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    Career as a Meteorologist

    Initial MeteorologyTraining

    At the Australian Bureau of Meteorology Training Centre (BMTC) we offer two initial training pathways for those wishing to become a Meteorologist; a Graduate Diploma in Meteorology and a shorter Basic Instruction Package-Meteorologist course (BIP-M).  As a global meteorological educator BMTC has a reputation for excellence, particularly in tropical meteorology and satellite meteorology.


    Our Graduate Diploma in Meteorology covers the learning outcomes for the Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists (BIP-M) as well as instruction on forecast services and systems and job simulation. The Graduate Diploma learning objective is to produce a variety of forecasts to an appropriate standard, in the relevant format and to demonstrate a deeper level of knowledge of tropical meteorological theory.


    Key benefits:

     ♦ Internationally recognised Meteorologist qualification;

     ♦ Role-focussed learning approach for easy transition to a career as an operational meteorologist;

     ♦ Purpose built training facilities;

     ♦ Highly qualified teaching staff, all with operational experience.

    Course Content

    The Graduate Diploma in Meteorology is of 41 weeks duration. This qualification is equivalent to one academic year and is of a similar standard to the honours year of a Bachelor degree. 

    At the end of the course, students will receive an internationally recognised Meteorologist qualification.1 The BMTC is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). In addition, the Bureau of Meteorology maintains higher education accreditation with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). 

    The Bureau’s global leadership in satellite and tropical meteorology means that expert instructors can tailor content specific to international students' geographic regions, facilitating easier transition back to their local forecasting unit. 

    The role-focused learning approach allows for easy transition to a career as an operational meteorologist. Students will study in purpose built training facilities, taught by highly qualified teaching staff, all with operational experience.  

    After completing the course students will be able to: 

    • Demonstrate a sound level of knowledge of meteorological theory and forecast procedures; 
    • Use observation data to analyse the current state of the atmosphere; 
    • Use available technologies to view observation data and model guidance; 
    • Communicate current and forecast weather conditions in a way that is suitable for media, general public and specialised users; 
    • And demonstrate the capacity to work as an effective team member in a service-oriented team. 

    Full details are available in our Handbook, which is provided upon enrolment.

    Assessment

    Assessment occurs throughout the course via: written examinations, written assignments and practical work. Some modules are graded, while others are assessed via competency standards. 

    Location and Timing

    Both initial training options will be conducted at the Bureau of Meteorology Training Centre (BMTC) Glenlitta campus in Melbourne.  Melbourne is known for its varied and dynamic culture. It is rated as Australia’s best and most livable city for students.

    Key dates for the 2023 course are:

    • Course commencement: Monday 30 January(TBC)
    • BIP-M concludes: Friday 22 September (TBC)
    • Graduate Diploma course graduation: Thursday 16 November (TBC)

    Pre-requisites

    To complete the Graduate Diploma, students are required to have a Bachelor's degree, majoring in a physical science or mathematics; with mathematics and physical science to second-year level.  Overseas candidates should demonstrate English proficiency and therefore are required to complete an internationally recognised test such as the TOEFL & IELTS. The standard of English indicated by these results is similar to that required by most Australian Universities for international students.

    • TOEFL: minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 213 (computer-based test);
    • IELTS: a minimum score of 6.5.

    Enrolment

    For enrolling in the Graduate Diploma, International students need to be nominated by their supporting organisation. To nominate for enrolment, download the nomination form on the Graduate Diploma website. 

    For enrolment of national students, it occurs through the Bureau of Meteorology's recruitment program. For more information, on the Bureau's recruitment process visit http://www.bom.gov.au/careers/process.shtml.   

    Nominate now for enrolment to the 2023 Graduate Diploma in Meteorology.

    Course Cost

    The Graduate Diploma is available to international students on a fee paying basis. These students need to be nominated and supported by a Meteorological agency, which includes funding their course fees, travel, accommodation and living expenses. Fees are refunded to the sponsoring institution on a pro-rata basis in the event a student's enrolment is cancelled or the student withdraws from the course. More details are provided in the Course Handbook which is provided upon enrolment. 

    The course fees for 2023 are $29,755 (TBC) for the Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists and $36,786 (TBC) for the Graduate Diploma in Meteorology.

    For any other information or enquiries please contact  srtp@bom.gov.au

    CRICOS Provider Number 02015K.  CRICOS Course Code 033984D

     1: Satisfying the Basic Instructional Package – Meteorology learning outcomes articulated in WMO-No.1083: “Manual on the Implementation of Education and Training Standards in Meteorology & Hydrology: Volume I – Meteorology”.