Summer Vacation Placement Program

Each year DSTG offers a limited number of scholarships over the University summer vacation period.
The Summer Vacation Placement (SVP) is a 12-week paid program for high-performing undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students. SVP students are supervised by DSTG staff and use skills gained at university to work on a current Defence project. The program commences late November/early December to coincide with the university summer break.
SVP provides successful applicants with the opportunity to gain work experience in a large research organisation. Successful applicants undertake a research project, work at a DSTG laboratory under the supervision of science and technology staff, and receive a support payment.
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.
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, in both the current and the coming academic years.
- Have a minimum credit average.
- Are available to undertake a placement during the advertised program dates (Monday, 27 November 2023 – Friday, 16 February 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 on QFGTJbexsbeprPncnovyvglnaqGnyrag@qfg.qrsrapr.tbi.nh
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 Summer Vacation 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 question relating to Indigenous recruitment can be forwarded to the Indigenous Engagement Team