This honours a commitment in the 2022-23 budget to invest $128.5 million to fund the extra places.

“Australia’s world-class universities are central to delivering national priorities – AUKUS is chief among them,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

“AUKUS is one of the biggest industrial undertakings in our history and we can’t rise to the challenge of building nuclear submarines without universities.

“Our institutions have a major role to play in developing the capability needed to deliver the project, including through the provision of skilled workers and world-class research and development.

“We are focused on upskilling the current workforce and training the next generation to support Australia’s national security.

“These additional places will assist in that, but there is always more we can do.

“We have previously called for defence internships to boost the flow of skilled workers needed for projects like AUKUS and we’re looking forward to exploring this option further.

“We thank the Albanese Government for its support of universities and recognition of the essential role we play in educating the skilled workforce and undertaking the research Australia needs.”