A research internship is defined as a position with a research end-user where you have undertaken research and development (R&D) related to your higher degree by research (HDR). A research internship can be either paid or unpaid and forms part of an enrolment.

A research end-user is defined as an individual, community or organisation external to academia that will directly use or directly benefit from the output, outcome or results of the research.

Examples of end users includes businesses, governments, non-governmental organisations, communities and community organisations. Specific exclusions of research end-user are:

• Other higher education providers
• Organisations that are affiliates, controlled entities or subsidiaries (such as Medical Research Institutes) of a higher education provider

Equivalents (international or domestic) of the above exclusions.

An eligible industry internship is 3-months minimum (60 days full-time equivalent). However, the internship requirements and hours/days can be negotiated between you, your Principal Supervisor and host organisation. The agreed industry internship can then be undertaken by you at any point during your course.

No, there is flexibility in how eligible industry internships can be structured. They can be undertaken on-site, on-campus and online, and with both domestic and offshore research end-users.

Internships work well when you feel comfortable and safe in your host organisation’s workplace, and able to contribute to the organisation. When you know the expectations and understand what work will be completed for the project.

Expectations should be made clear at the initial interview including work and learning objectives, dress standards; work attendance; clear project outlines (if a project is to be completed); if working on-site, orientation to the workplace – toilets, refreshments and introduction to other staff. If in doubt ask questions and act in a professional manner, show initiative and be willing to perform a variety of jobs.

A health and safety induction must be provided to the student upon commencement.

Once you have started your internship, you are bound by the standards of performance conditions in the host workplace. It is important that you raise any concerns early, first with your supervisor in the workplace, and if the issue(s) cannot be resolved, or if the concerns require discussion, please contact the Principal Supervisor and Office of Graduate Research HDR Engagement Coordinator.

A letter of agreement sets out the obligations of the University and its Staff, the industry partner and you regarding the internship.  

For PhD internships, a written agreement must be entered into by all parties within 18 months of your HDR course commencement as a full-time student, or within 36 months as a part-time student.

Yes, international students can participate in industry internships and must discuss the opportunity and timing with their Principal Supervisor and ensure it fits with current visa requirements.

Students are required to complete a reflection form upon completion of their internship that addresses what they have learnt, how the skills they have developed contribute to the Doctoral Graduate Attributes.

Industry Partners are asked to evaluate your progress mid-way through the internship and at the end. The Office of Graduate Research HDR Engagement Team will arrange this.

Flinders University will ensure that it takes out and maintains public liability and professional indemnity insurance for the student and its staff.

The Industry Partner will ensure that it takes out and maintains appropriate public liability insurance covering the internship organisation in relation to any loss, damage or injury suffered by the student.

If the Internship requires the student to travel outside of Australia, the student will be responsible for registering with Flinders University in order to access its corporate travel insurance policy and otherwise ensuring that appropriate coverage is in place.

If the student is undertaking employment as their internship, they will be employed by the Industry Partner and as such, will be covered by the Industry Partner's relevant insurances.