The National Intelligence Community offers scholarships for students considering intelligence careers, as well as scholarship and fellowship opportunities for current staff. Some agencies also offer cadetships, apprenticeships and internships to those still studying.


National Intelligence Community and ANU National Security College women's scholarships

The ANU National Security College and National Intelligence Community award scholarships for women undertaking postgraduate study at ANU. The recipients are awarded full-fee sponsorship to undertake the Master of National Security Policy degree(Opens in a new tab/window).

The National Intelligence Community and National Security College scholarships have been established to foster the talent of Australian women from diverse backgrounds interested in national security and pursuing a career in the national intelligence community. They provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the College’s programs and provide an opportunity to women who may otherwise be unable to undertake a Master of National Security Policy degree.

The objectives of the Award are to foster the talent of Australian women with a diverse background and skillset who are interested in national security and pursuing a career in the national intelligence community, to showcase the College's programs for high achievers, and to provide an opportunity to standout women who may otherwise be unable to undertake a Master of National Security Policy degree. The Master of National Security Policy offers a distinct combination of academic rigour and practical policy education to prepare students for careers in national security.

Funding for these scholarships has been generously provided by the following National Intelligence Community agencies: the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO), Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO), Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) and the Office of National Intelligence (ONI).

Further information on these scholarships(Opens in a new tab/window)


Australian Government digital cadet program

Several NIC agencies participate in the Australian Government digital cadetship program. Further information is available. 

The Digital Cadet Program is a great way to explore digital and technology-related careers. Make use of your degree and interests while gaining valuable industry experience, solving problems and making a difference to the Australian community.

Enjoy meaningful paid work located at selected university campuses in Darwin, Townsville or Newcastle while continuing to study. Once you’ve finished your degree, you will be offered an ongoing full-time job with the Australian Public Service.

Further information on the digital cadetship program(Opens in a new tab/window)


Recanati-Kaplan Foundation Fellowship

The National Intelligence Community supports staff participating in the Recanati-Kaplan Foundation Fellows Program at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School.  

Since 2012 the Belfer Center has hosted a small, select group of active intelligence officers from the US and foreign intelligence services for a full academic year of study at Harvard University. The purpose of the fellowship is to help prepare the next generation of intelligence leaders for positions of increasing responsibility when they return to their organisations. In return, fellows bring a wealth of practical experience and knowledge to the University. The Recanati-Kaplan Fellows develop a course of study and a research focus that suits their needs and meets the fellowship’s main goals of learning the tools of applied history, strengthening their skills and knowledge base, and preparing for senior leadership roles in the intelligence community.

Be the difference. Make the difference.

A career with the National Intelligence Community offers unlimited opportunities and unrivalled impact.