Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
UniSA has partnered with the Government of South Australia and major industry partners, such as BAE Systems Australia, to create an Australia-first degree apprenticeship to meet the state's fast-growing demand for software engineers.
Through the Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship program, you will study UniSA’s professionally accredited* Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) degree over five years while having a paid position working for one of our industry partners.
This unique combination of paid work and study that is co-delivered by UniSA and your host employer, allows for immersive on-the-job training ensuring that you graduate with the knowledge and skills required of a software engineer. You will earn while you learn and graduate as an experienced software engineer.
Applications to study the program in 2025 are now open, closing on 11 October 2024. You can submit your application here.
If you're an employer interested in taking part in the degree apprenticeship program, or to find out more information, please contact stemdegreeapprenticeship@unisa.edu.au
*Professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
FAQs
-
How do I apply?
Applications for 2025 admission to the Degree Apprenticeship program are now open, closing on Friday 11 October 2024. You can submit your application here.
Please note, applications for this program are via direct application to BAE Systems Australia, and not through SATAC.
-
Do I need to put my preferences in via SATAC?
We recommend that you put in your SATAC preferences as you normally would with UniSA Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) (SATAC Code 434211) as preference 1. If you are not selected to be part of this Apprenticeship Program, your SATAC preferences will still be considered.
-
Do I need to be an Australian citizen?
You must be an Australian citizen and be able to clear a National Police Certificate (you will be asked to complete this as a part of the admission process).
-
Do I study the same courses as the standard on-campus Software Engineering students?
You will be employed by your industry partner and released from work to attend university.
The majority of courses will be the same as UniSA’s on-campus Software Engineering degree; however, students in this program will undertake a portion of their degree directly in their workplace.
-
What do I do when I'm not on-campus?
You will be expected to be at your workplace and involved in the normal activities performed by an IT professional.
-
What are the advantages of enrolling in a Degree Apprenticeship?
As an apprentice, you will be paid while you gain job-specific training and experience. It will set you up for a great career and you'll play a part in creating the next generation of products and services.
You’ll earn a salary while working towards an internationally recognised qualification. You will be supported by your peers, colleagues and university, and have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects with people who are leaders in their field.
-
Can I apply if I already have a degree?
Yes, you can. However, if you’ve already achieved qualifications at the same or higher level in a similar discipline, this program may not benefit you. There are a range of other opportunities, including graduate programs, for qualified and passionate people that you can explore here: study.unisa.edu.au/information-technology
-
What happens if I lose my employment with the industry partner?
No matter what happens, the courses that you have completed in your degree will be recognised in the on-campus version of the Software Engineering degree.
Your apprenticeship is underpinned by a formal Training Contract that can only be changed by mutual agreement of the apprentice and the employer. All variations must be approved by the South Australian Government (Traineeship and Apprenticeship Services) before any changes come into effect.
If you or your employer want to terminate the Training Contract and you want to continue in the apprenticeship, you can apply to another provider to continue your apprenticeship with one of the other host employers. You will need to sign a new Training Contract and begin a new probationary period. Alternately, you can enrol in UniSA’s on-campus Software Engineering program with credit for courses already completed.
-
What is a Training Contract?
The Training Contract is the legally binding and formal agreement between the host employer and apprentice. It sets out key obligations of both the apprentice and employer, training and supervision requirements (e.g. specifying the qualification), duration of the training and probationary period. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must also sign the Training Contract.
-
What happens if I fail courses in my degree?
You will need to make new study arrangements with your host employer and UniSA. You and your host employer may also need to submit an application to the South Australian Government to vary the length of your Training Contract.
-
How will apprentices be selected?
Applications will be shortlisted on merit, and then face-to-face interviews conducted with a panel comprised of host employers to ensure a good fit.
-
How much will I be paid?
Wages for the first three years are based on the Miscellaneous Award 2020 plus additional 5%. The final two years will be at a minimum of the Miscellaneous Award 2020 rate plus additional 5%.
Apprentices will be responsible for payment of the student tuition fees, for which they will be eligible to apply for FEE-HELP. Some employers may choose to cover or reimburse student tuition fees, but this will depend on the employment contract between the employer and the apprentice, and consistent with the industrial arrangements covering the enterprise’s operations.
-
Who do I contact with questions about the program?
Please contact AiGroup Apprentice and Trainee Centre on 1300 761 944 or UniSA Future Student Enquiries on (08) 8302 2376.
-
Do I need to be on campus or is the program delivered online?
Most courses will be delivered in person at UniSA’s Mawson Lakes campus. Your study release pattern will be documented in your official Training Plan.
-
What is a Training Plan?
A Training Plan is an official government document that is agreed by you, your employer and UniSA and sets out the courses you will study, the hours you can spend at university for study, and your study time release patterns. You can find a sample Higher Education Training Plan at the bottom of this webpage.
-
What are the entry requirements for the degree?
For admission in 2025, you must have completed or be due to complete a SA Certificate of Education in 2024 with anticipated ATAR score of 72 or higher. There are a number of alternate study pathways which are detailed on UniSA’s Software Engineering degree information page.
-
What are the personal qualities that we are looking for?
To give yourself the best chance of success, you should:
- Have a positive outlook and enthusiasm to grow and develop as a software engineer
- Demonstrate initiative to solve problems and engage in the activities provided in the workplace and university
- Have an interest in technology and helping people solve problems
-
Are there any restrictions on entry for the degree apprenticeship program?
You must hold an Australian citizenship and be able to clear a National Police Certificate.
-
How much does it cost?
Your out-of-pocket university fees will be covered by your employer, and you will be paid an apprentice salary.
Apprentices will be responsible for payment of the student tuition fees, for which they will be eligible to apply for FEE-HELP. Some employers may choose to cover or reimburse student tuition fees, but this will depend on the employment contract between the employer and the apprentice, and consistent with the industrial arrangements covering the enterprise’s operations.
-
Do I need to wait for my year 12 results before applying?
No. Applications for the 2025 intake will close before you receive your 2024 Year 12 results. Your academic results will be reviewed through the interview process to ensure that you meet the academic requirements.
-
How long do I need to study for?
You will typically complete this program over five years.
-
What degree will I finish with?
You will graduate with a Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours).
-
What organisation will I work at if I am successful in gaining entry into this program?
The following employers participated in the program for the 2024 intake:
-
Will I still be employed after I finish my degree?
You will be on a fixed term contract for the five year duration of your apprenticeship. In your final year, your employer will have a discussion with you about becoming a full time permanent employee after you have completed your apprenticeship.
-
Will the degree apprenticeship program have a mid-year intake?
The degree apprenticeship program may not be offered for mid-year intake in 2025.
-
Can I get credit for prior study?
As this program is delivered as a five-year apprenticeship, prior study may not be able to be taken into consideration for the inaugural cohort.