2025 Graduate Development Program

Applications are now closed for 2025.

Please keep an eye out for our 2026 Graduate Development Program. Applications opening March 2025.

Your career starts here

Are you curious and inquisitive?

Do you have a passion to help and support the wellbeing of Australians?

Then, we want to hear from you!

The Department of Social Services is a friendly, inclusive and diverse department with the important mission to improve the wellbeing of individuals and families in Australian communities.

We have a contemporary working environment that supports and fosters Collaboration and respectful Contesting of ideas and proposals. Our staff have the Courage to put forward ideas and advice as we are Curious to understand how we can improve outcomes for the Australian community.

We refer to this as the 4Cs.

Eligibility requirements

Why choose us?

Our graduate program gives you the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

You will be provided with varied work experience, formal training, networking opportunities and diverse career opportunities across the department.

The program starts in February 2025 for 10 months. In this time, you will:

  • Start at APS Level 3 (plus 15.4% superannuation) salary equal to $69,553 per annum
  • Have 2 five-month work area placements (rotations) within our extensive portfolio
  • Experience a challenging and rewarding introduction to working in government 
  • Participate in tailored learning and development activities and networking events
  • Have a Senior Executive Service mentor
  • Be based in Canberra with limited opportunities in our state offices 
  • Have your relocation costs covered if you need to move
  • Have the chance to engage in short-term placements in not-for-profit organisations, Services Australia service centres and other Portfolio Agencies
  • Have 18 days of personal leave and up to 4 weeks annual leave per year.

When you successfully graduate from the program, you will gain a permanent APS Level 5 position.

For more insights into the Graduate Development Program, see what our former graduates have to say!

Who we are looking for?

  • Curious and inquisitive people who are passionate about improving the wellbeing of individuals and families in Australian communities.
  • Eager learners who strive to make continuous improvements and generate new and innovative ideas and solutions.
  • Resilient and courageous team players with good judgement and sound decision-making skills who communicate and collaborate respectfully.
  • A Diverse and inclusive workforce, particularly graduates with disability, and those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and the LGBTQI+ community.

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