Summer Vacation Placement Program
DSTG offers a limited number of internships over the University summer vacation period.The Summer Vacation Placement Program (SVP) is a great chance for university students completing their studies to get a taste of what it is like to work in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) career. These placements run for 12 weeks over the summer break each year, where students will tackle a variety of larger Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) projects, giving students real world problems to solve.
The SVP program engages university students enrolled in STEM degrees from any Australian University. These paid placements may also be used to complete university placement requirements up to 450 hours for most Australian Universities.
During their placement, SVP students gain industry experience working within one of Australia's largest research agencies, under the supervision and mentorship of Australia's top applied researchers. Additional support is provided by DSTG staff to ensure that the academic requirements of university work integrated learning programs can be met.
DSTG and the SVP program are committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This includes targets for boosting women's participation in this program, and those from other underrepresented groups.
Projects may be available at any DSTG site across Australia, however the majority of placement opportunities are at DSTG Edinburgh (South Australia), and DSTG Fishermans Bend (Victoria).
Program Dates
The 2025-26 SVP Program commences on Monday, 1 December 2025 and concludes on Friday 20 February 2026.
Benefits
SVP students enjoy the benefits of being engaged as non-ongoing employees of the Department of Defence under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement, which includes:
- A S&T (1-2) salary of $61,363 +15.4% superannuation (fixed cap, pro rata)
- Leave entitlements
- Access to flexible working arrangements within project allowances
It is important to note that successful applicants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and associated costs to take part in the program. Relocation assistance is not available.
How to apply?
Applications will be open from Tuesday 10 June 2025 until Sunday 22 June 2025 and can be access from the Defence APS Careers site. Apply here!
Eligibility Criteria
The SVP program is open to students who:
- Are completing an undergraduate university degree, whether an industry placement is a requirement of their studies or not, and have completed at least two years full time equivalent study prior to commencement of the program.
- Must be completing a full-time study load in the preceding and following academic years.
- SVP Students are required to obtain and maintain a minimum Baseline Security clearance. (DSTG will facilitate this during the recruitment process.)
- More details about this process can be found at the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency.
- This also means that applications are only open to current Australian Citizens.
- Have a credit average or higher (5 on a 7-point scale or 3 on a 4-point scale).
- Are available to undertake a placement during the advertised program dates.
If you are unsure or would like more information, please use the expression of interest form.
