Graduate Meteorologist Program


A world-class meteorology qualification

Applications will open in mid-2025

Our graduate program pays you to study for a Graduate Diploma in Meteorology. It's Australia's only meteorology qualification that meets the standard of the World Meteorological Organization.

Our training and support will equip you with the qualification and skills to be part of the next generation of Bureau meteorologists.

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During the program

You wil enter the Graduate Meteorologist Program as a full-time, ongoing Bureau employee. There you'll be paid as you complete the 10-month intensive training course.

At the Bureau Meteorological Training Centre in Melbourne, you'll study:

  • foundations of meteorology
  • synoptic-scale meteorology
  • mesoscale meteorology
  • weather services and procedures.

Find out more about a day in the life of a graduate meteorologist on the  Prosple website.

After the program

Upon successful completion of the program you'll be posted to one of our operational centres across Australia as a full-time Bureau meteorologist. You'll be paired with experienced staff for at least 2-3 months to help you further develop the skills and knowledge you learnt in the course as you learn the intricacies of your role.

Successful graduates are placed in roles which service a range of industries, including:

  • forecasting and warnings for emergency services
  • supporting the Australian Defence Force
  • providing services to domestic and international aviation customers
  • supporting Australia's Antarctic operations
  • providing services to the energy and resource sector
  • offering services for the maritime industry
  • decision support services to a variety of specialised agencies.

Many of the postings are in capital cities but can include rural locations depending on your role. If you need to relocate for your new position it will be paid for by the Bureau.

Role requirements also differ, with some including shift work.

Graduate Meteorologist Program online information session

Watch the 2024 information session on YouTube. Past graduates explain what they do and where a career in meteorology could take you.

During the information session you'll learn about:

  • our Graduate Diploma in Meteorology
  • your possible career outcomes
  • how to apply.

Eligibility and entry requirements

Australian citizens must have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in science, engineering or other field with studies in physics and mathematics from a recognised university or tertiary institution.

Copies of your academic transcripts, must be submitted as part of your online application.

If you studied overseas you need to provide evidence that your qualifications are equivalent to these standards and provide this in English. Visit the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition before applying.

Our commitment to equality

We value a diverse and inclusive workplace, celebrating every individual’s background. This contributes to our collective success.

We work to create a workplace where graduates thrive, learn and build confidence. Our leadership team wants all graduates to:

  • feel included
  • have equitable access to growth opportunities learn and grow.

We encourage applications from graduates not traditionally represented in these programs. This includes from:

  • women
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
  • people with disability.

If you have questions about accessibility or want assistance, we are ready to support you. To discuss your options, contact us.

Everyone has the right to employment. We recognise some groups need extra support to enjoy their rights on an equal basis. Find out more on the Australian Public Service Commission's RecruitAbility page.


Graduate Diploma of Meteorology

In addition to our Graduate Meteorologist Program, we also offer the Graduate Diploma of Meteorology on a fee-paying basis.

This stand-alone course is only available to students employed by a meteorological agency or another organisation (such as the Royal Australian Navy) or international students employed by their country's meteorological agency. Your employer must pay the course costs.

Course overview

You can enrol in either the Graduate Diploma of Meteorology (4 units) or the Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists (the first 3 units of the Graduate Diploma).

The Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists includes the WMO-recognised qualification for meteorologists and is required by the International Civil Aviation Organization for aviation meteorologists.

The Graduate Diploma covers the above, but also includes an extra unit about weather services and procedures.

Entry requirements for international students

You must be employed by your country's meteorological agency to be eligible. They must pay your course fees and living expenses.

You also must have minimum results on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS):

  • 550 for a paper-based TOEFL
  • 213 for a computer based TOEFL
  • 6.5 IELTS

CRICOS details

  • CRICOS Provider 02015K
  • Graduate Diploma in Meteorology CRICOS Course Code 033984D

Course costs

Course costs for 2024 are:

  • A$30,320 for the Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists
  • A$37,485 for the Graduate Diploma in Meteorology (includes the Basic Instruction Package)

How to apply for the Graduate Diploma of Meteorology

Expressions of interest for the Graduate Diploma of Meteorology can be submitted via email to graduatemets@bom.gov.au


More information

  • Find out more about the Graduate Diploma, including campuses, staff, student services, and entry requirements on our Graduate Diploma in Meteorology web page
  • View our current career opportunities on our jobs list
  • Register to receive our Job Alert emails and keep informed of Bureau career opportunities.
Contact Details
Recruitment Manager
Bureau of Meteorology
GPO Box 1289
Melbourne, Victoria, 3001 Australia
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