Applications for the Winter school are now open.
Note: Closing date is 5:00pm 9th June, 2026.
About the Program
The Laby Research Scholars Program provides outstanding students with a supervised introduction to research in physics.
The Laby Research Scholars Program provides you with a supervised introduction to research in physics. If you're a successful candidate, you will be supervised by a member of staff according to your interests and strengths. As well as learning new things for the purpose of research goals, the Laby Research Scholars Program will enable you to gain workforce experience and the chance to meet, socialise and make friends with students of similar interests. Members of underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
The scholarship program is aimed at second and third year students who are considering enrolment in postgraduate studies and wish to gain research experience.
Second year students are encouraged to apply for the summer period (December–February)
Third year students are encouraged to apply for the winter period (June–July).
Please note that there are separate application rounds for the summer and winter periods.
Students with mid-year entry or non-standard pathway should apply accordingly, and mention it on the application form (if you are uncertain, please contact the Program Coordinator).
The standard duration of the scholarship is four weeks, and the program offers a payment of upto AUD$2000 (equivalent to $500/week) upon completion. Detailed information on the scholarship payment will be part of your induction pack.
To be eligible you must be:
Enrolled in any single or combined degree program in which you have been able to study a significant amount of Physics.
Not a previous Laby Research Scholar.
Seriously considering a University of Melbourne Physics postgraduate research program, such as the Master of Science, or Doctor of Philosophy.
The selection process is based on the students' track record and does account for inequities experiences in the field of Physics. Please note that specific skills (e.g. advanced programming knowledge) are not required - all you need is scientific curiosity. Students from other Universities are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Science Research Project
Laby Research Scholarships are very competitive and it may be that not every applicant will secure a scholarship. For Bachelor of Science students, an interesting alternative would be taking SCIE30001, which allows you to complete a semester-long research project.