Summer Vacation Placement Program

Each year DSTG offers a limited number of scholarships 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's like to work in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) career. These placements run for 12 weeks over the summer break from November to February 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 can 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 are 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 based at DSTG Edinburgh (South Australia), and DSTG Fishermans Bend (Victoria).

Applications open during June 1st 2024 for commencement in November 2024.

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 $59,117 +15.4% superannuation (fixed cap, pro rata)
• Leave entitlements
• Access to flexible working arrangements within project allowances

How to apply?

Applications open June 1, 2024. 

A link to applications will be available on the open date, if you would like to register your interest please use the expression of interest form at the bottom of this page to be notified when these applications open. 

Applications will close June 30, 2024. 

Eligibility Criteria

The SVP program is open to students who:

• Are completing a university degree, whether it 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.
  • If you are required to complete a longer program for your qualification program you should look at our Industry Experience Placement 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 Baseline Security clearance.
  • More details about this process can be found at the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency. This will be arranged during the recruitment process.
  • This also means that applications are only open to current Australian Citizens.
• Successful applicants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and associated costs to take part in the program.
• 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 (Commencing in November 2024)

If you are unsure or would like more information please use the expression of interest form.