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PERKINS VACATION SCHOLARSHIP

The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research invites applications for Perkins Vacation Scholarships. The purpose of the scholarship is to enable students to undertake research within the Institute.

These scholarships provide an exciting opportunity to develop valuable research skills and experience real-life medical research in the laboratories of leading scientists.

Projects may involve cutting-edge technologies and approaches not typically available in an undergraduate or Master’s setting. The scholarship provides valuable hands-on research experience and an opportunity to explore a pathway into future postgraduate research, including PhD studies.

Each project is expected to run for a minimum of six weeks. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research while gaining practical experience in a leading medical research environment.

As a condition of receiving a Perkins Vacation Scholarship, successful applicants must provide a short written report and present a 10-minute seminar on their project alongside the other scholarship recipients. Seven scholarships are available, each valued at $2,500.

Eligibility
Applicants must:

  • Be currently enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree and have completed at least two years of a relevant science-based course and not due to graduate in 2026
  • Have commenced and will have completed one semester of a master’s degree
  • Not be the recipient of any other “Scholarship’ (Perkins or external) during the same time period.

Value
The Perkins Vacation Scholarships are valued at $2,500. This is a stipend and will not be taxed and will not interfere with Centrelink payments. The $2,500 will be awarded in two payments of $1,250, one at the start of the period of research and one on completion and submission of the written report and oral presentation.

Supervision
Applicants will have the support of an appropriate Perkins supervisor throughout the research period. The applicant and supervisor must agree to provide a written report (maximum 1,500 words including figures) about the vacation project and to the applicant giving a 10-minute oral presentation about the project at a Perkins student presentation session, along with the other Perkins Vacation Scholarship winners. This session will be scheduled near the end of the summer vacation. Supervisors are required to sign off on the written report in order for the final payment to be processed.

Perkins Vacation Scholarship Application requirements
Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:

  • Overall merit of the application
  • Responding to the selection criteria
  • Academic transcript
  • Resume

As part of the Application Form you will be asked to a provide a written response of no more than
1,000 words (total) to the following questions:

  1. Describe the project you propose to undertake, providing an introduction that outlines your previous experience, knowledge, or interest in the topic.
  2. Explain the project’s aims and how they relate to your personal goals.
  3. Outline the skills you expect to develop through the project and how these align with your career objectives.
View the vacation scholarship projects here

Scholarship timeline

19 August Applications open
23 September Applications close
9 November – 24 November Scholars commence
23 February 2027 Reports due
TBA Scholar Presentations

Perkins Vacation Scholarship Application Form

If you need more information please contact us.