Graduate Development Program (Feb 2028)

St Mark's College; Hobart, Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin; Hybrid; AUD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Mentoring & coaching

Graduate induction & development

Job summary

The Department of Home Affairs invites graduates to join the 2028 Graduate Development Program, a 10‑month program designed to support professional growth and public service impact. You will rotate across diverse business areas, starting at APS4 with a clear path to APS5 on successful completion and demonstrated capability.

Throughout the program you will receive structured learning, on‑the‑job coaching and mentorship, and opportunities to build a meaningful career in Australia’s public service.

Qualifications

• Australian citizen or eligibility by 22 March 2027.
• AQF Level 7 or higher qualification to complete by 31 December 2027.
• Ability to obtain Employment Suitability Clearance and security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Complete a 10‑month Graduate Development Program with three rotations across Home Affairs and/or Australian Border Force.
• Move from APS4 to APS5 upon successful program completion based on growth and contribution.
• Engage in structured learning, on‑the‑job development, and mentorship to build foundational knowledge and skills.

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)

Job description

We offer you

• 10-month graduate development program
• The opportunity to advance from APS4 to APS5 upon successful completion of the program
• Three rotations across the Department of Home Affairs and/or Australian Border Force
• Access to flexible working arrangements, including working from home, may be available depending on the requirements of the role, operational needs, security requirements and relevant approvals. Arrangements may vary across roles and work areas.
• A supportive, diverse and inclusive workplace
• Comprehensive training to build foundational knowledge, capability and skills
• Structured vocational learning and development opportunities
• A graduate-specific induction program designed to set you up for success
• Access to on-the-job coaching and development
• Ongoing employment and career pathways across a wide range of roles
• Dedicated support from mentors, buddies, stream leaders and champions as well as the Entry Programs team

About the organisation

The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for central coordination, and strategy and policy leadership across areas including:

• cyber and critical infrastructure resilience and security
• immigration
• border security and management
• counter-terrorism
• the protection of Australia’s sovereignty
• citizenship and social cohesion.

Our work helps protect Australia’s security, strengthen our communities and support Australia’s prosperity. We contribute to national security and resilience, manage migration and humanitarian programs, and support social cohesion through multicultural programs, settlement services and citizenship.

About the role

The 2028 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 of the program, recognising your growth, capability and contribution.

Throughout the program, you’ll undertake structured learning and development, supported by experienced mentors, colleagues and leaders. You’ll also build professional networks across the department while developing the skills and confidence to build a meaningful career in the Australian Public Service.

If you’re curious, motivated and driven by purpose, the 2028 GDP is your chance to make a meaningful difference, while building a career that matters.

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 2028 GDP.

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, and sexual orientations.

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

Eligibility requirements

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

• Are an Australian citizen or will be by 22March 2027
• Have completed at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor Degree) equivalent, or higher equivalent by 31 December 2027. 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 theEmployment 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 theDepartment of Education, Skills and Employment.