Grad Girls supports and empowers women and gender-diverse tertiary STEM students by bridging the gap between studies and the next step in their career. Enhance your skills with the essential career skills that employers value, and graduate feeling job ready!
brisbane 2027 opening soon
Apply for Sydney 2027
Apply for Victoria 2027
Who we are
Grad Girls is a nine-month program proudly run by Women 4 STEM, designed to inspire, empower, and prepare the next generation of gender diversity in STEM.
Through group mentorship, hands-on learning, and exclusive industry experiences, Grad Girls helps participants build confidence, expand their networks, and gain the skills needed to thrive.
Our mission is simple – to ensure that every Grad Girl leaves the program ready to step boldly into their chosen industry, knowing they belong there.
About the program
The Grad Girls program runs annually from February to October. Over nine transformative months, participants take part in a dynamic mix of in-person and virtual experiences including events, webinars, and interactive workshops – all designed to build skills, confidence, and career readiness.
Open to women and gender-diverse tertiary STEM students from any accredited institute such as university, TAFE, or private college. Grad Girls offers a supportive pathway from study to a successful career in STEM.
Our partners
We collaborate with leading businesses and industry professionals to give our participants real-world exposure to the opportunities available in their chosen industries.
Through these partnerships, Grad Girls students gain access to internships, graduate roles, and career opportunities with our corporate partners – turning what they learn in the program into meaningful first steps in their STEM careers.
Together with our industry partners, we’re building pathways to empower the next generation of gender equity in STEM.
What do employees look for?
Your grades are important to get you in the door, but did you know, employers don’t only care about your grades? They want to know about your employability skills!
- Motivation
- Taking initiative
- Communication skills
- Time management skills
- Conflict management skills
- Proactiveness
- Teamwork
- Personal growth & development skills and inclination
What’s included
The Grad Girls program offers a rich blend of learning, group mentoring, and industry engagement designed to prepare you for your first steps into a tech career. Throughout the nine months, you’ll gain:
- 💡 Exclusive industry insights – go behind the scenes at leading organisations through in-person events and workshops.
- 👩🏫 Personal and professional development – guidance on building your personal brand, crafting a standout CV, and creating a professional LinkedIn profile that reflects your goals and strengths.
- 🎓 Career pathway support – explore industry verticals and gain clarity on which direction aligns best with your ambitions.
- 🔄 Future-focused learning – understand how to stay relevant in a rapidly changing technology landscape and how to continuously upskill.
- 🤝 Networking and connection – meet mentors, peers, and industry professionals who can inspire and guide you on your journey.
And so much more! Every Grad Girl leaves the program with the confidence, community, and knowledge to take the next step toward a thriving STEM career.
Get Your Hands on Exclusive Grad Girls Gifts and More!
Participants will receive a Grad Girls merch bag at the beginning of your journey, at the Kick-Off event, plus other giveaways and opportunities throughout the year!
- Giveaways donated by our amazing partners
- Access to our other FREE webinars to enhance your learning and experience
- Tickets to professional networking events
- A gift at the end of the program graduation
- And much more!
Did you know?
22%
of tertiary-qualified STEM jobs are held by women
550,000
extra degree-qualified STEM professionals Australia needs by 2035
16%
gender pay gap in STEM industries, wider still for women from culturally diverse backgrounds
1 in 3
STEM professionals expect to leave their sector
Sources: Australian Government, STEM Equity Monitor (2025 and 2026 editions); Science & Technology Australia, STEM Workforce Analysis, 2026; Jobs and Skills Australia, Gender Economic Equality Study, 2025
So, what sets us apart?
Exclusive insight
Step inside leading STEM companies, learn from senior leaders and meet the people who hire grads
Direct support
A community of leaders who back you throughout the program and help you build the skills to move your career forward
A space built for you
Practise networking, interviews and public speaking in a supportive, judgement-free environment where you can own your story
1,500
students supported over the last eight years
80%
of 2026 participants felt career ready
40+
industry partners engaged, many of whom hired from our cohorts
Testimonials
“It has absolutely given me much more confidence as I begin to pave my own path in the tech industry… The community is so supportive and welcoming, and I truly feel a sense of belonging.”
– 2026 Grad Girls Participant
“There are two reasons we decided to partner with Grad Girls. We have an internship program where we would love to have more female representation within those cohorts. And we get to meet and engage with STEM student. Our organisation is a fintech company – we hire undergraduates from software engineering to other STEM fields. Grad Girls is a really good way to engage and interact and attract talent for our company.”
– 2026 Grad Girls Industry Partner
“Grad Girls has provided me with invaluable learning opportunities, industry exposure, networking, mentorship, and practical experience… connecting me with opportunities like Centelon Solutions and the Logicalis AI Case Competition, which have helped prepare me for my career.”
– 2026 Grad Girls Participant
Supported by
Grad Girls Tech 2026 was supported by the Victorian Government, supporting 300 participants to break down barriers, stereotypes and encourage more women to pursue careers in tech.
Join us this year
Interested in gender equity and investing in the next generation of STEM leaders? Get in touch for more info and a copy of our prospectus!
Grad Girls Policies