Your career starts here
Are you curious about social policy?
Do you want to make a meaningful impact to the wellbeing of Australians?
If so, we want to hear from you!
We are a friendly, inclusive and diverse department focused on improving the wellbeing of individuals and families in Australian communities.
We work in a contemporary environment that values Collaboration, respectful Contesting of ideas, Courage and Curiosity. We call these the 4Cs.
Program overview
Our Graduate Development Program starts in February 2027 and runs for 10 months. You will complete two 5‑month rotations in different work areas across the department.
You will work in our National Office in Canberra or one of our state offices in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. If you need to move, assistance is available.
When you join the program, you will start as an APS Level 4, earning $84,576 per year plus 15.4% superannuation.
When you successfully complete the program, you will advance to APS Level 5, earning $92,885 per year plus 15.4% superannuation.
This is a full‑time, ongoing APS role.
Pathways
You can apply for one of 4 pathways:
- Generalist
- Economist
- Data
- Finance.
Learn more about our graduate pathways and how you can apply(Opens in a new tab/window).
Why choose us?
When you join us, you become part of a team that makes a difference in the lives of Australians, every day. Our work improves the economic and social wellbeing of individuals, families and vulnerable members of Australian communities.
Our Graduate Development Program gives you the opportunity to help shape, design and deliver social policy that makes a positive difference in people’s lives.
As a graduate, you will:
- earn an APS Level 4 salary plus 15.4% superannuation
- complete two 5-month work rotations in different areas
- gain practical experience working in government
- take part in tailored and professional learning and development
- attend networking events
- enjoy a modern office environment and join our diverse and inclusive workforce
- receive support from a Senior Executive Service mentor
- access relocation costs if needed
- take up access to flexible work practices, such as flexible hours, working from home arrangements, flex time and Christmas shutdown
- receive 18 days of personal leave and 20 days (4 weeks) of annual leave per year
When you complete the program, you will be offered a permanent APS Level 5 position.
You can also read stories from our former graduates to learn more about their experience!
Who we are looking for
We welcome applications from people who:
- are curious, inquisitive and passionate about improving the wellbeing of communities
- are eager to learn, generate ideas and find better ways to work
- are resilient team players with good judgement, sound decision-making skills and strong communication skills
- come from diverse backgrounds including people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and LGBTQI+ communities.
Eligibility requirements
To apply for our Graduate Development Program, you must:
- be an Australian citizen
- have completed bachelor’s degree (Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7) or higher between December 2021 and 31 December 2026
- provide evidence of your qualifications
- complete identification, pre-employment screening and security checks
- obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency(Opens in a new tab/window).
International qualifications
If you studied overseas, you must provide evidence that your qualification is recognised in Australia. You can find more information, including assessment timeframes on the Department of Education website(Opens in a new tab/window).
How to apply
Submit your application through the DSS website.
Applications close at 11:30pm (AEST) on Monday 27 April 2026.
Use of AI in your application
AI tools can assist during the recruitment process. However, our process must remain fair, transparent and merit‑based, in line with the APS Values.
When applying, you must:
- Be honest – Your responses must reflect your own skills, experience and achievements. Use real examples from your work, study or life.
- Be transparent – If you use AI tools, clearly state how they supported you.
- Be yourself – Your interview and assessment responses must be your own work.
- Be fair – Do not use AI in a way that gives you an unfair advantage or undermines merit‑based recruitment.
These expectations help ensure every applicant is assessed fairly and recognised for their individual strengths.
More information
- The graduate application process
- Graduate pathways
- Working with us
- Graduate frequently asked questions
- DFP Recruitment supports the application process for us. You can contact them on 1300 895 669 or email dss.graduates@dfp.com.au.