Name: Department of State Development
Price range: $

Universities registered and operating in South Australia are invited to apply for grant funding to support the establishment of Degree Apprenticeship pilot programs.

Joint South Australian Government and Australian Government funding of $600,000 per pilot program is available to support eligible universities to establish degree apprenticeship programs for defence industry-aligned disciplines – including engineering and project management qualifications.

An Australian first, the unique degree apprenticeship model is an initiative of the SA Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Report, designed to equip more South Australians with the STEM skills and experience required for defence industry careers.

Students combine their university studies with paid industry placements (an apprenticeship).

To date, two Degree Apprenticeship pilot programs have been established by local universities in partnership with government and industry:

Prospective students, or businesses looking to host a degree apprentice, are encouraged to contact a participating South Australian university to get involved.

Read the guidelines

How to apply

Expressions of interest

Before applying, the university is encouraged to consult with the Department of State Development, Department of Defence, and the South Australian Skills Commission to discuss the intent and proposed scope of the pilot Program. To initiate the engagement, the university needs to submit a brief Expression of Interest to defenceindustryworkforce@sa.gov.au. Lead industry partner(s) are encouraged to attend the initial engagement that will follow the EOI being submitted.

Upon submission of the EOI and the initial engagement, the university may be asked to provide a detailed submission addressing the assessment criteria.

Should a detailed submission be sought, in parallel the lead defence industry partner will be expected to prepare and submit an application to the South Australian Skills Commission to have the qualification declared as a vocation (traineeship) or a trade (apprenticeship) in South Australia. The lead industry partner will also engage with the relevant union to ensure industrial relations compliance and equity of conditions across employers.

Expressions of interest are now open until 1 June 2026.

Formal application

To apply, submit the proposal via email to defenceindustryworkforce@sa.gov.au, addressing all eligibility and assessment criteria and include all necessary attachments.

The university is responsible for making sure the proposal is complete and accurate. The Evaluation Panel may ask for clarification and/or additional information.

Submit your expression of interest

Expressions of interest can be made by emailing the Defence Industry Workforce team.

Read the guidelines below to learn more about eligibility criteria, expressions of interest, and how to apply.

Read the guidelines

Contact Defence Industry Workforce team

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Supporting business and industry through strategic programs, projects and initiatives.

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Degree Apprenticeship Pilot Programs

Universities registered and operating in South Australia are invited to apply for grant funding to support the establishment of Degree Apprenticeship pilot programs.

How to apply

Expressions of interest

Formal application

Submit your expression of interest

Partnering with business and industry across key focus areas for economic growth in South Australia.

Supporting business and industry through strategic programs, projects and initiatives.

Delivering sustainable economic growth and a resilient economy through the development of creative, innovative and productive businesses and industries in South Australia.

Explore the latest news, events and insights from South Australia's industry, academia and business community.

Degree Apprenticeship Pilot Programs

Universities registered and operating in South Australia are invited to apply for grant funding to support the establishment of Degree Apprenticeship pilot programs.

How to apply

Expressions of interest

Formal application

Submit your expression of interest

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