The Digital Graduate Program gives you an opportunity to excel in a digital or technical career after you’ve graduated from university.
Applications have closed for the Digital Graduate Program. In the meantime, you can read about the program structure here.
As a recent graduate, you’ll have an opportunity to further develop your skills while working for the Australian Government. Our program aims to attract digital talent who want to use their digital skills to build a better Australia.
Check out testimonials from past graduates.
On this page:
About the program
The Digital Graduate Program is for Australian citizens who've completed a university degree in a digital or technical field within the last 5 years or will complete their degree in the current year.
We place people who are looking to start their digital or technical career in government. Roles are available across the APS, and changes depending on the participating agencies.
If you've studied one of the listed degrees then you should consider applying.
Double and honours degrees in these fields are also accepted. If your degree is not listed but you believe you should be considered, please reach out to us to discuss your options.
We have graduate positions in all Australian states and territories. We have positions now open in:
- Darwin, NT
- Townsville, QLD
- Newcastle, NSW
- Griffith, NSW
- Mildura, VIC
- Wodonga, VIC
- Murray-Bridge, SA
- Launceston, TAS.
Benefits of the program
In a graduate job you’ll get:
- full-time permanent employment
- flexible working arrangements
- career coaching and mentoring
- competitive salary and super
- membership to the Australian Computing Society (ACS).
In the graduate program you may undertake rotations through various digital areas and roles.
Mentoring and support
You will have support from your supervisor and a dedicated career liaison officer to give you the best chance of success.
Your supervisor will provide guidance and feedback on day-to-day tasks and help you understand how your work is contributing to your workplace goals. As a digital graduate you’ll:
- do meaningful work from day one
- be asked to contribute
- be recognised for your perspective
- see the impact you can make in the Australian community we serve.
Your career liaison officer will offer guidance throughout your program, offering valuable support where required.
You will also get to network with other participants and develop professional relationships that will support you throughout your career.
Digital roles
Government agencies have many different digital and technical roles. These roles support the core functions of each agency and are always changing. Past graduates have worked in the following areas:
- cyber security
- software engineering
- user research
- product management
- delivery management
- interaction design
- service design
- content design
- performance analysis
- systems testing, analysis and design
- digital media
- programming
- big data and data analytics
- networking
- web development
- infrastructure support
- applications support.
To learn more about how the digital skills you have gained at university apply to digital roles in government, please access the APS Career Pathfinder tool. The tool allows you to explore digital roles based on your skills and/or interests. You will be able to see the skills required for roles and identify possible skill gaps.
Applying for the program
You'll need these documents for your application:
- proof of Australian Citizenship (birth certificate or passport)
- a copy of your university transcript
- a resume.
Eligible candidates will:
- be an Australian citizen at time of application
- have completed or will complete at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor degree) or higher equivalent by 31 December 2023
- have completed or will complete their most recent eligible qualification between 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023
- be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance if required.
Further information on security clearances is available from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA).
Selection process
There are the 3 stages of the selection process. At all times, we will notify you of the outcome, whether successful or not.
Step 1: Submit your application online. We will review your responses and work-related qualities. If found suitable, we will shortlist you for the next round.
Step 2: Attend an interview with the selection panel. If found suitable, you will be placed in the merit pool for consideration by participating Government departments and agencies.
Step 3: If suitable, you will preference specific places where you would like to work. Likewise, departments or agencies will also preference candidates they would like to employ. We review all preferences, match candidates to available roles and assist departments or agencies to make employment offers. Please note that APS and Commonwealth entities all offer different employment conditions and graduate program features.
If you are not matched, you will be placed in a merit pool for future consideration, for up to 18 months from the date the job was advertised. The complete application assessment process usually takes around 6 months from the time applications close.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about starting a digital career with the Australian Government you can email emergingtalent@apsc.gov.au.
Make sure you follow Digital Emerging Talent Programs on Facebook for all program updates.