Tune-in to a career in audio
At Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), we’re leading the way in shaping Australia’s audio industry. We support creative talent and connect graduates with real career opportunities through partnerships with top institutions.
Whether you see yourself behind the mic, crafting immersive audio experiences, forging strategic partnerships, or leading digital innovation, we’re here to turn ambition into achievement.
Where will your voice take you?
The audio industry offers diverse and dynamic career pathways across a range of specialties:
On-Air & Content Creation
Bring stories to life as a presenter, reporter, podcaster, producer, or journalist.
Production & Sound Engineering
Craft immersive sound experiences as a studio engineer, sound designer, technical producer, or audio specialist.
Sales & Advertising
Drive commercial success through media sales, client partnerships, campaign management, and innovative brand solutions.
Strategy & Digital Innovation
Shape the future of audio through digital content, audience analytics, strategic marketing, and platform development.
Explore our educational partnerships and opportunities below.
Your career in commercial radio and audio starts here!
For recently graduated journalism, media and communications students:
Gain invaluable hands-on newsroom experience at Australia's leading commercial radio networks including ARN, Nova Entertainment, SCA and Tapt Media (2GB), through this prestigious paid work experience program.
What you'll gain:
- Mentorship from top radio journalists
- Real-world training in live newsroom environments
- Industry connections to launch your career
- Practical experience that employers will value
"This scholarship provided exceptional, real world experience in the radio industry. Learning from the best in the country was a dream come true, and it’s shaped the skills I’ll carry forward in my career."
— Kate Cleaver, 2025 Brian White Scholarship Winner
CRA Regional Radio Scholarship
Backing regional talent to build a career in audio
Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) is proud to support emerging audio talent from regional and rural Australia through the CRA Regional Radio Scholarship, delivered in partnership with AFTRS. This scholarship helps remove financial barriers and provides recipients with access to world-class training, industry connections, and a launchpad into the commercial audio sector.
About the scholarship:
- Awarded annually to one regional or rural student
- Supports study for AFTRS Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting
- Financial contributions toward living and educational costs
- A two-week paid internship with a commercial radio station or podcasting division (location to be agreed with CRA)
- Access to professional networks and on-the-ground experience
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Reside outside the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth
- Apply for the AFTRS Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting
- Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen; or Australian permanent resident
Please note: Scholarship applications are submitted separately from course applications. Both must be completed to be considered. For full eligibility details and conditions, refer to the official Scholarship Guidelines. To register your interest in future scholarship rounds, please contact AFTRS.
"Being a recipient of the CRA Scholarship is a wonderful opportunity to gain exposure in the radio industry while studying at AFTRS. The support the scholarship brings, along with the work placements, will allow me to gain some valuable practical experience, which will help my employment prospects post studies."
- Michael Cross, CRA Regional Radio Scholarship Recipient 2026
Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting
Your launchpad into commercial audio, CRA proudly supports AFTRS in delivering this highly regarded qualification, with strong employment outcomes. Notable alumni include radio talent, Smallzy, Tim Blackwell, and Grace Garde.
Program highlights:
- Specialised training across radio and podcasting formats
- Live broadcast experience and real-world collaborations
- Access to state-of-the-art studios and equipment
- Industry mentorship from experienced professionals
"From the guys I shared a class with every day to the immense pool of talent that came to speak with us each week. Radio has always been about the people and AFTRS gave me the best seat in the house."
- Tim Blackwell, NOVA (AFTRS alumni)
Edith Cowen University CRA Prize
Recognising excellence in broadcasting
CRA partners with Edith Cowan University in Western Australia to present an annual prize to an outstanding student in the Postgraduate News and Entertainment Media program, who demonstrates exceptional potential in commercial radio.
About the prize:
- Prestigious industry recognition for emerging talent
- Awarded to students who excel in their radio units
- Launching pad for future radio careers
Learn more about ECU Master of News and Entertainment Media
Learn more about ECU Graduate Diploma of News and Entertainment Media
Learn more about ECU Graduate Certificate of News and Entertainment
“Past winners of this prize have graduated on a Friday and started work in the radio industry the following Monday. Our collaboration with CRA is a big part of the success of our programme.”
— Andrea Burns, Course Coordinator, Master of News and Entertainment Media, Edith Cowan University.
Charles Sturt University CRA Scholarship
Supporting the next generation of commercial radio talent
CRA is proud to partner with Charles Sturt University in regional New South Wales to offer an annual scholarship for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Communication. The scholarship recognises a student who demonstrates strong interest and potential in commercial radio, as assessed by the university and CRA.
Our first recipient will be announced in 2026. The program is designed to support students like those studying at Charles Sturt; passionate, community-minded, and ready to make their mark in media.
About the scholarship:
- Financial contributions to support your studies
- Awarded to a student passionate about commercial radio
- Includes valuable work placement experience
"It’s an honour to receive the Commercial Radio and Audio Scholarship. It gives me the opportunity to pursue my passion for radio without the financial worry of having to choose work over gaining valuable volunteer experience in radio. I’ve been really looking forward to my placement and am excited to gain a deeper insight into the world of radio and discover where my passion could take me."
— Alison Sproule, 2026 recipient
Swinburne Regional Radio Placement Program
Hands-on experience in the heart of regional radio
In partnership with Swinburne University of Technology, CRA proudly supports a placement program that gives selected Swinburne students studying a Bachelor of Media and Communication the opportunity to experience life inside a working regional radio station.
About the program:
- Exclusive industry placement in a regional Victorian station
- Hosted by the ACE Radio Network, supported by CRA
- Designed for students passionate about building a radio career
- Real newsroom experience, from live producing to on-air content
- Strong pathways into commercial radio
“Swinburne has a great history of graduates making their way into the commercial radio industry. We are now able to continue it with our partnership with Commercial Radio and Audio to provide real world opportunities for our students. Radio is a thriving industry and there is so much opportunity for students to make it a career. We hope this program will give Swinburne students a head start in finding a radio job.”
— Peter Marcato, Swinburne Lecturer in Communications and Radio
Queensland University of Technology CRA Scholarship
Experience regional radio firsthand
CRA partners with Queensland University of Technology to offer students currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Communication a scholarship and internship opportunity at a regional CRA member station.
About the scholarship:
- Real-world placement at a regional commercial radio station
- Financial support for travel and living expenses
- Early-career access to regional radio's unique community storytelling
Applications open March 1, 2026 | Close May 31, 2026
Eligibility terms and conditions apply
Learn more about QUT Bachelor of Communication
"Receiving this scholarship is an incredible opportunity to build on my journalism experience and develop my skills in radio. I'm really excited to gain experience in the industry, meet people working in radio and take the next step towards a career in journalism."
— Hope Morgan, 2026 QUT recipient
