Graduate meteorology

Graduate Meteorologist Program

Applications for the 2027 program are now open.

With our training and support, you'll be equipped with the qualification and skills to be part of the next generation of meteorologists at the Bureau.

As an employee doing our Graduate Meteorologist Program, you'll complete a Graduate Diploma in Meteorology. This is Australia's only internationally recognised meteorology qualification that meets the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standard.

Entering the program as a full-time, ongoing employee, you'll complete the 10-month intensive training course. At our training centre in Melbourne, you'll learn about:

• foundations of meteorology
• synoptic-scale meteorology – large-scale weather patterns
• mesoscale meteorology – medium-sized weather systems
• weather services and procedures.

On successful completion of the training, you'll move into one of our operational centres around the country. You'll develop your knowledge as you work with our expert meteorologists.

Salary and program details

• Graduate salary – $66,351 plus 15.4% superannuation.
• Location – 700 Collins Street, Melbourne.
• Dates – Employment starts January 2027, with training until November 2027 when you move into a meteorologist role.
• Employment status – Full-time on location.

Your work matters

Whether you’re issuing severe weather warnings or providing daily forecasts, as a meteorologist you'll play a vital role in the lives and businesses of everyday Australians. You'll have opportunities to support:

• aviation, defence and maritime industries
• emergency services
• Australia's Antarctic operations.

Discover what inspired some of our newer meteorologists to join us.

Program information session

Register for our information session at 2 pm AEDT on Wednesday 4 March 2026. Hear directly from our trainers and past graduates explaining what they do. Discover where a career in meteorology could take you.

You can also watch our 2025 information session on YouTube.

Eligibility

Australian citizens must have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in science, engineering or other field with studies in physics and maths. These must be 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. Before you apply, visit the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (Department of Education) website.

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 equal access to learning, development and career opportunities
• contribute confidently and authentically.

We welcome applications from graduates of all backgrounds. We strongly encourage graduates from groups historically under-represented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professions to apply. These groups include:

• 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

We also offer the Graduate Diploma of Meteorology on a fee-paying basis.

This is only available to students employed by a meteorological agency or another organisation, such as the Royal Australian Navy. The employer must pay the course costs.

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

The Graduate Diploma includes an extra unit about weather services and procedures.

Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists

The Basic Instruction Package is:

• the WMO-recognised qualification for meteorologists
• required by the International Civil Aviation Organization for aviation meteorologists.

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

The Bureau of Meteorology Training Centre is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS):

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

Course costs 2027

• A$37,634 for the Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists
• A$47,043 for the Graduate Diploma in Meteorology (includes the Basic Instruction Package)

Higher education student complaints

The Bureau of Meteorology Training Centre is a registered higher education provider and part of the Australian Public Service.

We have a grievance procedure for dealing with academic and non-academic complaints. We'll provide you with the details of these procedures on enrolment.

If you have exhausted our grievance procedure and are not satisfied with the outcome, you can contact the:

• Ombudsman
• Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

For more information visit the Australian Government Study Assist website.