Cadetship program

About the program

Our cadetship program develops and trains our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health leaders of the future.

You’ll get real life work experience doing a clinical or corporate placement while you study for your degree. You can do your placement in one of our many hospitals or health centres across Queensland.

About the cadetship

As a Queensland Health cadet, you’ll be employed as a temporary part time staff member for 12 months. During that time, you’ll do 60 days work experience in one of our health facilities.

Our placements will help:

• develop your knowledge and skills
• you succeed in your studies
• prepare you for your chosen career
• support you financially while you study.

You’ll also have valuable work experience you can add to your resume.

Your cadetship placement doesn't count towards your undergraduate degree. You’ll still have to do the clinical placements required as part of your degree.

On top of your salary, you’ll get a cadetship study and book allowance through the National Indigenous Australians Agency, which includes:

• up to $12,000 study allowance paid throughout the university year
• up to $1,000 book allowance paid in 2 x $500 payments at the beginning of each semester.

Hear from one of our cadets

My career journey began in high school when my mum and I discovered the Deadly Start traineeship program in Mackay. At the time, I wasn't entirely sure what career path I wanted to follow, but I knew I was passionate about working in health and making a difference in my community.

While completing my traineeship, I learned about the Queensland Health Cadetship Program. After being accepted into a Bachelor of Nursing at university, I applied for the cadetship and was thrilled to be offered a place in the program.

Looking back, the cadetship has opened doors I never imagined possible. If someone had told my high school self about the opportunities, experiences, and achievements I would have today, I wouldn't have believed them. The program provides ongoing support throughout my studies, helping me grow both professionally and personally.

One of the most rewarding aspects has been the opportunity to be part of Queensland Health's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce. The cadetship has given me valuable experience, meaningful connections, and the confidence to build a career in health while contributing to better outcomes for our communities.

Who can apply

Our cadetship is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples studying for their first full-time undergraduate degree at university.

Your degree can be any course that leads to a career in the health service, including:

• nursing
• midwifery
• allied health professions
• law
• information technology
• human resources
• marketing and communications
• finance
• policy.

You can complete a cadetship in any year of your studies. We encourage you to continue in the program until you finish your course.

Contact our team

If you have any questions or want to know more about the program, email our cadetships team: QHCadetship@health.qld.gov.au.