Student research opportunities
Mater Research is committed to supporting the researchers of tomorrow by providing university students with excellent project opportunities, supported by outstanding supervisors. Focusing on the integration of science and clinical application, Mater Research provides research opportunities in the areas of medical research, biomedical research, allied health, nursing or midwifery for university students at various stages of study, including Undergraduate, Honours, Postgraduate, Masters by research, PhD and MPhil students.
Undergraduate students
Mater Research offers short term summer or winter projects for allied health, science, biomedical science or medical science undergraduate students who are in their second year of study or higher. The duration of the project will vary by project but can range from four to ten weeks.
Postgraduate students
We welcome students from any Australian university to carry out their Honours research year or undertake their Masters research project at Mater Research.
Higher Degree Research students (PhD or MPhil)
Be a change maker and help turn scientific discovery into improving clinical practice so that Mater can continue to deliver the best possible treatment, care, and outcomes for patients and our broader community. We offer a competitive top up scholarship for eligible PhD students who possess an eligible external principal scholarship and satisfy the requirements of the selection criteria.
Applying to Mater Research
To apply for a Student Research Opportunity at Mater Research, the first step is to find a project from the selection of current student opportunities and register your interest.
If you are unable to find a project in the list of current student opportunities that is in the your area of interest , please email us to discuss your options.
Application process
For university students applying to Mater Research, please follow the process outlined below.
Step 1: Find a project
View our current student opportunities to find a project that matches your area of interest and ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. If you are unable to find a project that is in the your area of interest , please email us to discuss your options.
Step 2: Submit an expression of interest
Use the online expression of interest form to submit your expression of interest to the project supervisor. As part of your expression of interest application you will need to provide an up-to-date copy of your CV and your most recent academic transcript (if available).
Step 3: Your expression of interest will be reviewed
Mater Research project supervisors receive a large volume of expression of interest applications for student research opportunities and may not be able to contact all individual applicants to advise the outcome or provide feedback on their expression of interest.
Step 4: If you are successful in being short listed, the project supervisor will contact you directly to set up an interview.
Your interview with the project supervisor may be conducted face-to-face, via video link or over the phone.
Step 5: If you are the successful applicant for a student project, you will then be invited to formally apply to Mater Research
As part of your application you will be required to provide details of your proposed principal supervisor for your project, an up-to-date copy of your CV and recent academic transcript, your scientific project plan, referee details and details of your funding sources.
Step 6: Your application will be reviewed
The Mater Student Research Committee and the relevant project advisory team will review your application.
Step 7: Application outcome
A Mater Research representative will be in contact with you to advise the outcome of your application. If your application is successful, Mater Research will also provide you with detailed enrolment information to assist you with applying to the university of your choice.
Why study at Mater Research?
You will benefit from our bench to bedside approach, by having the opportunity to collaborate with clinicians at Mater’s hospitals and our growing network of research partners to help turn scientific discovery into clinical practice. Find more about our core program areas or find a researcher who is working on projects in the area of your interest.
Exceptional support
Mater Research provides you with additional financial assistance, professional development opportunities, resources, training and support that is independent of, and in addition to, the support and assistance you will receive through your nominated university. We can also assist you with preparing university-level scholarship applications.
We also provide our students with a laptop or PC and their own workspace.
Contact our Student Administration Officer for more information.
Competitively awarded scholarships
We offer a number of scholarships for MPhil and PhD students that are exclusively available to Mater Research students. We also offer a competitive top-up on eligible scholarships. The scholarships we offer can provide financial assistance for project work as well as the opportunity to attend or present at leading conferences and seminars in Australia or overseas.
Find out more about scholarships and awards
Learn from the best
Working in state of the art research facilities at TRI and embedded within Mater’s hospitals and health services, our students have the opportunity to learn and receive mentoring from industry leading researchers and clinicians.
Meet our Mater Researchers
Professional development and training
All students will have access to extensive professional development and training opportunities including workshops on thesis writing and career development, as well as events such as the three minute thesis competition.
Be part of a close-knit community
Mater Research has a diverse and close knit student community. Our student social committee organises a number of social gatherings, activities and networking events so you will have many opportunities to get involved, meet your peers and make new friends.
Learn more about student life