Indigenous Virtual Internship Program

Applications for the 2026–2027 Indigenous Virtual Internship Program are open.

This dynamic program offers the chance to dive into NHMRC’s important work while enriching your academic journey with hands-on experience. The internship is available Australia wide as remote work, however candidates based in Canberra or Melbourne will have the option to work from the NHMRC office.

Applications close 11:30 pm Sunday 1 November 2026.

Each internship is unique, depending on your project, you may have the opportunity to:

• Engage directly with government processes involved in funding health and medical research
• Contribute to developing guidelines and addressing ethical challenges
• Explore how knowledge is shared and promoted across communities
• Gain a deeper understanding of public administration and accountability in action.

We offer a limited number of flexible virtual internships, each requiring 200 hours or more, tailored in collaboration with your supervisor to fit your schedule and goals.

More details will be made available on the NHMRC Careers portal.

Eligibility

To be eligible you must:

• Be enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s degree in a health, medical research or science related field and provide evidence to confirm that you are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• Be available for approximately 200 hours.
• Submit a completed online application form with your Resume prior to the closing date and time, be an Australian citizen and be able to provide evidence of this. If successful, you will also be required to undertake a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

What could your future look like: Nava King, Indigenous Intern 2025–2026 

The best way to understand the Indigenous Internship Program is through the experiences of those who have taken part in it. As you read this story from Nava King, a former Indigenous Intern, we encourage you to imagine yourself in their shoes and where this opportunity could take you.

How do you think the internship has impacted you professionally or your future career?

I think it's definitely had a very positive impact because I've met a lot of interesting people, and a lot of people that I'm sure if I reach out to in the future will be more than willing to help me.

What advice would you give to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are considering applying but are unsure whether it's for them?

I would say, just apply. When I applied and was doing the interview process, I wasn’t sure if I would be a good fit because I've not really done anything research-based or any office work before.

But I'm glad that I did apply because it's just given me a different insight.

You get a lot of insight into the work environment and then also into health research and the many different types of work that actually goes on.

Even if I won't be directly doing the same work in the future, it was just a good experience to have.