Work experience in forensic science

Pathway to a career in forensics

You'll learn about the roles and experiences of our forensic scientists specialising in:

• biology
• chemical criminalistics
• crime scene investigation
• digital forensics
• document sciences
• facial identification
• fingerprints
• firearms and toolmark identification
• forensic intelligence
• forensic search and imagery.

As part of the program, you'll be involved in simulations of crime scenes and lab-based forensic examinations.

At the end of the week, you will be able to use the skills you've learned to give expert witness testimony in a mock courtroom trial.

Unfortunately, our program cannot support individual internships or work experience placements outside the times and terms outlined here. Other AFP work areas may offer work experience; with the support of your school or guardian, this might be organised on a case-by-case basis with the area you would like to work with, but cannot be facilitated by our team.

Eligibility

To be accepted for our Forensics Work Experience Program, applicants (in Yrs 10-12) need to show:

• a strong interest in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics (STEM), especially forensic science
• an intention to  pursue a career in forensics or a related field
• strong writing ability (through your application statement)
• capacity to follow the application guidelines
• evidence of support from a parent/guardian and/or a staff sponsor with your school/learning program

All AFP Forensics WEX activities are currently provided free of charge to successful applicants. However, we cannot cover additional costs associated with attending and participating in the program (such as travel to, from and around the ACT, or accommodation and food while you are here). You (or whoever is sponsoring you) will need to cover these costs if you win a place. 

How to apply

Applications open in the first quarter of each year.

To apply, fill in the application with:

• your contact details
• contact information of a parent/guardian
• details of your school/a supporting teacher/staffer/mentor
• a 150-word statement about why you want to take part in the program, showing your interest in STEM subjects.

The great popularity of the program and volume of applications regrettably means that we cannot offer places for all applicants or provide feedback on unsuccessful applications. We do encourage you to reapply if you remain interested, or to consider applying for a job with us when you graduate.

Other opportunities - attend our full-day online seminar 'A Day in the Life of an AFP Forensic Scientist'.

If you are not selected for or cannot attend the Canberra program, our forensic experts offer a full-day online seminar in October.

Our 2026 Seminar is scheduled for Thursday the 22nd of October.  

All are welcome and you may register your interest in attending anytime from now until registrations close the day prior (5pm AEST 21/10/2026). We will post further details closer to the date.  (Participation in this event is also offered free of charge.)

Apply for seminar
 

What participants say 

I loved the practical parts of the experience and actually getting to know firsthand what it is like to work in Forensics.”

The program was extremely well structured and designed."

I liked how questions were answered and acknowledged with enough detail to really help us understand. Identifying the different specialisations has also helped me ensure that I don’t feel limited to specific jobs.”

Overall, it was a very insightful experience, with knowledgeable and engaging presenters. Absolutely one of the best things I’ve ever done.”

Everything was perfect.”