This is the system used by the Higher Degree by Research Internship Program at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Once you have logged into Sonia Online, your School homepage will become active. From here you can access information relating to your:

• details
• forms and information for mandatory pre-internship requirements
• reminders and important dates
• electronic forms
• industry partner information
• uploading and viewing pre-internship documentation

On this page:

Notice: The content on this page is only intended for HDR Candidates and their supervision team. There is increasing demand in both private and public sectors for profound expertise, innovative capabilities, and advanced research and analytical skills. UniSC provides you with an opportunity to undertake a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Internship (a short-term research project) with an industry partner during your PhD program. An HDR Internship will elevate your employability and advance your career prospects.

How it works

Throughout the HDR Internship, you will strategically apply design thinking to enhance or create solutions for industry challenges. This experience promises to not only contribute to your academic growth but also instil practical problem-solving skills that are highly sought after in the professional landscape. UniSC strongly encourages you to take on an HDR Internship during your PhD program and to source an industry partner ideally no later than the first 18 months of your candidature for full-time equivalent candidates. You may choose to complete the Internship at any point throughout your program (your candidature may be paused while you do so), or you can undertake it while your thesis is under examination. Please note, there are conditions to candidature suspension, particularly for international candidates, which will be discussed with you during the application process. The University will deposit proportionate fortnightly payments equivalent to a Research Training Program (RTP) base stipend rate into your bank account over the duration of the three-month internship.

Eligibility

To be eligible to undertake an HDR Internship:

• you must be enrolled in a PhD program at UniSC as either a domestic or international candidate (with the appropriate visa);
• your research topic or research skills must relate to the project undertaken during your Internship;
• your industry partner must not be an affiliate organisation of a university, for example research institutes, controlled entities, or subsidiaries;
• all parties (candidate, University, and industry partner) must agree in writing within the first 18 months of your candidature; and
• you must be available to complete a minimum of three calendar months, and at least 60 full-time equivalent (FTE) days, of engagement with the industry partner. This can be on-site with the industry partner, on any one of UniSC’s campuses and online, or in any combination.

How to apply

Below are the steps to secure an HDR Internship. This is a non-competitive application process based on candidate eligibility criteria and the industry partner’s ability to support the HDR Internship. All planning and approvals for an HDR Internship must be undertaken in the first 18 months of candidature however, you can only commence the internship once you are a confirmed candidate. You can undertake the internship while your thesis is under examination. A commencement date will need to be agreed with your industry partner.

1. Talk to your supervisor

If you’re interested in undertaking an HDR Internship, talk to your supervisor to gain their support and determine your eligibility to continue.

2. Register your interest

All students wishing to undertake a HDR Industry Internship are required to submit a HDR Student Expression of Interest. This Expression of Interest form is self-selectable and available under the Forms tab once you log into Sonia Online. For technical assistance with submitting your application, refer to the Quick Guide to submitting a HDR Industry Internship guide in the top, righthand side, once logged in successfully. Once you have submitted your Expression of Interest form, the Graduate Research School will be in contact with you directly to discuss the next stage of your application.

3. Develop a project plan and approach an industry partner

Your supervisor will most likely have ideas for possible projects and a network of industry partners. Utilising these networks, you or your supervisor can contact an industry partner to pitch your project idea. If they’re interested, work with your supervisors and the industry partner to refine the project plan and proceed with your application. Available internship opportunities are also regularly advertised on this Sonia Online portal (see righthand column). You will need to be logged in using your student credentials to access and view these opportunities. You may wish to refer your industry partner to resources available online. Our Graduate Research School Internships team are also happy to field any questions the industry partner may have regarding establishing an internship. If you need help identifying an industry partner, contact HDRInternships@usc.edu.au. The project plan (related to your area of research) should apply design thinking to improve or develop solutions to real-world industry problems. It needs to include your proposed start and end dates, project objectives, methods, goals (towards UniSC’s Graduate Research Attributes), and outputs.

4. Application

Once a project plan has been agreed upon between the industry partner, your supervisor and yourself, you will need to notify the Graduate Research School by lodging a HDR Internship Application form through Sonia Online. The HDR Internship application includes steps for yourself, your supervisor, with input from your industry partner. This HDR Internship Application will be reviewed for suitability by the Dean, Graduate Research School. Once approved, the Graduate Research School will work with the Office of Research Legal staff to establish a collaborative research agreement between the University and the industry partner. If your HDR Internship Application is unsuccessful, the Graduate Research School will work with you and your supervisor/s to revise the project plan and resubmit the application. This may be with a different industry partner. Remember, this is a non-competitive process and we want you to have the opportunity to undertake an HDR Internship.

5. Review and accept your offer

You will receive a conditional HDR Internship Scholarship Offer. Once you have reviewed and accepted your offer, the HDR Internship will be included as a milestone on your candidature record. You can also decline the offer.

6. Prepare for your HDR Internship

You must complete PrePlace mandatory online modules (PrePlace Preparation, Work Health and Safety and Workplace Dynamics) available on Canvas before starting your Internship. Explore the GRDP Transferable Skills competency to find development activities and resources that will help you be prepared. You are strongly encouraged to undertake the e-Grad School module, Preparing for your HDR Internship, which runs twice a year.

7. Undertake your HDR Internship

Commence your HDR Internship on the agreed start date. Record the hours you work using the Record of Attendance template provided to you in your HDR Internship Offer pack. You will need to enter your hours in SONIA on completion. During your internship, your supervisor/s will check in with you to monitor progress. If you need assistance, please contact your supervisor in the first instance. At the conclusion of your internship, you will have the opportunity to undertake an exit interview with your supervisor and industry partner. Your supervisor will liaise with the industry partner to complete a final assessment, which will be forwarded to the Graduate Research School and WIL for processing. Your candidate record will be updated to reflect you have successfully completed the HDR Internship.

Mandatory Checks

Candidate Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of each candidate to ensure their mandatory documents are current and that the originals are available for sighting on request from UniSC or GRS Staff.

If you believe any of the content is incorrect please contact the Graduate Research School office.

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