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 the innovation of Australian Defence. The program aims to promote partnerships between NSW universities and industry and help shape future research leaders who understand how to bring together 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, 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 an ultimate or penultimate engineering or science 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 2023 to March 2024. Start and end dates may vary on a case-by-case basis. 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?

Internships will take place at the premises of participating companies where possible students may be working remotely too.

Applications need to be submitted online and should include additional documents:

• 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 a “Speed-dating” event where they will be interviewed by multiple companies.

Companies and PhD students will then be matched based on their preferences, required skills and expertise.

Internships can start in November 2023, following the execution of the agreement between a company and a university. DIN will transfer the internship allowance to the student’s supervisor, who will arrange the payment for an individual student.