The Vacation Employment Program allows current university students to gain paid work experience during semester breaks.
These are short-term entry-level roles to start building your resume before you graduate.
Who can apply
To be eligible to apply, you should:
- be a current full-time or part-time tertiary education student at an Australian university
- provide evidence of enrolment in continuous study at an Australian university
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or hold a visa with appropriate working rights.
Why apply
These are short-term entry-level roles to start building your resume before you graduate.
Key program features and benefits:
- equivalent of an annual starting salary of $62,069, and access to NT Government benefits
- start your career and build your network
- work with teams and projects in your field of study or area of interest
- connect with peers and learn from experts
- tackle real-world challenges with support and mentoring
- apply your knowledge and skills with meaningful outcomes.
This program also offers a pathway into the Graduate Development Program, or other opportunities with the NT Government.
Key 2026 dates
Mid-year program
Applications open | 19 January 2026 |
Applications close | 15 February 2026 |
Program runs | June to August 2026 |
End-of-year program
Applications open | 03 August 2026 |
Applications close | 30 August 2026 |
Program runs | November 2026 to March 2027 |
How to apply
Your application should include:
- CV/Resume with 2 references from an Australian Organisation or Business
- One page summary (cover letter)
- Most recent Australian University results or transcript
- Any previous qualifications (if any)
- Proof of enrolment before and after break e.g. transcript going into the next semester or Confirmation of Enrolment or supporting letter from the University
- Statutory of declaration of eligibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents
- Confirmation of Aboriginality within the first 3 months of employment if under special measures
Application stages
- Apply: Submit your application through the online form above.
- Shortlist: If your application is found to meet the eligibility criteria, it will be shortlisted for review and matched to one or more NT Government departments. More than one department may contact you.
- Reference checks: We will contact your referees.
- Interview: An interview will be scheduled if your application progresses to this stage.
- Outcome: The Early Careers team will notify you of the outcome.
Short-term experience, long-term possibilities.
Success stories
Sevasti - Vacation Employment Program
Tithira - Vacation Employment Program