The Victorian Defence Industry Scholarships, funded by the Defence Science Institute, is making it easier for higher education students to enter a career in Victoria’s growing defence industry.
Students
By participating in this program, you will be able to apply the skills, knowledge and capabilities developed in the classroom in a workplace environment with host companies in Victoria’s defence industry.
A scholarship of $4,500 is available to students who are selected for an internship with a participating host company. The scholarship will be paid to students successfully placed with a participating host company where there is no employment relationship between the student and the company.
Placements normally take place during university semesters and will allow for contact time with your respective tutors and lecture requirements.
To be considered students must:
- be enrolled at a Victorian university,
- undertake an industry placement as a unit of study in their degree,
- be an Australian citizen and
- adhere to the security requirements of their host company, if selected.
Ai Group will facilitate placements with small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Victoria’s defence industry, and assist successful students with moving into their placement.
Before you apply, please have the following documents ready to upload:
- A certified copy of your most recent academic transcript for the degree(s) in which you are currently enrolled,
- A copy of your curriculum vitae, which includes details of any paid or unpaid/volunteer work you have undertaken, and
- Two current written references that may cover your personal, academic, extracurricular and/or professional skills, knowledge, attributes, capabilities and achievements.
Students should carefully consider the placements being offered and only apply for the placement that aligns with their degree.
For more information on the defence industry, please visit these websites:
Important information
Students must be engaged in meaningful learning and not in productive work, in accordance with Fair Work rules.
Placements must be located in Victoria, with an eligible host company in Victoria’s defence industry.
Advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman regarding work integrated learning placements
The Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman has produced a fact sheet for students undertaking work learning placements with a host company.
Quick Stats
35% of participating students in the program have been engaged in ongoing work with their host company after the placement was complete.
29% of participating students in the program were offered work with another defence supply business as a result of their engagement in the Victorian Defence Industry Scholarships.
33% of participating students in the program identified as female, in round two of the Victorian Defence Industry Scholarships 50% of participants identified as female.
88% of participating students in the program indicated that they wish to pursue a. career in defence industries.
(Correct as of July 2022)
Frequently Asked Questions
I am a student currently completing a paid internship with a company in Victoria’s defence industry, can I apply for a scholarship?
I am currently completing a work learning placement, can I apply for a scholarship?
Am I eligible for a scholarship supported placement if it is not part of my degree?
If I am offered ongoing or casual employment at the end of my placement, can I still receive a scholarship?
At the conclusion of your placement, having fulfilled the required number of hours of learning, you may enter a direct employment relationship with the company.
The scholarship is only paid for the duration of your work learning placement, as agreed between your university and host company.