About the Graduate Development Program

Our Graduate Program offers an exceptional pathway to launch your career in a dynamic and meaningful environment. With tailored rotations designed to align with your interests and skills, you’ll gain hands-on experience across diverse areas of the Department and Australian Border Force (ABF).

The program includes:

• vocational learning opportunities to build your professional expertise
• personalised coaching to support your development
• dedicated support to help you succeed.

Graduates will benefit from a comprehensive induction program, networking events, and mentoring. This will give them the skills and connections to build a rewarding career.

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

Join us to be part of a program that values your growth and prepares you for a career with purpose.

Our graduate positions are available in all Australian capital cities, and you can express preferred locations during the application process.

Graduates start in early February at the APS 4 classification with a starting salary of AUD76,863.

You are eligible 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
• obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance or an onboarding check as applicable. Before you apply you should complete the Employment Suitability Self-Assessment
• 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.

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
• a commitment to continuous learning.

We’re seeking individuals with diverse perspectives, innovative thinking, and a desire to contribute to the common good.

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
• sexual orientations.

By fostering an inclusive environment, we ensure our graduates bring fresh perspectives to their work. This helps us better serve and respond to the needs of our 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.

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of this land. We recognise the importance of learning about our shared histories, cultures and achievements. We are committed to creating a workplace that is culturally safe and sensitive and supports our First Nations graduates to maximise their full potential.

The Department of Home Affairs and ABF has an ongoing commitment to the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2023-26 and fostering strong relationships with First Nations people.

To contribute to reconciliation, the Department cultivates relationships that are built on:

• respect
• acceptance
• understanding and
• equal opportunities for all First Nations people.

Allies assist in achieving this. The Department plays an active role in implementing the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. This prioritises collaboration with First Nations communities. Closing the Gap is underpinned by the belief that we can achieve better life outcomes when First Nations people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them. It also recognises that we need structural change in the way governments work with First Nations people to close the gap.

Learn more about the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2023-2026.