Indigenous Internship Program 2026-2027

Are you passionate about health?

Do you want to contribute to Australia’s future?

Do you see yourself working in the health and/or medical research?

If so, this may be the internship for you!

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) invites current university students of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage to apply for our Indigenous Internship Program. This dynamic program offers you the chance to dive into NHMRC’s important work while enriching your academic journey with hands-on experience.

The NHMRC Indigenous Internship Program is available Australia wide as remote work, however candidates based in Canberra or Melbourne will have the option to work from the NHMRC office.

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 

What we offer

What truly makes us a great place to work? It is our people and the culture we have built together. With an 87% response rate in the 2026 APS Employee Census, NHMRC employees reported high levels of pride (90%), commitment (94%) and connection to our purpose (95%). NHMRC scored above the APS average across key employee experience measures, including wellbeing, innovation, communication and speak up culture. At NHMRC, you will find meaningful work, supportive leadership, flexible ways of working, and a collaborative environment where people can thrive and make a difference.

Applications close 11:30 PM AEDT Sunday, 25 October 2026

As part of the internship program, you will have the opportunity to take part in various projects to:  

• Build and maintain effective relationships within NHMRC and with external stakeholders
• Provide critical operational and administrative support in exciting and impactful projects  
• Draft communication with grant recipients and stakeholders
• Providing administrative support for corporate and project related activities such as:
  • Drafting communication messages to the research sector
  • Gathering and providing input to briefings and requests for information  
  • Data extraction and analysis
• Bring fresh ideas and creative thinking to drive innovative improvements across the business 

Core capabilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following capabilities:

• Strong written and oral communication skills and attention to detail
• Ability to build rapport and maintain strong stakeholder relationships within NHMRC and with external providers
• Accountability for completion of allocated tasks, review of work and contribute to team goals
• Being a self-starter and a reliable team member with a ‘can do’ attitude
• Ability to work independently and manage workloads, including prioritising urgent deadlines

To be eligible for the Indigenous Internship Program 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 from mid-November 2026 to mid-January 2027 (during the summer university break). However, there is flexibility around these timeframes.
• 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.

How to apply

Complete and submit the online application form with the following:

• A statement of claims (max 500 words) outlining your motivation for applying to the internship. You should address how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the internship’s specific duties and core capabilities while addressing one of the points below.
  • Why are you applying and what attracted you to apply?
  • What do you hope to achieve from the virtual internship at NHMRC?
  • How will this internship contribute to your undergraduate or postgraduate academic journey?
• Current Resume
• Contact details of two referees (one who must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent).
• Academic transcripts listing results achieved in the last 12 months

NHMRC recognises that Confirmation of Heritage is a deeply personal and sensitive matter, shaped by the complex histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge that obtaining formal documentation may take time in some circumstances. Candidates are encouraged to initiate this process early as you will be required to provide confirmation of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage prior to receiving a formal offer of employment.