Acknowledgement of Country
CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation.
Solve Australia’s greatest challenges with the CSIRO Agriculture and Food Team!
- Are you undertaking a degree in agricultural science, agricultural economics, environmental science, soil science, environmental, biosystems engineering or related field?
- Get hands-on research experience with a team that fosters a shared vision to create measurable economic, environmental and social impact.
- Join CSIRO – Australia’s leading scientific research organisation!
The opportunities we are offering
CSIRO Agriculture and Food is helping to improve productivity, profitability and sustainability in cropping, livestock production, aquaculture, horticulture and the food industry.
Our Undergraduate Vacation Studentships run over the Australian summer holidays and offer undergraduate students the opportunity to collaborate with leading CSIRO researchers in our world class facilities.
Students will have the chance to work on a real project in science, technology or a related field such as science communication.
Participation in the Vacation Studentship Program has influenced previous scholarship holders in their choice of further study and future career options. Many have gone on to pursue a PhD in collaboration with CSIRO or to build a successful research career within CSIRO, a university or industry.
For more information, please see our website at Agriculture and Food.
Locations: May include Canberra, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Narrabri, Hobart or Toowoomba (other CSIRO sites may be possible). Travel expenses will be covered if necessary.
Stipend: $2,056.33 per fortnight
Duration: Placements are for up to 11 weeks between 23 Nov 2026 & 5 Feb 2027
Reference: 103372
To be considered you will need:
- To be enrolled in an undergraduate degree at an Australian university
- Have completed at least 2 years of a (full-time equivalent) undergraduate course prior to commencing your placement.
- A strong academic record (credit average or higher) and/or known capability in the field.
- An interest in pursuing a research career in science or technology, or a career in a related discipline.
- The ability to undertake a full-time placement for 8-12 weeks over the university summer vacation period.
Life at Agriculture and Food and how you can accelerate your career with us
CSIRO’s Agriculture and Food Research Unit applies world class multidisciplinary science, technology and facilities, relevant IP and global networks across the value chain to create healthier, trusted, safer and more sustainable food and fibre for the future.
Agriculture and Food’s strategic focus areas are:
- Redesigning genetics: developing crops and animals adapted to future farming environments and market opportunities
- Farm productivity: innovating for resilience and efficient resource use
- Aquaculture: growing and diversifying the Australian aquaculture industry
- Agri-food systems: accelerating the transition to a more sustainable, trusted, and equitable food system
As part of our growth strategy, we will work with you to strategically align your experience, skills, and expertise with our focus areas. We offer a structured program for our vacation scholars including a series of workshops, discussion panels and the opportunity to present the results of your project at a final symposium, which results in extremely positive feedback from participants every year.
Who is eligible to apply?
CSIRO considers the filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity/affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth). The position is therefore only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with Australian Citizenship. The successful applicant will be required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
Appointment to this role may be subject to conditions including provision of a national police check as well as other security/medical/character clearance requirements.
Child Safety
CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.
Where to from here!
If you are interested in the Agriculture and Food Undergraduate Vacation Studentship Program and meet the above candidate requirements, please apply online today!
Agriculture and Food Directors, Group Leaders and the Indigenous Employment Team are partnering together to review applications. We are excited to hear from you and will be in touch with you over the coming weeks where there is a potential match to a project.
If you prefer to have an informal chat before putting in your application, you can contact our Indigenous Employment Team at IndigenousCareers@csiro.au for more information.
Apply Online
To apply you will be required to:
- submit a Resume/CV and Cover Letter (as a single document) in the ‘Resume/CV’field. Your cover letter should outline why the research area is of interest to you and how this program will support your longer-term career aspirations; and
- upload your academic results in the ‘Cover Letter’ field
If you experience difficulties applying online please email: careers.online@csiro.au.
Applications Close
Sunday 5 July 2026, 11:00pm AEST
