The government is funding courses for people to work on its nuclear submarine program. 

In an attempt to bolster the workforce for the AUKUS submarine program, the Albanese Government has announced the availability of 4,000 new Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) for students pursuing STEM courses. 

These additional CSPs are aimed at fostering talent in fields such as engineering, mathematics, chemistry, and physics.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, says the students will play a pivotal role in Australia’s military future. 

“At the centre of the success of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines will be the people who build them,” he said. 

Jason Clare, Minister for Education, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need for more young Australians to study STEM subjects. 

“We need more young Australians studying STEM subjects and developing the skills we need for the AUKUS program,” he said. 

The Albanese Government is set to inject $128.5 million over the course of four years to fund these additional university places. 

Among the 4,000 new spots, 800 will be allocated to universities in South Australia, in alignment with the Cooperation Agreement that supports the construction of submarines in Adelaide.

Universities interested in applying for these CSPs can find further information on the application process on the Department of Education's website.