An Australia-first university apprenticeship and pathway to a career in STEM | UniSA

In response to the Australian Universities Accord’s call for innovative pathways to university for people not currently engaging with higher education, UniSA has launched Australia’s first higher degree apprenticeship program:  the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours). This program blends academic study with work-integrated learning, giving students the opportunity to earn while they learn in real-world settings.

Students are employed full-time from day one, working alongside mentors at leading companies like BAE Systems, while also studying. This hands-on experience, combined with academic rigor, ensures they graduate as work-ready, experienced software engineers.

The program addresses the challenges of attracting diverse students to STEM fields by removing financial barriers – students receive a salary and don’t incur additional debt. With high demand for the first cohort, this unique model has proven its value, leading to the creation of degree apprenticeships.  

Created in partnership with industry partners including BAE and the AI Group, and supported by the South Australian government, the success of the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) has prompted SA’s Department of State Development to issue a call for expressions of interest to establish additional degree apprenticeships in the state.

Finalists - Professor Tom Raimondo, Dr Jo Zucco, Associate Professor Stewart Von Itzstein