Eligibility criteria 

The STEM Cadetship Program is open to Australian university students who:

• Are an Australian citizen,
• Are completing a minimum Bachelor degree (Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7) between the end of Semester 2, 2026 and the end of Semester 2, 2028.
• Have at least 12 months’ full-time tertiary study remaining at the time of commencing the Cadetship Program.
• Have successfully completed at least 12 months’ full-time tertiary study of a relevant STEM degree before starting the Cadetship.

To be considered for a STEM Cadetship with Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), you must be eligible for and agree to complete a STEM Honours/Masters degree as part of the program.
 

Skills you need

To be suitable for a STEM cadetship role, you should have most or all of the following skills:

• Curiosity: An interest in using STEM to solve real-world problems. 
• Communication Skills: The ability to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively. 
• Teamwork: A willingness to work as part of a team in a supportive and professional environment. 
• Positive Attitude: A proactive and enthusiastic approach to learning and contributing to projects.

Benefits 

As a STEM Cadet, you will receive:

• Ongoing (part-time) APS employment with the Department of Defence.
• A minimum annual salary of $39,252 plus 15.4% superannuation, increasing to $41,398 per annum from 12 March 2026 in accordance with the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement – 2024.
• Reimbursement of STEM degree compulsory university fees (i.e. course fees and SSAF) upon successful completion of the relevant STEM units each semester whilst they are on the program.
• Cadets are required to complete a minimum of 60 work placement days for each year they are on the program. A cadetship year is defined as the 12-month period from your official commencement date on the Cadetship Program.

Locations

The STEM Cadetship offers positions in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth (Rockingham) and Sydney. Defence will provide relocation assistance for the duration of work placements if required, in accordance with Defence policy.

What to expect in this program

The Defence STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) Cadetship offers you a head start in your career. Play a part in keeping Australia safe and secure while you complete your tertiary studies.

The Cadetship Program is an entry-level employment pathway for high-performing undergraduate students currently studying a relevant STEM degree.

There are many opportunities your university studies can lead to a rewarding, challenging and meaningful career in Defence. In the STEM Cadetship you will get:

• A head start on a career in STEM.
• Opportunities to apply your academic knowledge and research skills.
• Access to cutting-edge technology.
• Mentoring and guidance from the country’s leading experts.
• Exposure to defence capability like no other.
• Comprehensive learning and career development opportunities.
• A stimulating and dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and creativity.
• To contribute to Defence’s research and military capability programs.

Important Information: The work undertaken by STEM Cadets provides a valuable contribution to Defence priorities. The Department of Defence where possible, will ensure you are assessed against the area of interest or the STEM discipline you would like to be considered for. While on the STEM Cadetship Program, you will be undertaking work at the Australian Public Service (APS) Cadet Level and it is designed as an administrative/support function. Upon successful completion of your Program, you will have the opportunity to progress to an APS Level 4.

Diversity and inclusion CTA

We value diversity and aim to create an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, and we welcome different perspectives and experiences to help us innovate and grow.