Indigenous Cadetships

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

Visit our Warumilang Jobs Hub to view all identified roles – including Indigenious Cadetships
CONTACT OUR SUPPORT TEAM

For further information or queries, please email the team at firstnationsjobs@aflsportsready.com.au
EXPRESS INTEREST TODAY

If you can’t find a cadetship opportunity that suits you on our jobs board, please complete an expression of interest form and one of our team members will reach out to assess your eligibility and match you with a suitable employer.

2026 Cadetship Expression of Interest Form
We invite you to express your interest in the Cadetship program. Your detailed responses will help the team identify individuals who align with the eligibility (as listed above). Please provide as much information as possible to ensure your consideration for upcoming opportunities. We appreciate your time and look forward to reviewing your submission.

Do you identify as an Indigenous Australian? * Do you identify as an Indigenous Australian?

Applicants for the Cadetship Program must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.

Are you an Australian resident? *

Are you currently enrolled in university? *

Are you enrolled in a full time capacity? (On campus or Online) *

What Undergraduate degree are you enrolled in? *

Name of University (and Campus) *

Have you previously completed an Undergraduate degree? *

Opportunities are available to applicants currently enrolled in an Australian undergraduate course.

Have you previously completed a Cadetship? *

Opportunities suited for applicants who are working to complete an undergraduate degree.

Which industry would you like to do your placement in?

How did you find out about Cadetships? *

First Name *

Surname *

Email *

Phone *

Suburb *

State *

Postcode

Captcha

If you are human, leave this field blank.

Step into your future with our Indigenous Cadetship Program, where academic growth meets real-world experience. This program is crafted to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander university students with hands on, paid opportunities that build essential workplace skills while you pursue your studies.

Our Cadetship Program has already supported hundreds of university students into meaningful careers, with strong outcomes that speak for themselves. The program is delivered in a culturally safe environment, with wrap-around support and flexibility built in.

Am I eligible?

Positions are open to students all around Australia. To be considered for a Cadetship you must meet the following criteria:

Be of Aboriginal Australian and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
Identify as an Aboriginal Australian and/or Torres Strait Islander
Be accepted as an Aboriginal Australian and/or Torres Strait Islander in the community in which they live or have lived
Be enrolled for full-time study (defined as at least 75% of the full-time study load) at a university located in Australia
Be enrolled in their first undergraduate degree course
Be studying full time (unless in your final year of study)
Be an Australian resident

We currently support students across a wide range of degrees. Some of the most popular areas of study are:

Health and Human Services
Education
Business / Commerce
Arts and Social Sciences
Law
Engineering and Information Technologies

Financial Support

Each Cadet receives per semester; a Study Allowance up to $6,815 and a Book Allowance of $524. Additionally, Cadets benefit from paid employment with their industry employer.

Industry Experience

Cadets are guaranteed a minimum of 50 days of paid employment per calendar year as part of their Cadetship, with flexible arrangements available and the opportunity to work additional days.

Professional Networks

The program is designed to provide hands-on experience, mentorship and networking opportunities to help cadets develop valuable skills and make informed decisions about their career paths. Many former Cadets have gone on to secure full-time positions with their employers.

Cultural Mentors

Every Cadet is paired with a dedicated Indigenous mentor offering cultural guidance, career advice and personal support.

FAQ’s

What is AFL SportsReady’s role in the Indigenous Cadetship Program

AFL SportsReady administers the cadetship program on behalf of the National Indigenous Australians Agency. It is our role to check candidate’s eligibility for the Cadetship program, match them with a suitable employer and pay the study and book allowance.
What should I do if I stop studying?

You should contact AFL SportsReady as soon as you stop or defer your studies to ensure you are not overpaid.
Can I receive Abstudy while on the Cadetship program?

Please contact Services Australia directly to discuss your personal circumstances to see how your earnings from the program may impact your Services Australia payments.
Do I get taxed on my Cadetship payments?

Yes, the paid study allowance is considered taxable income. Taxation is based on annual earnings, following the current tax system. To estimate the tax liability on your total earnings, you can use a website pay calculator.
How do I obtain a copy of my Group Certificate?

You can access your Group Certificate/income statement/payment summary via MyGov.

AFL SportsReady acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original custodians of this land and pays its respects to all First Nations peoples. We acknowledge the spiritual, physical and cultural connection Indigenous peoples have with country as the first people of the land.