Indigenous cadetship programs

The National Indigenous Cadetship Program

The National Indigenous Cadetship Program (NICP) is a Commonwealth government initiative coordinated by the Department of Education and Workplace Relations with assistance from the Public Service Commission.

As part of the programme you will receive a study allowance while you undertake your course, and be paid while you undertake a work placement with an employer in your field. Cadetships are not means-tested and are valuable for Indigenous students who do not qualify for other government assistance. Cadetship payments affect Abstudy and other government assistance. The conditions for Cadetships can vary slightly from organisation to organisation but generally speaking students need to be studying an undergraduate full time degree at an Australian tertiary institution and be prepared to work in the sponsoring organisation full-time for twelve weeks each year during their holidays.

For further information regarding this initiative and to join the register visit the NICP website or phone 1802 102 (toll free) or email them at nicp@deewr.gov.au.

A number of government departments and organisations offer Indigenous cadetships and maintain information on their websites so that students can apply directly. Some departments take students from a range of disciplines. Cadetships are often advertised in the Koori Mail and National Indigenous Times so it is worth watching out for them.

Remember! Some Departments and organisations offer Cadetships every year, others do not. Some information on websites does not indicate this and may be out of date. It is worth revisiting sites during the year to see if the information is updated. Jumbunna student support staff can assist you to find correct and up to date information.