Not much time is left for close of applications for the Government’s R&D Student Grants Scheme this year.
Innovative New Zealand businesses can apply for funding under the Scheme for a postgraduate intern on or before July 8. Applications for undergraduate intern grant closes on July 17, 2013.
Callaghan Innovation is administering the Scheme, and the Grants this year will be available to companies employing up to 70 postgraduates and 200 undergraduate students pursuing science, technology, engineering, design, or marketing degrees.
All applicants will go through a selection process based on set parameters and selected companies will receive funding for only one student.
Developing skills
Science & Innovation Minister Steven Joyce said that the Grants will give future innovators a head start in their careers by enabling them to gain and develop their technical skills by working in a commercial research environment.
“The grants are beneficial to industry and young talent, helping students to find suitable employment after their studies and helping to speed up business’s R&D work, thanks to the contribution of bright, young minds with the latest knowledge and a fresh perspective,” he said.
Postgraduate R&D Student Grants will continue to provide businesses with an expanded range of skills, adding design, marketing and commercialisation experience to science, technology and engineering skills, in response to feedback received from companies, he added.
Mr Joyce said that based on an annual salary of $60,000, postgraduate R&D student Grants will provide companies with 50% of annual salary costs up to $30,000 (plus GST) to cover the salary of a postgraduate for the first six months.
“The undergraduate R&D Student Grants will provide companies with funding of $16 per hour for up to 400 hours of work for a maximum of $6400 (excluding GST).”
Undergraduate Grants
Up to 200 internship places are available this year with innovative New Zealand companies.
The Callaghan Innovation undergraduate internships programme is open to all businesses where R&D in engineering, technology and science is at the centre of their growth strategies.
Businesses whose application has been successful will have until Friday 6 December 2013 to find and contract an intern.
The number of interns approved per business may be capped depending on the total number of applications received.
More information on the eligibility criteria for students and businesses, timelines and how to apply can be found at www.callaghaninnovation.govt.nz
