The DIN Internship Program will place highly-skilled PhD students into companies and Defence. The program pairs second, and third-year 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
Available Internships
Throttle Design
Feasibility Study and Early-Stage Prototyping of Multi-Target Nanosensor Components for CBRNE Detection
Development of Omnis AI: Real-Time Spectral Anomaly Detection Engine
Observability of Distributed Digital Systems
Knowledge Extraction from Images using Artificial Intelligence
Knowledge Extraction from Unstructured Text with Large Language Models
Optical and Inertial Sensor Fusion on a mobile platform for Target Tracking
Wearable AI TAK Integration Force Multiplier for the Tactical Edge
AI and Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Workforce Analysis
Effect of ducting on RF interception & DF
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 are invited to apply for published internship opportunities by submitting their CV and a motivation letter outlining their interest and suitability for the role. Application due date is 14 September 2025.
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
