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Real research.
Real defence work.
Real scholarships.

DICP places undergraduate STEM students from Adelaide and Flinders universities into defence-aligned WIL roles across South Australia - backed by scholarships of up to $7,500 and project-officer support end-to-end.

Read more about the DICP program

For Students

Up to $7,500 scholarship + a defence-aligned WIL placement.

Start your application

For Host Companies

$2,500 grant per intern.
Zero hassle.

Become a host

South Australian Defence Industry Connection Program (DICP) is one of the 22 state-supported initiatives under South Australian Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Action Plan designed to support the defence industry and its suppliers to build the in-demand skills, knowledge and experience through work-based learning opportunities for university students and addressing areas of skill shortage.

Funded by the South Australian Government, and valued at $3.9 million, this 4-year program is being delivered by Australian Industry Group, the nation’s most experienced employer association, supporting organisations in established and emerging sectors including defence.

For Students

Up to $7,500 scholarship + a defence-aligned WIL placement.

Are you an Australian citizen and undergraduate student enrolled at Adelaide or Flinders University with an interest in being awarded a government-funded scholarship while gaining a work integrated learning experience within the defence industry?

If yes, learn more about the Defence Industry Connection Program here.

Start your application

For Host Companies

Up to $7,500 grant per intern.

Are you an organisation working in the South Australian defence industry and interested in hosting undergraduate students for unpaid internships to undertake defence related tasks?

If yes, learn more about the funding and support available to your organisation through the Defence Industry Connection Program here.

Become a host

From students and hosts

Besides the terrific service from Australian Industry Group as a whole - One good thing is that everything is set up for us and we do not need to put a lot of time in to manage the process between the universities and Australian Industry Group.

Australian Industry Group Host Partner

Really impressed with this program and would like to continue to be part of this program next year. Thanks for your help and support.

Host Industry Partner

I liked the flexibility to interview and onboard candidates immediately rather than waiting for the full candidate pool to be finalised. This allowed us to identify and secure strong talent early, enabling the intern to begin contributing to projects sooner.

Host Industry Partner

The communication was excellent and the in-person site visits were really important to start the relationship between the student and DICP coordinator. The email check-in every 2-3 months were pleasant to receive and as a student, I felt like I had someone to contact if I had any issues with my placement.

Rory B.

Flinders University Student

This is an excellent program, helping us and students.

Host Industry Partner

As a small start-up organisation does not have the resources to fund placements; through the program we are able to attract the most talented students to conduct placements.

Host Industry Partner

It was very beneficial to participate in the DICP scholarship process. The support I received, especially before securing a placement, was really important to me. It elevated my confidence and resulted in a highly positive industry experience.

Arran W.

Flinders University Student

I like doing things with a purpose – not necessarily just to make money or meet company goals, but something that has actual impact. As a student in today’s climate, there is pressure to get a secure job. Defence is the kind of field that is not going to be redundant anytime soon. ...I’ve genuinely learned so much since I started.

Gabrielle G.

Flinders University Student

As newcomers to this program, we were very happy with the support both in persona and financial. We will likely come direct to you to seek our next placement student.

Host Industry Partner

Thank you to Australian Industry Group for helping me land my initial internship at Praetorian Aeronautics through the DICP — a fantastic entry point into the defence industry and into life beyond university. The practical insights I've gained have been invaluable, adding tools to my kit that I'm already applying in my current role and personal projects. Thanks to both teams for the warm welcome and the opportunity — I'm excited to carry these skills into my future career.

Dylan S.

Adelaide University Student