The WILD Program requires a commitment of approximately six weeks over the course of the program. A significant portion of this time, approximately 3-4 weeks, will be dedicated to completing the AICD Company Directors Course. This includes extensive pre-reading (available six weeks prior to the Course commencing), five-days of in-person Course delivery, as well as post-Course study and assessments (and assignment, exam and quiz).

Participants will also need to allocate time to organise and participate in the Board Observership Experience and attend the three-day WILD Leadership Retreat (plus travel).

Participants may also choose to attend additional WILD for STEM’s in-person and virtual events and masterclasses.

The AICD Company Directors Course is Australia’s premier governance program delivered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). This five-day intensive course is designed for current and aspiring directors, senior executives and board members, to enhance their understanding of governance, legal obligations, strategy and risk management, financial literacy and board effectiveness.

As part of the WILD Program, participants complete the Company Directors Course in-person in Melbourne, as a cohort, and are required to complete the Course Assessments (including an assignment, exam, and quiz). WILD Program participants also receive a complimentary 12-month membership * to the AICD.

Upon successful completion of the Assessments, WILD Program participants can earn the prestigious GAICD (Graduate of the AICD) post-nominal.

* Complimentary membership applies to new members only.

Yes. All WILD Program participants are expected to complete the assessments associated with the AICD Company Directors Course. These include an assignment, exam and quiz, which must all be completed within three-months of the last day of delivery of the AICD Company Directors Course. The delivery and assessments of the AICD Company Directors Course are independently managed by the AICD.

Please note that extensions are very rarely granted by the AICD, and subsequent attempts at assessments (or attempts that are completed outside of the three-month timeframe) will be at participants’ own expense. You can learn more about the AICD Company Directors Course assessments on their website.

Unfortunately, we are not able offer alternative dates or locations for the AICD Company Directors Course.

Please consider carefully if you are able to attend the scheduled Company Directors Course prior to applying.

Special consideration will only be granted under extenuating circumstances, as determined by the AICD.  

The WILD Leadership Retreat is a premium three-day collaborative learning and networking experience where the WILD Program cohort comes together to build skills in leadership and executive presence, hear from experienced STEM leaders, board directors and alumni, and participate in facilitated activities.

The Retreat provides a unique opportunity for the WILD Program to create new and deep connections with fellow STEM leaders.

For many, the WILD Leadership Retreat is the absolute highlight of the WILD Program calendar!

The Board Observership Experience provides an opportunity for participants to utilise their networks to observe a Board in action. As part of the WILD Program, it is expected that participants will attend at least one Board meeting (plus de-briefing meeting with a Director of that board).

If WILD Program participants are unable to find a board to observe (after multiple attempts), our team can assist in securing an observership.

Board Observerships take place following the AICD Company Directors Course.

The WILD Program is designed for female and non-binary STEM leaders who are seeking to build governance skills and experience, enhance leadership skills and connect with other leaders in STEM.

Eligibility criteria includes: 

• Qualifications, or extensive practical experience, in a STEM field (sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics),
• More than three years leadership experience in a STEM field, and
• Employment* in a professional or leadership role in a STEM field.

 * Your eligibility will not be affected if you are between roles, self-employed, on maternity leave or a career break. In the Application Form, you’ll be asked to briefly outline your circumstances and/or provide details of your most recent role.

The AICD Company Directors Course is a key component of the WILD Program. We do not recommend applying for the WILD Program if you have already undertaken the AICD Company Directors Course, as you will not gain as much value as other participants from repeating or missing this part of the WILD Program.

Applications are open 1-31 May 2026.

Refer to Key Dates section for further details.

All applicants will be considered for Full Scholarships in the first instance. Should you wish to also be considered for a Partial Scholarship place, this can be indicated in the Application Form.

All applications will be assessed against the following Key Selection Criteria:

• VALUE OF PROGRAM: The applicant has articulated how the WILD Program (specifically) will help to address career barriers and / or achieve their career aspirations as a STEM leader.
• ALIGNMENT OF VISION AND CAREER ASPIRATION: The applicant has articulated the value they will bring to the 2025 WILD Program cohort, and how the WILD Program (specifically) will help them to drive impact for Australian STEM industries.
• ACHIEVEMENTS AND LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL: The applicant has demonstrated significant achievements / contributions to their field (relative to opportunity) and significant leadership potential.