When
9 - 11 November 2026
Cohort
Year 9-10
Where
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Hobart
Cost
All costs covered
Explore Marine and Antarctic Science
The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) Work Experience Program provides Year 9 and Year 10 students with a unique opportunity to experience life as a marine or Antarctic scientist.
During 9-11 November 2026, students will gain firsthand insight into scientific research, laboratories, fieldwork, and career pathways through a range of hands-on activities led by IMAS researchers and staff.
Student will explore IMAS laboratories, teaching spaces, research facilities, and specialist equipment areas. Subject to weather and operational requirements, students may participate in field-based activities.
Application Process
High school students in Years 9-10 are eligible to apply.
IMAS uses a fair and equitable selection process designed to reflect real-world recruitment practices.
Students will be required to complete the IMAS Work Experience Program 2026 – Form. This includes a cover letter stating a little bit about yourself and your interests and why you would like to participate in the IMAS Work Experience Program. Please include any specific area of marine or Antarctic research you are interested in. Please send the cover letter to IMAS.workexperience@utas.edu.au.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a brief relaxed phone interview.
IMAS encourages applications from students across Tasmania's public and private school sectors.
Places are limited and applications are competitive.
Conditions
- Applications close Sunday 13 September 2026, midnight.
- All applicants will be informed of the outcome of the selection process by mid/late September
- We can only offer places to 15 students
Questions
If you have any questions about the IMAS Work Experience Program, please contact: IMAS.workexperience@utas.edu.au
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This program is open to Year 9 and Year 10 students who are required to complete work experience as part of their school curriculum.
The program will be delivered across our two IMAS sites in Battery Point, Salamanca and Taroona. Locations may include offices, teaching spaces, laboratories, and field settings where appropriate.
Over three days, students will:
- Participate in hands‑on science activities
- Learn about IMAS research across marine and Antarctic disciplines
- Take part in site and facility tours
- Hear directly from IMAS researchers and staff about careers in science
- Experience what a typical day in a scientific workplace can look like
Activities are structured, supervised, and age‑appropriate.
Field‑based activities may be included (for example, boat‑based or coastal activities), subject to weather, safety requirements, and staff availability. All activities comply with stringent safety and risk management requirements.
Places are limited and offered through a competitive and equitable selection process. Students will be required to:
- Submit an online application
- Provide a short cover letter
- Participate in a brief phone interview if shortlisted
Successful applicants will receive detailed information before the program, but students should expect to bring:
- Comfortable clothing and closed‑toe shoes
- Lunch, snack and water
- A willingness to participate, ask questions, and learn
Required personal protective equipment will be provided if applicable.
There is no cost to participate in the IMAS Work Experience Program. Students are responsible for their own transport to and from program locations.
Students are responsible for their own transport to and from program locations.
Students are supervised by IMAS staff at all times. The program is coordinated by a dedicated IMAS Work Experience contact person, who is the main point of contact for students and schools. All staff involved in the program will have a current Working with Vulnerable People registration.
If you have questions about the program or the application process, please contact:
IMAS.workexperience@utas.edu.au.
About IMAS
The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) at the University of Tasmania is internationally recognised for excellence in marine and Antarctic research.
Our education delivers first-class programs resulting in highly trained scientists and researchers serving the needs of academic institutions, industry, government and the community.
IMAS has three core research programs in Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ecology and Biodiversity, and Oceans, Ice and Climate.
Our vision is to be an internationally recognised centre of excellence for marine and Antarctic research and education, developing environmental understanding and facilitating sustainable development for the benefit of industry, governments and communities in Tasmania, Australia and the world.
We are working to address the major questions in temperate marine and Antarctic science, with research focused on living marine resources management, systems ecology, oceanographic connectivity and process dynamics and climate studies.
With collaborative partners across the globe, we deliver our research to government, industry, academic institutions and communities to inform resource management, conservation and climate change decision-making.