Want to be a scientist or engineer? Get started in a research and development project!
Apply now and tackle a topic drive by a current demand to explore!
Projects Open for Application
How does these project work?
What is specialised research & development project?
Imagine it as a mini PhD program shrinked into 12 – 14 weeks for high school students. You work with an experienced mentor on real aerospace engineering and space science problems. The project schedule is flexible and the program finishes on a “mini PhD defense”. Each project is based on active research directions. In some cases, the research outcome contributes to academic paper submitted to international conferences.
Students progressively develop their understanding from fundamental concepts to structured research thinking. The programme focuses not only on technical knowledge, but on how real research is conducted — including problem definition, literature review, modelling, and communication of results.
Advantages:
- Remote/online options are available for some projects. You can enroll regardless of your location.
- Flexible timeline: doesn’t have to be 12 continuous weeks. You can arrange your time accordingly.
- ~50 hours of research allow you to gain highly in-depth knowledge into a particular topic.
- Work with experienced mentors from top universities around the world.
- Opportunity to consult a wide group of academic and industry professionals.
- High attention and focused guidance from mentors: project group size is limited to 1-2 students.
How to Apply
To register, please submit:
- Your CV (using the template provided below )
- A cover letter including:
- Why you are interested in this programme
- Why you believe you would be a strong fit for the project
- Which research area you are interested in (Please select the research area you are interested in from the options provided.)
After receiving your application, you will be invited to complete a technical assessment. Following this, an interview will be scheduled within one week. Please refer to the flowchart below for the detailed admission process.
Disclaimer
This programme has limited places. Applications will close once all places are filled.
The programme may be postponed or cancelled if there are insufficient numbers or no suitable applicants. Students will be notified of any changes as early as possible.
Categories
New students:
- If you have never participated in our main satellite building project before, then you will need at least 2 extra weeks (~30hr) of training before the 12-week research project officially starts.
- Your main supervisor, co-supervisors and technical consultants will evaluate the specific background knowledge and skills you will need to complete this project. They will provide training and point you to the relavent learning points. The traning will take your school curriculum into consideration, especially for applicants outside of New Zealand.
- The application may be refused if the project is deemed to be too complex for the applicant. For example, when the applicant requires significantly more than 30 hours of preparation to get up to speed.
Programme fee for new student:
Apply Individually $7,340
Apply as a pair $5,870/student
Group of 3 $4,860/student
Senior engineering/science students:
- If you are participating in 2 phases or more of the student satellite project, then you will have a strong foundation in research and understand many practical aspects of the reality. In this case, you are a senior engineering/science student.
- You will be able to start your 12-week project upon acceptance. The additional learning points will be embedded in the project. You will do more in-depth study as the project proceed.
- Please note, being an senior student does not guarantee acceptance into the Specialised R&D Projects. The project supervisors will evaluate each application.
Programme fee for senior students:
Apply Individually $3,670
Apply as a pair $2,460/student
Group of 3 $1,850/student