What is DIN Internship Program?

The DIN Internship Program is designed for PhD students who want to gain hands-on experience working on real-world solutions and contribute to Australian Defence’s innovation. The program aims to promote partnerships between DIN member universities and industry and help shape future research leaders who understand how to combine academic knowledge and industry needs to create new technologies.

During a 3-month internship (12 weeks), you will work on a project that fits your interests and experience. DIN will provide $20,000 to cover your living expenses while undertaking your internship.

Why participate?

An internship allows you to expand your skill set and apply your academic knowledge in a new way to solve an industry-defined problem.

You will develop communication, time management, and collaboration skills and have an opportunity to expand your network to new contacts outside of academia. An internship can also raise your profile and employability and open endless possibilities in a competitive job market.

Who is eligible?

The program is open to PhD candidates enrolled in the second or third year at any DIN member university and who meet the eligibility criteria:

• Be enrolled in a PhD course at a DIN member university and have satisfactory progress to date.
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident with a long-term commitment to stay in Australia.
• Be able to commit to the 3-month internship.

When will the internship start?

Internships will run during the summer break between November 2024 to March 2025. Start and end dates may vary on a case-by-case basis and depend on the agreement between the student and the company. Students must commit to working full-time (35 hours per week) on the project during their internship, which must be approved by their supervisor.

What is the location?

Where possible, internships will take place at the premises of participating companies; students may also work remotely.

Applications need to be submitted online, and additional documents should be emailed to info@defenceinnovationnetwork.com:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation Letter
• Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residence
  (e.g. passport, birth certificate, citizenship or PR certificate)
• Supervisor Support Letter

What will happen next?

• DIN will review and verify student applications against the selection criteria.
• Successful candidates will be invited to attend interviews.
• Companies and PhD students will then be matched based on their preferences, required skills and expertise.
• Internships can start upon the execution of the agreement between a company, a student and a university. DIN will transfer the internship allowance to the student’s supervisor, and the student’s university will arrange the payment to the student.