Summer Vacation Studentships in Australia

Deadline: 08-Sep-2026

The Cancer Council Victoria Summer Vacation Studentships 2026 offer undergraduate students enrolled at Australian universities an opportunity to gain practical experience in cancer research during the summer break. Up to 10 studentships are available, with each selected student receiving a stipend of up to $3,000 for a supervised research placement of up to 30 working days. The programme is designed to introduce undergraduate students to laboratory and clinical cancer research while helping develop the next generation of cancer researchers in Australia. What Are the Cancer Council Victoria Summer Vacation Studentships? The Summer Vacation Studentships are research placements offered by Cancer Council Victoria to undergraduate students interested in pursuing cancer research. Students undertake a supervised research project during their university summer vacation and gain practical exposure to research methods, scientific environments, and cancer-related research. The programme has been running for many years and is intended to encourage undergraduate students to consider future careers in cancer research. What Does the Studentship Provide? Up to 10 Summer Vacation Studentships are available in 2026.

Each successful student can receive:

A stipend of up to $3,000. A research placement of up to 30 working days. The equivalent of up to six weeks of full-time work. Supervised research experience. Practical exposure to a laboratory or clinical research environment. An opportunity to develop skills relevant to cancer research. The stipend is intended to help offset students’ cost-of-living expenses while they complete their research placement. How Much Is the Studentship Worth? The stipend is calculated at $100 per working day, up to a maximum of $3,000.

Examples include:

30 working days: $3,000

24 working days: $2,400

20 working days: $2,000

The maximum placement is 30 working days. A six-week placement does not necessarily mean six full-time weeks because the number of working days can vary depending on the student’s agreed schedule. What Type of Research Experience Is Offered? Students undertake a supervised cancer research project in an appropriate research environment. Depending on the project and host setting, the placement may involve: The specific project, research topic, supervisor, and activities will depend on the placement available to the successful student. Why Does the Programme Matter? The studentship provides an early opportunity for undergraduate students to experience what a career in cancer research can involve.

The programme can help students:

Understand how cancer research is conducted. Develop practical research skills. Work with experienced researchers. Gain laboratory or clinical research exposure. Explore potential research careers. Strengthen their academic and professional experience. Build connections within the cancer research sector. Early exposure to research can also help students make informed decisions about postgraduate study and future scientific careers. Who Is Eligible? Eligibility is generally focused on undergraduate students enrolled at Australian universities who have an interest in cancer research.

Eligible applicants should generally:

Be undergraduate students. Be enrolled at an Australian university. Have an interest in cancer research. Be available to undertake the research placement during the summer vacation period. Be willing to complete a supervised research project. Applicants should check the official programme guidelines for the complete eligibility requirements applicable to the 2026 intake. Are Postgraduate Students Eligible? The programme is designed primarily for undergraduate students. Students who have already completed their undergraduate studies or are enrolled exclusively in postgraduate programmes should carefully check the official eligibility conditions before applying. Do Students Need Previous Cancer Research Experience? The programme is intended to provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain research experience. Therefore, applicants do not necessarily need extensive previous cancer research experience. However, demonstrating a genuine interest in cancer research and explaining why the placement would support their academic or career goals can strengthen an application. Where Can the Research Placement Take Place? Students undertake their research in a laboratory or clinical research setting associated with the approved research project. The exact host environment will depend on the available project and supervising research team. Students should be prepared to work under the direction of an appropriate research supervisor throughout the placement. How Long Is the Research Placement? The studentship supports up to 30 working days, equivalent to approximately six weeks of full-time work. Students may also complete fewer working days depending on the agreed placement arrangement.

For example:

Six weeks full-time = 30 working days. Six weeks at four days per week = 24 working days. Four weeks full-time = 20 working days. The stipend is adjusted according to the number of approved working days. What Is the Stipend Rate?

The stipend is paid at:

$100 per working day

The maximum payment is:

$3,000 for 30 working days. The stipend is designed to help students manage living expenses while participating in the research placement. Is the Studentship Stipend Taxable? Cancer Council Victoria has obtained a Class Ruling relating to the programme. Under certain conditions, stipend payments may be exempt from income tax. However, tax treatment can depend on individual circumstances and the conditions applicable to the ruling. Students who are uncertain about their tax obligations are encouraged to seek independent taxation advice. How to Apply for the Summer Vacation Studentship

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Check that you meet the programme’s undergraduate and Australian university requirements. You sho