Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Applications for 2025 admission to the Degree Apprenticeship program have closed. You can register your interest in a future intake of the program via the registration form above. 

Please note, applications for this program are via direct application to BAE Systems Australia, and not through 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.

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).

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.

You will be expected to be at your workplace and involved in the normal activities performed by an IT professional.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Please contact AiGroup Apprentice and Trainee Centre on 1300 761 944 or UniSA Future Student Enquiries on (08) 8302 2376.

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.

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.

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.

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

You must hold an Australian citizenship and be able to clear a National Police Certificate.

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.

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. 

You will typically complete this program over five years.

You will graduate with a Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours).

The following employers participated in the program for the 2024 intake:

• BAE Systems Australia
• Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC)
• Consunet

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.

The degree apprenticeship program may not be offered for mid-year intake in 2025.

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.