between UNE and the Industry partner. As per the guidelines for PhD Industry Internships, the internship may be undertaken over several blocks of time, and should total at least 60 full days. Internships and Internship Leave of longer than 60 days may be agreed, but financial support through Internship Scholarships (see below) will normally have a maximum duration of 60 days.
• PhD Internship Leave will pause the candidature period and extend the candidates thesis submission date by the equivalent period.
• The candidate will continue to receive funding for the period of Internship Leave, via one of the following options:

1. In full by the Internship Partner - to the same or greater value as their current RTP stipend,
2. In full by UNE, through a PhD Internship Scholarship to the same value as the RTP stipend, or,
3. Partially by UNE, through a partial PhD Internship Scholarship, and the Internship Partner - to the same value as the RTP stipend.

Candidates not in receipt of a scholarship

Option 3:

Candidates who do not receive a stipend from UNE or external source,  will be eligible for a PhD Internship Scholarship under the same guidelines as Option 2.

Access to RTP Internship Allowance Funding

PhD candidates who require additional financial support (for example: for travel and accommodation) in order to complete an Internship, may be eligible for an RTP Internship Allowance. Candidates may only apply for the RTP Internship Allowance if all other available funding sources have been used or allocated (for example: industry funding, project, school or research funding etc.). Candidates may only apply for this allowance once, during or after the internship, for expenses directly related to the internship, up to a maximum value of $1,000AUD. Requests for this allowance must be approved by the Faculty Dean, or Associate Dean Research before being forwarded to the Graduate Research School.

Why should I undertake a research internship?

Undertaking a research internship allows you to practice professional and research skills you already have and develop new skills that will prepare you for future employment. Internships also help you develop collaborations and networking.

Are Master's by Research candidates eligible to undertake an internship?

Yes, any Master by Research Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidate may undertake an internship as part of the degree.

What are some examples of research and development activities?

• Individually or collaboratively engage with industry to apply design thinking, identify real-world challenges, and develop innovative solutions with actionable recommendations.
• Conducting evidence-based research by reviewing literature, critically assessing new findings, challenging assumptions, and testing prototypes. This includes developing or improving product and service designs, collecting prototype data, refining protocols, and performing test marketing.
• Constructing and operating a pilot plant to test and/or improve operations.
• Implementing Phase I-III clinical trials.
• Building algorithms, new programming languages or operating systems.
• Developing new policies and frameworks.
• Developing creative works, delivering live performance of creative works, recording or rendering works and curated exhibitions or events.
• Increasing the knowledge of humankind, culture and society or applying new knowledge through creative works.

Can I attend my internship online and part-time?

An internship can take place in person at the host organisation, remotely, or a combination of in person and remote. Internships may also be undertaken on a full-time, part-time, one day a week, or multiple continuous weeks. Candidates must discuss the mode of attendance prior to the internship agreement being finalised.

Are internships mandatory for all HDR candidates?

No, HDR candidates at UNE are not required to undertake an internship during their degree. However, an internship is strongly encouraged and will greatly benefit all candidates.

I am an international student; can I participate in an internship?

Yes, international HDR candidates may undertake an internship as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. Candidates studying on a visa must check their visa conditions and discuss participating in an internship with the International Office prior to an internship agreement being signed.

What would be the arrangement relating to any potential IP generated during the internship?

An Internship Agreement will address any intellectual property concerns, and, in some cases, an Intellectual Property Deed will be required. Normally, any intellectual property from the internship will be assigned to the host organisation and background research will be retained by the candidate and the University of New England

How many hours-per-day, number of days per week be required during the internship?

Each internship will vary in the hours and days required each week. Prior to finalising the internship agreement, these details must be agreed to with the host organisation.

Is there a minimum and maximum internship duration?

Internships have a minimum of 3 months or 60 equivalent full-time days and may extend to 6 months in duration. Internships must be completed within twelve calendar months of the internship start date.

What is my enrolment status while I undertake an internship?

All candidates remain enrolled while undertaking an internship.

Does a research internship need to be related to my research?

Yes, all research internships must relate to your research as part of your Higher Degree by Research program.

What if I'm past 18 months of candidature and haven't yet secured an internship?

In certain circumstances, candidates may be approved to finalise their internship agreement beyond 18 months of degree commencement, with an internship start date later in candidature. Approval will be on a case-by-case basis and will require support from your Principal Supervisor and the School/enrolling unit. Contact the Graduate Research School for additional information.

Can I take a Leave of Absence during the internship?

Typically the Leave of Absence; if applicable, will be recorded when the Internship documentation is finalised. Any variation from the Internship Agreement will need to be discussed with the Graduate Research School.

Can I undertake an internship after I have submitted my thesis?

Yes, you can start your internship after you’ve submitted your thesis. Keep in mind that your internship must be completed prior to degree conferral.

What insurance cover is provided?

Typically all insurance arrangements from UNE will remain in place, candidates and supervisors should discuss this with the host organisation prior to finalising the Internship Agreement. More information about UNE’s insurance can be found on the Insurance webpage.

Can I cancel or withdraw from an internship?

Typically candidates must complete the internship once it has started, in extenuating circumstances, contact the Graduate Research School to discuss further.

Can the outcomes of my research internship be included in my thesis? 

In most cases, the internship outcomes will not make up part of your thesis. Depending on your Internship Agreement and any intellectual property agreements, there may be allowances.