2026 Graduate Development Program

APPLY NOW – 2026 Graduate Development Program

APPLY NOW – 2026 Graduate Development Program – Affirmative Measures (First Nations)

APPLY NOW – 2026 Graduate Development Program – Affirmative Measures (Disability)

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for innovative, curious, future-focused graduates with a desire to learn and help shape Australia's infrastructure, transport, regional development, communications and creative industries.

Successful applicants demonstrate they are motivated to explore opportunities and exemplify drive and adaptability. They are responsive and comfortable with change. As a graduate in our program you will thrive on being challenged in a flexible and fast-paced environment. Above all else, you will have a positive attitude and a desire to learn.

We are looking for graduates who aren't afraid to do things differently and create an impact—those who want to make a difference and are bold enough to take the lead.

With opportunities to apply your skills across a uniquely diverse portfolio, you can find your purpose and discover new and rewarding opportunities that enrich and connect the lives of all Australians.

If you have a strong vision for Australia’s future and are seeking a career where you can make a real difference in the lives of all Australians, we encourage you to apply to the program.

Our Program

Our Graduate Development Program will help kick start your career, build professional skills and contribute to high profile and diverse work with real impact. The Program is designed to enhance the skills you have acquired at university and introduce you to working in the Australian Public Service (APS). You will develop professional public sector skills through a combination of work rotations, internal training and formal learning and development. The Program provides a unique 11 month accelerated career progression, with salary increases and advancement from the APS Level 3 to APS Level 5 on successful completion.

The Program includes:

ability to grow your networks and provide you with access to our senior leaders
three challenging and diverse work rotations across our high-profile portfolios
commencement as an APS3 employee (from $69,761 plus 15.4% superannuation)
upon successful completion of rotations one and two, advancement to an APS4 (from $77,294 plus 15.4% superannuation)
upon successful completion of the Program, advancement to an ongoing APS5 (from $86,291 plus 15.4% superannuation)
a structured learning and development program to set you up for success
Access to our internal staff networks, assigned an SES mentor and access to a network of former Graduates.

*Listed salaries are as at 13 March 2025

Eligibility

To be eligible for our Graduate Development Program you must submit a completed application before the closing date and time, and provide evidence or confirmation of the following:

be an Australian citizen by October 2025
have completed (at least) an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor Degree), equivalent, or higher equivalent by January 2026
have completed the most recent degree no more than 5 years from the date of the application being submitted
have a credit rating average
be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance once accepted into the program
be willing to undergo police, character, health or other checks as required
be willing to relocate to Canberra.

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to the assessment process please note this in your application and we will contact you to discuss any additional support that will assist you throughout the assessment process.

We are looking for graduates who aren't afraid to do things differently and create an impact—those who want to make a difference and are bold enough to take the lead.

Australian Government Graduate Program

We are also a participating agency in the Generalist, Accounting & Financial Management, Data, Digital, Economist, Legal and STEM Australian Government Graduate Program streams. Applying for these streams means you only have to go through the application and selection process once to be considered for a range of Australian Government agencies. Wherever you start your public service career as a graduate, you'll be doing meaningful work from day one, be asked to contribute, be recognised for your perspective and see the impact you can make in the Australian community we serve.

For more information on the program and applying, visit the APS Jobs Graduate Portal.

Indigenous Graduate Pathway Program

We also participate in the Indigenous Graduate Pathway Program which is available to all First Nations peoples. Eligible applicants will be able to complete one application and be considered for multiple agencies and departments within the Australian Public Service (APS).

For more information on application deadlines and how to apply visit the Indigenous Graduate Pathway Program website.