More opportunities open for women to study STEM

Women in a hijab using a microscope

This story was first published on Wednesday 1 March 2023. If you wish to use this content, please contact media@education.gov.au to confirm that the information is still current.

The Women in STEM program supports women to study a STEM qualification through the Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills are key to boosting productivity, creating job opportunities, and growing Australia’s economy. Encouraging women to consider a career in STEM is one of the ways we can build a skilled workforce.

The Australian Government has committed $25.1 million to support up to 600 women in paid employment to study a STEM qualification through the Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program. Under the program, women are being supported to pursue pre-bachelor STEM qualifications part-time while continuing their careers.

Currently 16 approved higher education providers are designing and delivering STEM courses for women across Australia, including in regional areas, as part of the program.

In addition to providing grant funding to approved higher education providers, the program supports students’ participation in the program by providing grants of up to $5,000 to employers to encourage flexible working arrangements and contribute towards the cost of studies.

Women can talk to their employers today about participating in the program. A list of approved courses and university contact details is available on the Approved providers and courses page.

More information about the program can be found in the Higher Education Support (Other Grants) Guidelines 2022, or the program’s Frequently Asked Questions page.


Correct at time of publication.