Have a look at this topic regarding bench fees: http://www.postgraduateforum.com/thread-11838
You should ask about that in the interview if you want to be sure, although I wouldn't expect bench fees at an advertised position. Better to make sure, it may vary based on school/subject.

Conferences will likely not be covered automatically, but there are often university/department pools for travel and conferences that you can apply for. Can't hurt to ask what the options or typical procedure is.

I sent you a PM!

Could you clarify the requirements to take part? Are you only looking for international students studying in the UK or generally students from/in other countries?

Thanks you both for your opinions!

The references are indeed submitted directly, I only give the referees' contact details. Looking for someone who's moved to another institution is a good idea; I will see if that's possible (although I don't have high hopes).

I am an MSc student working on PhD applications at the moment, and I'm in the field of molecular biology / biomedical science. I hope you can give me some advice on who to ask for my academic references, because I have a few options there.

As part of my current degree I have to do two research internships (half a year each).
During the first one I was supervised by a PhD student, who was quite happy with my work and writing, and I already know she would gladly write me a stellar reference. She's near the end of her own PhD but won't have the fancy title before I need the reference.
My second internship, which I'm right in the middle of, is supervised by a Postdoc who would probably agree to write me a reference as well.
In both cases, the PIs are full professors and I see them in weekly meetings and they've seen me present or briefly summarize results. But all in all, the PIs don't know me as well as the two above-mentioned daily supervisors.
Then there's another option... I have yet another supervisor (professor) for a literature review essay that I can write at my own pace. I've only had one meeting with him so far, but that could change - the application deadline is more than 2 months away (and I can basically pop in any time to discuss with my supervisor).

I should mention that all these people are affiliated with the same university hospital in different departments.

I can name 2 referees, so who should I ask? Is it better if my reference is from a professor, even if they may not know me as well? Or should I ask my internship supervisors instead? Only one internship and the literature review professor (i.e. some practical and some literature work)?