Student Information
Internship Application Process
The DIIP application process involves multiple selection steps. Each stage is described on this page to assist candidates to prepare effectively for each selection task.
1. Research the Defence Industry
It is strongly recommended that you research career pathways within the Australian defence industry to ensure you have a genuine interest in the DIIP and a potential desire to pursue graduate roles in the sector. As part of the selection process, applicants will be required to demonstrate both their interest in and suitability for these valuable internship opportunities.
2. Complete an Online Application
Using the Apply Now button on the DIIP website or the link provided in the DIIP job advertisements, you will be required to complete an online application to demonstrate your interest and suitability for the available internships. In addition, you will be asked to provide several documents to demonstrate your eligibility including a resume, evidence of citizenship, academic transcript, a nominated professional reference and any additional materials.
3. Video Screening Interview
Selected candidates will be invited to complete a video screening interview using an online technology. To complete this step, you will be asked three questions, to which your response will be recorded and reviewed by the DIIP selection team. As part of this experience, you will have the opportunity to practice using the technology and the ability to record your response multiple times.
4. Assessment Task
For candidates who are progressed after the video interview stage, you will be asked to complete a brief defence industry case study analysis, requiring approximately 90 minutes of effort. A link will be provided to complete the assessment task, and all candidates will receive feedback on their case study submissions.
5. Individual Interview
After the assessment task, short listed candidates will be invited to attend an individual interview as the final selection step. This one-on-one interview will be scheduled on Teams and will run for approximately 30 minutes covering a series of questions confirming each applicant’s interest, suitability and availability.
6. Reference Checks
The final stage of the selection process is a reference check, which will involve a phone call with your nominated professional referee. A professional referee is someone who can speak to your suitability for the DIIP, based on your academic, professional, or internship experience. Suitable referees may include academic staff (lecturers, tutors), employers, previous internship supervisors, or professional mentors. Please include each referee’s name, role/title, organisation, email, and mobile number. You are encouraged to provide more than one referee, if possible.
7. Defence Industry Host and Intern Matching
Based on your study discipline, your unique capabilities, your internship preferences and your career intentions, the DIIP selection team will carefully match you with an Industry Host. This process will ensure strong alignment between your background and requirements, and that of the Defence Industry organisation to ensure that the placement is mutually beneficial and rewarding.
8. Internship Onboarding
Successful applicants will be contacted by the DIIP selection team to confirm the details of their internship arrangements, including the identification of their Industry Host, an internship plan and formal employment offer. Interns will commence their 12-week (450-hour) placements at an agreed start date from December 2025, with all placements completed by the end of May 2026.
