Engineering student projects: industry partner information

Join us in shaping the future of engineering. Submit a design or research and development project and work with our final-year engineering students to solve real-world challenges and bring fresh perspectives to your company's needs. This is a great opportunity for your company to offer innovative insights into existing problems and mentor future industry professionals.

Submit an idea

Your project journey

1. Submit your challenge
   Tell us about a problem at your company that students could help solve. Submit your project by mid-October for ideal timing or by the final deadline at the end of December.
2. We’ll work with you
   Once you submit your project idea, we'll reach out to discuss your goals in detail. We'll work together to determine the scope, goals and expectations that matter most to your business.
3. Your interests are fully protected
   After we match your project with students and an academic supervisor, we’ll guide you through the confidentiality and IP agreements. Your interests are completely protected. The standard AUT Project Agreement can be found here.
4. Flexible mentoring approach
   Your company mentor only needs to commit 1 hour every two to three weeks. You’ll receive regular progress updates, so you’ll always know how the project is progressing.
5. See real results
   Students present their final solutions in June or October, depending on intake. You’ll have the chance to review the outcomes and discuss opportunities for further collaboration.

Project dates

Student projects begin at the start of Semester 1 (early March) or Semester 2 (late July) each year, so these deadlines ensure smooth coordination. Each project runs for one full year. Once you submit your project, we'll contact you to discuss the details.

Project investment

These projects are provided at no cost to your company, except when significant material expenses are required. In those cases, we simply ask for reimbursement of material costs. Submitting a project proposal does not involve any financial commitment.

If you wish, your company can also choose to sponsor student scholarships for your project. Scholarships are typically $2000 per student and are paid directly to the student.

Programme areas

Students studying the Electrical and Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronics and Software Engineering majors from the 3-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology or the 4-year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) programmes are available, depending on the nature and scope of work.

Project level

The project will typically be at a level that would suit a recently graduated employee. Each student is supported by an AUT supervisor, who will guide the project from an academic viewpoint. The AUT supervisor will also have sole responsibility for student assessment.

Students are expected to spend approximately 300 hours working on the project.

Disclaimer

These projects are necessarily driven from an educational perspective, as opposed to meeting commercial goals and/or deadlines. While AUT provides professional supervision by skilled and experienced staff and take care and responsibility in this supervision, any deliverables from the project are offered without warranty or guarantee.

Please note, if you decide to submit a project, there is no guarantee that we will be able to find a suitable student/academic supervisor to take on the project.