2026 Defence Stem Cadetship Program

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
- Work a minimum of 60 work placement days per cadetship year around your study requirements and receive financial support for your degree
- ACT, NSW, VIC, TAS, QLD, WA, NT, SA

Bring your unique skills and experiences to a world of opportunity at Defence. No matter your specialisation, your contribution leaves an imprint at Defence that is uniquely yours.

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
- 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.

**What you’ll do**

As a STEM Cadet, you will:

- work with Australian Defence Force and Defence civilian employees to provide scientific advice and/or develop technologies relevant to your university studies
- provide scientific and technical support to current defence operations and military capability platforms
- ensure Australia is a smart buyer and user of defence equipment
- develop new defence and national security capabilities. This may include:

- intelligence
- reconnaissance
- surveillance
- communication
- weapon platform
- cyber security
- ballistic
- aircraft
- guidance
- war fighter and
- mechatronic technologies.
- enhance existing capabilities by increasing performance and safety, and reducing the cost of ownership of defence assets
- support collaborative relationships with government agencies to strengthen national security, and
- assist and engage with industry to better support Defence capability needs.

Find out more about the wide range of work in the STEM Cadetship disciplines

**Who we’re looking for**

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

- Australian citizenship
- Undertaken tertiary studies (including Honours/Masters) between the end of Semester 2, 2025 and the end of Semester 2, 2027.

NB: 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.

a) Will have successfully completed at least 12 months full-time tertiary

study of a relevant STEM degree before starting the Cadetship

b) Will complete their tertiary studies (including Honours/Masters)

between the end of Semester 2, 2026 and the end of Semester 2, 2028

c) Have at least 12 months full-time tertiary study remaining at the time

you start the Cadetship Program.

**What you can look forward to**
- Competitive salary and 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.
- Flexible work arrangements_

Your agreed workdays are flexible and negotiated between you and the work area. This is based on your individual and the work area’s requirements. The pattern of hours can also be adjusted to suit your university study.
- Immersive learning opportunities_

You'll be supervised and trained by Australia’s brightest and mo