Study with us

Children’s Cancer Institute nurtures an environment of innovation, collaboration and learning. We are committed to fostering the next generation of research leaders.

Our students bring great energy and enthusiasm, providing fresh ideas and perspectives to tackle the complex challenges faced in childhood cancer research today. As a student, you will be guided and mentored by a dynamic team of world class researchers who have strong collaborative links with research and clinical teams throughout the world. In addition to this you will have access to a comprehensive professional development program run by a dedicated team focussed on career development, state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, professional support staff, access to a full range of laboratory services and opportunities for overseas travel to present at conferences and work with collaborators and the support of your peers through the Children’s Cancer Institute Student Council that runs activities throughout the year, including an annual student retreat.

Honours scholarship applications are now open

 Honours scholarship applications We offer two honours year scholarships of $5,000 tax-free annually. Selection is based on academic achievement throughout the undergraduate degree, interest in cancer research, personal qualities, as well as other evidence as may be deemed relevant to future success in the area of biomedical research. Scholarships are awarded for one year and are not deferrable. Applications for this year have now closed. However we will offer this again in 2024!

Click here to download the application form

Click here to download the referee report form

How to become a student

  1. Browse the information and lists of student projects on our research group pages.
  2. Identify an area of interest, contact a potential supervisor and arrange a suitable project. When you contact potential supervisors, please include a CV and your most recent academic transcript.
  3. Submit an admissions application to the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Honours students must be accepted into an Honours program in an appropriate UNSW Faculty. PhD students should successfully fulfil the requirements for admissions through UNSW.
  4. Coordinate with your supervisor to obtain clearances from the appropriate Ethics Committees.
  5. Begin your research program.


Honours

The standard duration of enrolment for an Honours degree is one academic year, actual dates for the honours programs you may enrol in can vary, please consult the websites below for more detailed information.

When you undertake an Honours project at Children’s Cancer Institute you will be enrolled in a UNSW Honours program. Therefore, you need to meet the UNSW Honours entry criteria. For information regarding the three Honours Programs at UNSW that students may be enrolled in, please visit the following websites:

Bachelor of Science (Medicine) Honours Program (UNSW Medicine)

School of Medical Sciences Honours Program (UNSW Medicine)

School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS) Honours Program (Faculty of Science)


Postgraduate studies

The majority of PhD students at the Institute are enrolled through the Faculty of Medicine, School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Paediatrics, Course Code 1825. Professor Richard Lock is the School’s Postgraduate Coordinator and is responsible for advising supervisors and Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates on all academic and administrative matters relating to their candidature.

The UNSW Graduate Research School is the central administrative and support unit for all higher degree research students and their supervisors at UNSW. The website below will direct you to information on admissions requirements and enrolment procedures to undertake postgraduate study at UNSW together with links to scholarship application forms for both local and international students. http://research.unsw.edu.au/units/graduate-research-school


Useful links for international students

http://www.immi.gov.au/index.htm

http://www.international.unsw.edu.au

We have created a compilation of available projects for the year ahead within a student booklet, please click below to learn more

Student Projects 2024

Student Projects 2024

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If you are interested in applying for any of these projects, please contact the supervisor leading the project directly to express your interest. You will find their contact details listed under their project

Student projects

Visit our research groups to see the list of projects available to students

Student scholarships


Postgraduate supplementary award

We offer a Supplementary Award of $7000 per annum for up to 3.5 years to students who have been awarded a competitive scholarship. This will be awarded to students where the scholarship is equivalent to an Australian Postgraduate Award or University Postgraduate Award.


Josee Hilton postgraduate excellence award

These tax-free, competitive awards will be offered to a value of up to $10,000 AUD per annum and are offered to students demonstrating exceptionally high potential who have succeeded in attracting a primary competitive scholarship such as an APA. This Excellence Award is in addition to the $7000 top-up supplementary award.


Honours scholarship

We offer two honours year scholarships of $5,000 tax free annually. Selection is based on academic achievement throughout the undergraduate degree, interest in cancer research, personal qualities, as well as other evidence as may be deemed relevant to future success in the area of biomedical research. Scholarships are awarded for one year and are not deferrable. Applications for honours year scholarships will be open in July each year and close in early-November.


Summer studentships

These scholarships are provided to outstanding undergraduate science students during the summer university break. Summer scholarships are a great way for students to get involved in real-life cancer research.

Summer Scholarship Program 2023/2024

Opportunity for Currently Enrolled Undergraduate Students: Bioinformatics, computer science or biomedical engineering 

We are delighted to announce The Children's Cancer Institute Summer Scholarship Program, inviting currently enrolled undergraduate students to engage in dedicated research projects during the summer of 2023/2024.

Application Deadline: January 5, 2024

This program presents a unique six-week opportunity, commencing on January 24, 2024, allowing participants to delve into research initiatives that foster academic growth and innovation.

Program Highlights:

  • Duration: 6 weeks (January 24, 2024 - March 6, 2024)
  • Objective: To facilitate hands-on research experiences for undergraduates
  • Benefits: Gain valuable insights, mentorship, and professional development
  • Eligibility: Open to currently enrolled undergraduate students

Application Deadline: January 5, 2024

How to Apply:

  1. Review the project you are interested in.
  2. In each project, you will find the contact details to send your application.
  3. Successful applicants will be notified by January 12.

This is an unparalleled opportunity for students eager to explore research avenues and expand their academic horizons. Join us for a rewarding and intellectually stimulating summer experience.

The scholarship will be up to a value of $1500.

Bioinformatics Expression Viewer

Bioinformatics Expression Viewer

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Bioinformatic Systems

Bioinformatic Systems

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Data Compression Workflow Poject

Data Compression Workflow Poject

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Bioinformatics Paediatric Tumours

Bioinformatics Paediatric Tumours

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Get in touch

If you are interested in exploring these further please get in touch via education@ccia.org.au. If you are interested in a particular area of research but do not find a project that appeals to you listed here, we encourage you to contact these teams directly to discuss a project to best suit both you and the area of research focus.