SQA Undergraduate Research Scholarships

Expand your horizons, gain research expertise and insights in quantum technology and get paid during the summer holidays!

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olivia using quantum technology
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“I really, really loved this program"               “It was very insightful, an amazing experience!"

Our Undergraduate Research Scholarship program offers an exciting opportunity for students to dive into quantum technology with paid six-week summer holiday research projects. Projects typically last for 6 weeks, between December 2026 and March 2027 and several projects can be completed partly or fully online.

Successful applicants will:
✔️ Undertake a cutting-edge research project at one of our prestigious partner universities: the University of Technology Sydney, the University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, or Macquarie University
✔️ Work closely with leading experts in the field who will guide and mentor you
✔️ Gain hands-on experience in scientific research, broaden your understanding of quantum technology, and learn new skills
✔️ Explore how quantum connects to your field of study
✔️ Expand your professional network by connecting with researchers and students from across Sydney's quantum ecosystem
✔️ Have the opportunity to present your research at a celebratory showcase event and connect with fellow scholars and supervisors
✔️ Receive a scholarship valued at AU$3,333.

Open to domestic undergraduate students enrolled at any university in New South Wales, as well as international students enrolled at an SQA partner university. See the eligibility criteria below for full details

We're looking for curious and motivated undergraduate students interested in exploring quantum science and technology. Whether you're studying science, engineering, mechatronics, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry or a related discipline, this program offers an opportunity to gain research experience and discover where quantum could take you.

To help build a more diverse quantum workforce, we reserve a number of scholarship places for students who identify as women.

 

Hear from our previous students

"I'd highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to learn more about something that's maybe out of their field, maybe pushing the boundaries. It taught me how to code and problem solve...I think it's an amazing experience.” Shoshana, Macquarie University

"I enjoyed the interactions with the higher-level academics as well as the actual content of our research." Alice, UNSW

"The SQA Scholarship gave me the opportunity to try professional research for the very first time, which is a transformative experience." Wil, Macquarie University

"The program opened up a whole new world to me, and it's made me so curious about trying to pursue an academic career in quantum." Bianca, University of Sydney

"I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of theory and experimentation in my project. The process of researching and learning about the project, fabricating devices, testing and characterising them, and analysing the data was incredibly fulfilling."  Tegan, Macquarie University

"I wanted to get a broader understanding of the quantum field, and I definitely did. I got to work on quantum instruments, do some electromagnetic simulations, learn the lingo and ask lots of questions." Daniel, UTS

Undergraduate students working on quantum computer.

Application details

  • Projects are offered from across our four partner universities, with some on offer for remote students. Browse the projects for the 2026/7 cohort here.
  • The SQA Undergraduate Research Scholarship total value is AU$3,333.
  • The project period is for six weeks between December 2026 to March 2027 (exact dates will depend on project supervisor availability), on a full-time basis (35 hours/week for six weeks during normal working hours unless advised otherwise by the supervisor). Flexible arrangements can be made to accommodate, for example, carer responsibilities.
  • Eligible applicants will be awarded on academic merit, their personal statement and suitability to the projects offered.
  • Applicants of all genders are welcome to apply.  Some scholarship places will be reserved for students who identify as women.
  • If you are a domestic student, you must an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and be enrolled in an undergraduate program at a university in NSW.
  • If you are an international student, you must be enrolled at an SQA partner university (the University of Technology Sydney, the University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, or Macquarie University).
  • You must have completed a minimum of the equivalent of 1.5 years of full-time study towards your undergraduate degree by the time you commence your research project.
  • If you were previously awarded an SQA Undergraduate Research Scholarship, you are not eligible to apply.

To be considered, please upload a copy of your university transcript and a 1-page personal statement in your application.

In your application, you will be asked to note your project preferences. Browse the projects for the 2026/27 cohort here.

Please also read through the SQA Undergraduate Research Scholarships Conditions of Award before submitting your application.

Curious about where this experience could take you?

Meet previous scholars and discover how the program helped them build confidence, explore research and uncover new career pathways

Image courtesy of the University of Sydney.