The DIN Internship Program will place highly-skilled PhD students into companies and Defence. The program pairs second, and third-year STEM PhD students enrolled at DIN member universities with Australian businesses operating in defence-relevant areas.
During a three-month internship, students will get real hands-on experience in a defence setting, develop a network of contacts outside of academia, and receive a $20,000 top-up scholarship.
Why host an intern?
Access to expertise
Access to young talent, expertise and skills working at your premises.
Rapid results
Quick outcomes over 3 month results-driven R&D projects.
Minimal cost & administration
Cost-free, easy process and engagement, the company provides supervisor’s time only.
Connection with universities
Opportunity to create long-lasting connections with a university and student.
For Companies
For Students
How it works?
1. Apply to host an intern
Fill in the project application by 31 July 2025 and submit it to info@defenceinnovationnetwork.com
2. Apply to be an intern
Eligible PhD students will be invited to apply for published internship opportunities by submitting their CV and a motivation letter outlining their interest and suitability for the role.
3. Speed-Dating Interviews
Internship hosts and PhD students will participate in the DIN Internship “Speed-Dating” event, designed to help identify suitable internship matches through a series of short, structured meetings. The event is scheduled to take place in September or October (date to be confirmed).
4. Contracting
The agreements between industry partners and universities will be signed. DIN will transfer internship funding to student supervisors.
5. Internships start
Students will be placed to work on the projects with industry partners during the summer break between November 2025 – March 2026.
6. Reporting
Students and industry partners will be asked to complete a short report summarising internship outcomes and submit it to DIN.
Our Partner Universities
