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Graduate Meteorologist Program

Applications for the 2027 program open in March/April 2026.

We're the only Australian education provider to offer an internationally recognised Graduate Diploma in Meteorology that meets the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standard.

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.

Entering the program as a full-time, ongoing employee with the Bureau, 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.

On successful completion of the training, you'll transition into one of our operational centres, developing knowledge as you work with our experts.

Video: Your weather career starts here

Take your science skills out of the classroom and into the real world with our Graduate Meteorologist Program.
This was me when I graduated the Graduate Meteorologist Program in 2014. And this is me now.

After studying meteorology in Melbourne, I worked in Darwin for five years and now I run a team in Brisbane. My team of meteorologists, hydrologists, and climatologists work each day to help Emergency Services and the Australian community make informed decisions.

No matter the weather, my team and I are there. Be it bushfire, storms and cyclones, or floods. So if you want to be there when it matters most for all Australians, then take your science skills out of the classroom and into the real world.

So apply now for the Graduate Meteorologist Program. Your weather career starts here.

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. Visit the Department of Education for qualification assessment 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 equal access to 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

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 2026

  • A$36,324 for the Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists
  • A$45,405 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.

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