STEM Cadetship Program

Defence is committed to providing entry-level employment opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The STEM Cadetship offers students a head start to a rewarding career in Defence by offering an entry-level employment pathway for high performing tertiary students currently studying a relevant Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) or Photography and Imaging degree.

As a STEM Cadet, you'll be employed as an Australian Public Service (APS) employee where you'll be provided with real-world, practical and high-quality work in the Department of Defence, which includes Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG).

DSTG is the Australian Government's lead agency dedicated to providing science and technology support to deliver scientific advice and solutions for Defence and national security challenges.

To apply

Applications for the 2026 Defence STEM Cadetship Program open 24th February 2025 and close in early April 2025.

You can find further information about the Defence STEM Cadetship Program and the link to apply here.

If you're not eligible to apply for 2026, but would like to be notified of future student opportunities with DSTG, complete the form at the bottom of the page to join our mailing list.

Relevant Academic Disciplines

DSTG provides Research & Innovation Graduate opportunities within the following discipline areas:

• Engineering (autonomous systems, robotics, aerospace, aeronautical, mechanical, mechatronic, software)
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Information warfare and computing technologies (including cyber defence and offence, computer science, high performance computing and information technology)
• Quantum
• Mathematics and Physics
• Hypersonics
• Missile Defence
• Air Combat
• Psychology, humanities and social science
• Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear science

STEM Cadet work areas in DSTG

DSTG has 5 Divisions that provide R&I Graduate roles:

• The Human and Decision Sciences Division leads and shapes Defence science and technology in support of human situational awareness, human decision-making, human control and human protection.
• The Information Sciences Division drives and shapes Defence research capabilities in the areas of computational science, autonomy and cyber, communications and computing.
• The Platforms Division develops, integrates and experiments with innovative technologies to produce effective S&T solutions for crewed and uncrewed ADF platforms across air, land, maritime and space to achieve capability advantage
• The Research Technology & Operations Division brings together, engineers, technicians and computational scientists who provide a range of highly specialised and unique research capability and innovative solutions to deliver advanced research platforms for Defence and national security.
• The Sensors and Effectors Division applies science and technology to the sensing for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and the delivery of physical effects.

Program structure:

• As a STEM cadet you will be supported financially during periods of study and have the opportunity to undertake 60 days paid work experience to apply what you're learning at university to a cutting-edge Defence Science and Technology work area that aligns with your degree discipline.
• Upon completion of your yearly work placement days and university studies, you will transition into an ongoing role as a DSTG researcher with your STEM Cadetship group.

Locations:

• Role locations vary depending on degree discipline and skills alignment with DSTG research priority areas. DSTG has largest workforce presence in SA and VIC, with some opportunities available in ACT, NSW, WA, QLD and TAS.
• Candidates have the opportunity to indicate their first and second preference location. While DSTG strives to match cadets in their home state wherever possible, some candidates may be offered a role in their second preference state if their skills are unable to be aligned to a role in their home state. If this is the case, Cadets are financially supported to undertake work placement days interstate and relocate to take up their ongoing role with DSTG upon completion of the program.

Eligibility

• To be eligible to join DSTG in the Defence STEM Cadetship Program you must be studying full-time to complete a minimum of STEM bachelor + honours within 3 years from program commencement.
• In addition, all participants in the Defence Graduate Program with DSTG are required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 Security Clearance. More details about this process can be found at the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency. This will be arranged after formal offers have been made. This also means that applications are only open to current Australian Citizens.
• Full eligibility criteria for the Defence STEM cadetship program can be found here

Salary and benefits

STEM Cadet salary and benefits are available on the Defence STEM Cadetship webpage.

Enquiries

Should you have any questions, please contact the DSTG Workforce Capability and Talent team.

What is it like being a STEM Cadet with DSTG?

DSTG offers diverse opportunities for STEM cadets aligned with the degree discipline of their studies and prepares them to transition to full time employment with DSTG upon program completion.

Alongside studying Computer Science, STEM Cadet Elysia has worked with a DSTG team in the Research Technology and Operations Division:

'I've loved computers since I was young which instilled curiosity in me, leading to a path of lifelong learning.

I underestimated how welcoming and encouraging the team at DSTG would be and the wealth of professional and technical knowledge I would gain in such a short time for a purposeful career in my dream field of work.

My work area highly encourages learning on the job, which has been one of the main highlights of my experience. From being a software major, I have now come to know the hardware side of computing and how both work together to aid Defence research.

My supervisor is dedicated to helping me grow in my role and I have had the opportunity to even travel interstate for a conference. I enjoy working and conversing with my team and am excited to continue my project while I complete the final year of my studies'