The observatory offers a limited number of work experience places to year 10, 11 and 12 students each year. These placements are typically 1 week in duration and the students work on an astronomical project under the supervision of professional astronomers. Aside from working on their project, work experience students also learn computing skills, attend departmental talks and will be talked with about university courses available and potential career paths. Subject to weather conditions and staff availability they are also usually invited to attend an evening stargazing session using the observatory's outreach telescopes.

Local, interstate, and international students are invited to apply. However, students outside Canberra must organise and pay for their own travel and accommodation arrangements. Please note that there is no public transport to the observatory. Work experience students must arrange their own transport.

The observatory receives many requests each year for work experience placements and therefore requires students to return an application form along with a teacher's reference (please see below). Students should be aware that it is highly competitive to obtain a placement and that many good students do not receive offers (students offered places typically have A grades in maths and science).

Work Experience applications are due at by 11 April 2025. 

If you have any questions, please email us at work-experience@mso.anu.edu.au 

Work experience application form

Teacher's work experience referee report

Please have a teacher email the referee’s report form (available to download on the RSAA Work Experience web page https://rsaa.anu.edu.au/study/work-experience) by the work experience application due date stated below. This needs to be sent directly by your teacher. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the referee report is received by the application deadline, else your application will not be considered