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Graduate Development Program

Job Req ID

Home Affairs - 141290

 

Location

ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA 

 

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

 

Classification

APS Level 4 - $79,476.00 and $86,246.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

 

Contact Officer

Entry Programs Team - entry.programs@homeaffairs.gov.au  

 

Office Arrangements

Flexible - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.
 

Applications close on 12/05/2026 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity


Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA.
 

About our team

 

The 2027 Graduate Development Program (GDP) offers more than a job; it's your opportunity to help shape tomorrow today. You will contribute to the safety, prosperity and future of Australia. Working across Home Affairs, you'll support critical national priorities, from border protection and national security to migration, citizenship and community safety.

 

Over 10 months, you'll complete three rotations across diverse business areas, gaining hands-on experience while discovering where your skills and interests align. You'll commence the program as an APS4, with the opportunity to advance to an APS5 upon successful completion, recognising your growth, capability and contribution.

 

The program includes structured vocational learning, supported by experienced mentors who will guide you as you build confidence and capability. You'll also access valuable networking opportunities, connecting with professionals, colleagues and leaders across the Department.

 

If you're curious, motivated and driven by purpose, the 2027 GDP is your chance to make a meaningful difference, while building a career that matters.

 

Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force.

 

Our ideal candidate

 

We're looking for graduates who are keen to learn, adaptable and ready to contribute to a dynamic environment. You don't need to have it all figured out.

 

You're our ideal candidate if you are someone who:

 

  • Is interested in contributing to decisions that impact people, communities and Australia as a whole
  • Brings fresh ideas, asks questions and isn't afraid to challenge the status quo respectfully
  • Can work independently and as part of a diverse and inclusive team
  • Communicates clearly and values collaboration
  • Is open to feedback and keen to build new skills through hands on experience

 

We welcome applications from graduates across a wide range of academic disciplines. We value diverse perspectives and lived experiences. If you're motivated by purpose, excited by learning on the job and ready to grow into a career with impact, you'll feel right at home in the 2027 GDP.

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

Across the program, you'll rotate through a range of teams and work areas, gaining exposure to the breadth of Home Affairs and the many ways we contribute to Australia.

 

During your rotation, you may:

 

  • Support the delivery of government priorities through operational, policy, program or project work
  • Assist with research, analysis and information gathering to inform decisions
  • Prepare briefings, reports and written material for a range of audiences
  • Engage with stakeholders and collaborate with colleagues across teams and functions
  • Contribute to continuous improvement and day-to-day business activities within your team

 

You'll be trusted with real work from day one, supported by your team and mentors as you learn. Each rotation is designed to build capacity, confidence and clarity, helping you discover where you thrive and what kind of career you want to build.

 

Additional information

 

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

  • Are an Australian citizen 
  • Have completed at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor Degree) equivalent, or higher equivalent by 31 December 2026. Degrees obtained within the last 5 years and recognised by the Australian Qualifications Framework are also 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
  • 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.

 

How to apply

 

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 12/05/2026 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEDT  – Late applications will not be accepted.

 

As part of your application, you will be required to prepare a response document (minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format and maximum of 300 words), which you will upload in the next section.

 

To apply for the Department's Graduate Development Program, you are required to answer the following question during the application process:

 

  • Why are you interested in being a graduate at the Department of Home Affairs?

 

Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level Standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership System information relevant to the classification. You are required to submit your application in Home Affairs' online recruitment system (ourPeople).

 

As part of your application, you will also need to provide:

  • Your applicant response document
  • Details of two referees
  • Upload details of your qualifications, including your current academic transcript (1 attachment of up to 3MB) and your CV. We recommend that you embed your academic transcript into your resume/CV before uploading it
  • Include your full name and the Requisition Number in the footer of any documents being uploaded

 

Please ensure you read the instructions carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.

 

 

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 141290 in the document footer.

 

​​​​​​​Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification.

 

Eligibility

 

To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen.

 

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (AGSVA) security clearance, and:
 

  • ABF Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
  • Home Affairs Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Onboarding Check.
     

In certain circumstances, an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) may be required in addition to, or in lieu of, an Onboarding Check, which will be determined by the delegate as necessary.  

 

Diversity and inclusion

 

The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply.

 

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

 

Technical assistance

 

For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance:

 

 

Please include any applicable screen captures, a response will be provided during business hours.

 

Notes

 

The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position. The Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Value Proposition (EVP) highlights the top reasons our employees enjoy working in the APS.

 

The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement.

 

Information about employment and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department’s website at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/careers

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