Timeframe of placements
UROP has two rounds per year: round 1 opens with Semester 1 (February or March), and round 2 opens with Semester 2 (July or August).
UROP projects are between six and 12 months in duration. The program is designed to allow students to become integrated into the research group, which is why students are expected to hold their positions for a minimum of six months.
UROP students must work full-time during some or all of their university vacation periods, (two weeks during the winter recess and four weeks during the summer recess). During semester, students should work around eight hours a week (one eight hour day, or two half days per week).
UROP students must be available to commence work in laboratories during the university's vacation periods (June-July and November-February). Actual start dates are arranged by the supervisor and student.
Pay and conditions
UROP students are employed by the host laboratory as casual staff, at a rate approximately equivalent to CSIRO's Enterprise Agreement pay rate of CSOF3 level ($35.20 per hour). Student employment contracts are with the organisation in which they are placed.
Payment is managed through each research organisation’s Human Resources unit. Throughout placements, students are covered by all regulations and conditions governing the research organisation, including occupational health and safety, good scientific practice, ethics, intellectual property and confidentiality.