Summer Scholarships

The Heart Research Institute offers multiple Summer Undergraduate Scholarships to Australia and New Zealand's best and brightest young researchers.

This is an outstanding opportunity for talented researchers to develop their skills and gain valuable experience at state-of-the-art research facilities. High calibre scientists, new technologies and cutting-edge equipment are just a few features that make this an exciting opportunity for promising Australian undergraduate students.

The seven-week scholarship provides high-achieving and promising students the opportunity to work on a medical research project directly related to cardiovascular disease, expand on their skills and knowledge, and be mentored in a world-class research institute. Scholarship recipients will be required to write a report on their work experience and will have the opportunity to make a presentation to their peers and supervisors at the end of the scholarship period.

Following the seven-week summer scholarship period, students are welcome to stay on with HRI in 2025 to undertake Honours study with The University of Sydney. Placements are full-time and will begin in early January 2025.

Please note: HRI has the right to cancel the Summer Scholarship program at any time if travel restrictions or health regulations require it.

Scholarships are open to Australian students currently enrolled full-time in the final year of an undergraduate degree. Students currently enrolled in graduate entry medical degrees can also apply. If you are an NZ citizen, please apply through this page.

Scholarships will be based on the strength of the application. Beyond their scholarship and Honours placement, students may progress to further opportunities with HRI, including the opportunity to work as a Research Assistant for 12 months or PhD candidature.

To be eligible, students must:

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Be an undergraduate student in their second or third year of university
• Can commit to stay on for Honours supported by HRI
• Commit to the HRI values and responsibilities
• Provide proof of University enrolment and end of year results
• Attend an interview via Microsoft Teams or face-to-face

HRI’s mission is to prevent death and suffering from cardiovascular diseases, a complex array of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels.

We will address areas of unmet need in cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, heart failure, preeclampsia, congenital heart disease and pulmonary vascular disease, as well as metabolic complications such as diabetes. Find out more about our research areas here.

There are opportunities for students in several groups including our newly emerging bioanalytical research group, Microvascular Research and Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodelling, with opportunities in other research groups opening at a later stage.

You will be allocated a project within one of these research themes, and while you are here, you will have the opportunity to liaise with scientists across all of HRI’s research areas.

Postdoctoral scientists will provide mentorship, leadership and provide regular feedback, with group leaders overseeing.

All projects will be carried out at our laboratories in Newtown (Sydney, Australia) or the Charles Perkins Centre at The University of Sydney.

Explore our Newtown facilities in this virtual tour.

Applications will be assessed by senior HRI scientists on the basis of academic merit and suitability.

Applications must include:

• a one-page cover letter outlining your reasons for applying and your interests in research and commitment to Honours in 2025.
• your academic record (including certified academic transcript for current degree)
• your CV including referees (a summary of your work experience and other relevant activities).
• Please submit your application all together as ONE PDF document, using the following naming convention lastname_firstname_2025.

Applications must be received no later than 5pm on Sunday 27 October 2024.

Students will receive a monthly stipend payment during the program.

During the Honours study period, students will also receive a generous monthly stipend.

We value diversity and encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, LGBTQI individuals and applicants of diverse cultures and ages.

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees and affiliates, and our community. Whoever you are, you are welcome at HRI.

If you have a disability and need support to submit your application, please email careers@hri.org.au.

Note: This Scholarship is a Category A position according to the NSW Health Policy - Occupational Assessment, Screening Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases. Successful applicants will be required to provide evidence of protection against the infectious diseases specified, at their own cost, prior to commencing with HRI.

Please complete the form below and attach your application document. You will receive a confirmation pop-up from us to let you know your application has been received.