Image: Australian Federal Police
If you’ve binge-watched every crime doco and listened to every podcast going, and found yourself fascinated by what happens in the lab, then you’re going to want to listen up. Applications are officially open for the 2026 AFP Forensics Work Experience Program, and it’s giving school students a behind-the-scenes look at how real crimes are solved.
Led by the Australian Federal Police, the one-week immersive program takes place at the AFP’s Forensics Facility in Majura, ACT and is open to students in Year 10, 11 and 12 with a demonstrated interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Over five jam-packed days, students will explore everything from biology, chemical criminalistics and crime scene investigation to digital forensics, document sciences, fingerprints, firearms and toolmark identification, forensic intelligence, forensic search and imagery, and facial identification.
The program includes hands-on simulations of crime scenes and lab-based forensic examinations, giving students a feel for what working in the field is actually like. The week concludes in a mock courtroom trial, where students use their newly developed skills to deliver expert witness testimony.
To be eligible, applicants must show a strong interest in STEM, especially forensic science, demonstrate solid writing ability in a 150-word application statement, follow the application guidelines carefully, and provide evidence of support from a parent or guardian and a school sponsor. The program itself is offered free of charge, though participants will need to cover travel, accommodation and food expenses associated with attending in the ACT.
If making it to Canberra isn’t possible, there are still plenty of ways to get involved. The AFP is also hosting a free, full-day online seminar, A Day in the Life of an AFP Forensic Scientist, scheduled for October 22nd, with registrations open until 5pm AEST on October 21st.
So, if you’re a teen or know a teen who’s curious about the world of forensics or are aspiring to head into this line of work, this could be the first step towards a seriously rewarding career.
Applications close 5pm AEST on Sunday, March 1st.
For more information, click here.
