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 reference. 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 assessed per term. Your application will be assessed for each term you apply for and the outcome may vary per term (i.e. a successful application in one term may not be successful in all terms and vice versa). If applying for multiple terms, only one application is required.

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

Fill out an application form (Google form, requires sign-in)