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For Students

South Australian Government Scholarships to Build Workforce Skills in the Defence Industry

The South Australian Government is supporting businesses in the defence industry to build their future workforce capabilities through the Defence Industry Connection Program, linking university students with industry.

Students

Australia’s civilian defence industry employs around 28,000 people in a wide variety of occupations and is critical to supporting Australia’s strategic defence capabilities.

The South Australian Government is making it easier for university students to enter a career in the state’s growing defence industry with the Defence Industry Connection Program.

Up to 300 South Australian university students can make industry connections, participate in internships and gain work experience with defence primes and businesses in the defence supply chain. Delivered by the Australian Industry Group, the $3.9 million program is now welcoming registrations from eligible university students and interested host companies.

This program will provide interns with a scholarship, reducing the financial barriers students may experience undertaking work placements and gaining practical and professional experience while studying.

Student Eligibility 

Students must:
  • be Australian Citizens 
  • be resident in South Australia
  • be enrolled as an undergraduate in a Commonwealth Supported Place at The University of Adelaide, University of South Australia (UniSA) or Flinders University in one of the following disciplines of study:
    • Physics
    • Science
    • Chemistry
    • Material science
    • Naval architecture
    • Mathematics
    • Mechanical engineering
    • Electrical engineering
    • Chemical engineering
    • Nuclear engineering
    • Nuclear science
  • undertake the internship as a credit-bearing course or program requirement
  • be eligible to apply for any security clearances required by the host company

To complete your application you will require

  • A copy of your curriculum vitae
  • A copy of your current academic transcript – unofficial will be accepted
  • Contact details of two referees – personal or professional

Important information

Students must be engaged in meaningful learning and not in productive work, in accordance with Fair Work rules.

Placements must be located in South Australia, with an eligible host company in South Australia’s defence industry.

Advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman regarding work integrated learning placements

The Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman has produced a fact sheet for students undertaking work learning placements with a host company.

FWO Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are currently undertaking an internship, please contact dicp@aigroup.com.au to discuss your situation before applying.

The placement must be credit-bearing or contribute towards the completion of the degree in which you are enrolled e.g. mandatory work placement.

At the conclusion of your placement, having fulfilled the required number of hours of learning, you may enter a direct employment relationship with the company.

The scholarship is only paid for the duration of your work learning placement, as agreed between your university and host company.

For more information on the defence industry, please visit these websites: