Program Overview
The Centre for Data Science (CDS) is committed to supporting the development of the next generation of data scientists. This is vital as data and data-focused insights impact on all areas of society, business and government. We also recognise the important role data plays in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly in relation to self-determination and governance.
This program aims to inspire more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to undertake Higher Degree Research (HDR) in Data Science by:
- Showcasing the diversity of Data Science research areas
- Connecting potential HDR students with supervisors
- Providing students with research experience which may assist to meet the relevant research experience entry requirement for admission into QUT’s Research Masters (MPhil) and/or PhD Programs through work as a Research Assistant on projects aligned with the Centre for Data Science
- Providing an attractive financial incentive for students to undertake HDR at QUT through the provision of Top Up Scholarships
The program comprises three schemes: a Community Data Science Research Showcase, a CDS Research Experience, and a HDR (MPhil or PhD) Top-Up Scholarship for research in Data Science.
Community Data Science Showcase
Data Science involves the development of methods and tools to extract insights from data and to apply these to problems in health, science, business, the environment and society. This showcase is for current QUT students, prospective students, their families and community members and is held in collaboration with the Carumba Institute and the Oodgeroo Unit. The aim is to provide an opportunity for potential HDR students to gain an understanding of the diversity of data science, the HDR student experience, benefits of undertaking a research degree, and in particular how data science can impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities.
It also seeks to introduce students to the support and services available through QUT and the Carumba Institute as well as provide connection to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HDR students. This session will include information about the CDS Research Experience, the HDR Scholarship schemes and also explore HDR student experiences and possibilities, including the possibility of articulating from an MPhil to a PhD. Students are welcome and encouraged to bring family members to this event. Event details and dates will be announced each semester.
CDS Research Experience
This scheme aims to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with research experience in Data Science. Incorporating two streams, this scheme enables both QUT undergraduate students and those who have completed undergraduate study at another university, to gain research experience before enrolling in a HDR program. It is expected that this experience will allow students to explore whether research is right for them, as well as facilitate connection to potential supervisors and projects that could be undertaken in the MPhil or PhD program. This experience may assist students to meet the relevant research experience entry requirement for QUT’s Master of Philosophy.

The experience can be tailored to individual interests, aligned with one or more of the Centre’s Research Programs and Domains:
The details of each stream and eligibility requirements are below. All students in this program will be required to provide a Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Heritage
Current QUT undergraduate students
Students who are currently enrolled and who have completed at least 48cp of their undergraduate degree can apply for this scheme. Students in all faculties with an interest in undertaking research or work experience in Data Science are encouraged to apply, and the Centre for Data Science will assist students navigate the application process best suited to them. Support for students in this scheme will be provided by the Centre for Data Science in collaboration with the Oodgeroo Unit.
Scheme details
Working in Research is available to students who have completed 48cp and provides 5 days (or 36.25 hrs) of paid hands on work experience in Data Science and a paid induction session (HEW4.1 or $45.02/hr).
Research Experience Scholarship is available to students who have completed 144cp of their undergraduate degree and provides students with a scholarship to undertake a 6-8 week research project (120-150 hours, $3500 scholarship paid in 2 installments). This includes orientation, research workshops and social events.
Vacation Research Experience Scheme (VRES) is available to students who have completed 192cp of their undergraduate degree and provides students with a scholarship to undertake a 6-8 week summer research project (120-150 hours, $3500 scholarship paid in 2 installments). This includes orientation, research workshops, social events.
Graduates
Those who have completed and undergraduate degree at QUT or another university can apply to undertake a paid research experience (HEW4.1 or $45.02/hr). Researchers will undertake a short research project in an area of Data Science for 6-8 weeks. The project can be undertaken full time or part-time upon negotiation with the project supervisor. Researchers undertaking the experience will be connected with the Centre for Data Science and the Carumba Institute and have access to experts in Data Science as well as cultural support and opportunities to connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HDR students.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students who are undertaking research aligned with data science and are supervised by a CDS participant. We can also assist finding you a supervisor for your research.
Honours
Students undertaking an honours program that is aligned with Data Science can apply for a $15,000 scholarship.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Students can receive the Indigenous Postgraduate Research Award ($45,000 per annum) plus a $5,000 per annum top scholarship.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Students will receive the Indigenous Postgraduate Research Award ($45,000 per annum) plus a $5,000 per annum top up scholarship.
Students may also wish to consider the QUT Indigenous Australians PhD/Professional Doctorate to Postdoctoral Fellowship (P2P) program for PhD Scholarship support.
How to Apply
You can apply at any time. Please complete this form below and we will be in touch soon. You can also email us if you would like further information.
Students in the Faculty of Science may be considered for Research Experiences and Scholarships through the Indigenous Australian Research Training Scheme.
Are you a supervisor?
Are you interested in supervising a student, or do you have a project that could be offered under this scheme? Please contact the QUT Centre for Data Science to let us know. We do ask potential supervisors to complete the QUT Indigenous Perspectives in Learning and Teaching module if you have not already done so.