Graduate Development Program (Feb 2026)

We offer you:

• Access to flexible working arrangements
• Supportive and diverse culture
• Comprehensive training to build foundational knowledge and skills
• Vocational learning opportunities
• A graduate-specific induction program designed to help you succeed
• Access to on-the-job coaching
• Ongoing employment pathways for long-term career development across a wide range of roles
• Rotation opportunities across the Department of Home Affairs and/or Australian Border Force
• Dedicated support from mentors, buddies, stream leaders and champions as well as the Entry Programs team
• Relocation assistance

About the organisation:

The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for central coordination, and strategy and policy leadership in relation to:

• cyber and critical infrastructure resilience and security
• immigration
• border security and management
• counter-terrorism
• the protection of our sovereignty
• citizenship and social cohesion.

We implement a strategically coordinated approach to the cyber security and resilience of all Australians. We enable rapid responses to threats of foreign interference. Additionally, we contribute to Australia’s prosperity and unity through the management and delivery of the migration, humanitarian and refugee programs. We also promote social cohesion through multicultural programs, settlement services and by managing and conferring citizenship.   

About the role:

Our Graduate Program offers an exceptional pathway to launch your career in a dynamic and meaningful environment. The 10 month program includes three rotations and is designed to align with your interests and skills and you’ll gain hands-on experience across diverse areas of the Department. 

The program includes vocational learning opportunities to build your professional expertise, personalised coaching to support your development, and dedicated support to help you succeed. Graduates will benefit from a comprehensive induction program, networking events, and mentoring, equipping them with the skills and connections to build a rewarding career.

We put our people first, fostering exemplary leadership, collaboration, and innovation to make a meaningful impact.

Our program invests in your growth, prepares you for a fulfilling and impactful career and for you to contribute to Shaping Tomorrow Today. 

Our graduate positions are available in all Australian capital cities. Applicants have the ability to express their preferred location during the application process. 

Note: If you are found suitable, but not offered a graduate position, you may be placed in a merit pool. The merit pool may be used to fill non-graduate (similar vacancy) positions in various locations across the Department.

Our ideal candidate:

We’re looking for passionate, curious, and driven individuals who want to make a real impact.

To succeed in our Graduate Program, you’ll need strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication and collaboration abilities, and a commitment to continuous learning. 

Our Generalist Stream Graduate Program attracts talented individuals whose key qualifications align with the work of the organisation. These include:

• Computer Science
• Cyber Security
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Law Enforcement
• Intelligence
• Information Security
• Public Policy
• Politics and Political Science
• Policy and Governance
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Criminology
• International Affairs
• Surveillance
• Government Investigations
• Social Science
• Business Administration
• Arts
• Forensic Identification

We also value candidates with diverse qualifications beyond this list to ensure we meet the evolving needs of the organisation. Our program seeks to harness a wide range of skills and expertise. This will support our mission and drive innovation in public service.

We’re also committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the Australian community. We encourage applications from people of all cultural backgrounds, races, ethnicities, abilities, ages, genders, and sexual orientations. 

By fostering an inclusive environment, we ensure that our graduates bring fresh perspectives to their work, helping us to better serve and respond to the needs of the diverse communities. If you’re looking for a program that values your unique perspective and empowers you to grow while making a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you.

Eligibility requirements:

You are welcome to apply for our Graduate Development Program if you:

• Are an Australian citizen or will be by 18 March 2025
• Have completed at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor Degree) equivalent, or higher equivalent by 31 December 2025. Degrees obtained within the last 5 years and recognised by the Australian Qualifications Framework are eligible for the program.
• Can obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance or an onboarding check as applicable. We encourage you to complete the Employment Suitability Self-Assessment at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-support/departmental-forms/online-forms/essa
• Obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security Vetting Agency clearance at the Negative Vetting 1 level.

If you obtained your degree overseas, you’ll need to have it recognised by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment at https://internationaleducation.gov.au/services-and-resources/pages/qualifications-recognition.aspx

How to apply:

Applications for the 2026 program will open on 17 March 2025.

The selection process for our Graduate Development Program is comprehensive and takes place over multiple stages across several months. To progress, you must meet the required standards at each stage.

Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Online Application

• Create an account on our recruitment website to submit your application.
• During the application process, you’ll be required to provide:
  • personal information
  • details of your qualifications (including an academic transcript as an attachment, maximum file size of 3 MB)
  • a statement verifying recognition of your qualifications if obtained overseas (attachment, maximum 3 MB)
  • a short pitch explaining why you want to work with the organisation
  • your resume.

After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. You can log into your account at any time to update your personal details or referee information. After the closing date, you can only update profile information (e.g. contact details).

Step 2: First Round of Assessments and Interview

This stage includes online assessments that evaluate cognitive abilities and skills essential for our graduate roles. 

We will invite applicants who successfully complete this phase to a virtual video interview to respond to several behavioural interview questions.     

Step 3: Assessment Centre

We will invite candidates who progress past first interview stage to a virtual assessment centre to take part in assessment sessions. 

These sessions include a range of activities to evaluate applicants’ suitability for the program. Assessment sessions are typically held mid-year.

Step 4: Referee Reports

Referee reports will provide information about your:

• employment history
• qualifications
• experience and 
• role suitability. 

They also allow the selection panel to clarify any matters from your assessment.

Step 5: Merit Pool

At the end of the recruitment process, we will inform you if you are suitable for the program. We will place suitable candidates in a merit pool. Not all suitable candidates will receive an offer. Wait until you receive a formal offer before you resign from any current employment.

Step 6: Verbal Employment Offer

If we select you, we will contact you with a conditional verbal employment offer. This offer is dependent on obtaining the required security clearances, including an Employment Suitability Clearance and a Negative Vetting 1 Clearance.

Step 7: Clearances

All employees must undergo comprehensive security clearance processing before commencing with the Department of Home Affairs and ABF. This includes obtaining an Employment Suitability Clearance and a Commonwealth Security Clearance.

For more information on our clearance process, visit Employment Suitability Screening at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/careers/vacancies/employment-suitability-clearance