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Industry Experience Placement Program

A young female scientist
Gain valuable work experience in our Industry Experience Placement Program

Each year, DSTG offers a limited number of long-term placement opportunities of six or 12 months in length.

The Industry Experience Placement (IEP) provides undergraduate and postgraduate students currently enrolled in a relevant Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) degree the opportunity to complete an industry placement component as part of their degree. The IEP offers work placement of six or 12 months with Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG).

The IEP provides successful applicants with the opportunity to gain industry experience in a large research organisation. Successful applicants are supervised by DSTG staff, who work closely with the university to ensure that academic requirements are met.

Successful applicants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and associated costs. Students will be engaged as non-ongoing employees of the Department of Defence at the S&T 1-2 (BELOW) classification. Conditions of employment are available in the Defence Enterprise Agreement.

Projects may be available at any DSTG site across Australia and are due to commence in March 2024.

To Apply

Applications will be open again in 2024.

Eligibility requirements

Applications are welcomed from students who:

  • Are Australian citizens.
  • Are enrolled full-time in their tertiary course of study, and will remain enrolled for the year.
  • Proposed duration of their placement.
  • Have the option to complete an industry placement as part of their degree (six or 12 month placement).
  • Are available to undertake a placement during the advertised program dates (Commencing Monday, 4 March 2024).
  • Have completed 2 years tertiary study, and.
  • Satisfy the requirements for a Defence Baseline security clearance.

For further information, please contact the STEM Programs Team at 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students

At DSTG, we want a workforce of talented people who excel and innovate by harnessing different views, ideas and experiences. We embrace diversity, and value the contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people bring to our workplaces.

Eligible Indigenous students can apply for this program through the Indigenous pathway at Defence APS Jobs. Search for DSTG Industry Experience Placement Program - Affirmative Measures when applications are open.

If you apply through this pathway, you will commence in the same program as your peers, under the same conditions.

Any questions relating to Indigenous recruitment can be forwarded to the .

Get in touch to know about upcoming student opportunities