The Digital Graduate Program gives you an opportunity to excel in a digital or technical career in the Australian Government as soon as you've finished university.
We are looking for digital talent who want to use their skills to build help a better Australia and shape the future. Applications for the 2025 program are now closed.
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. If you've studied one of the listed degrees then you should consider applying. If your degree is not listed but you believe you should be considered, please reach out to us to discuss your options.
We are looking for digital talent who are ready to start their digital or technical career in government. Departments and agencies have a wide range of digital and technical roles that support the core function of the business offering many exciting opportunities. Digital graduate positions can be located in various positions across many Australian states and territories.
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
- interaction design
- content design
- performance analysis
- systems testing
- programming
- big data and data analytics
- networking
- web development
- infrastructure 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.
Check out testimonials from past graduates.
Applying for the program
To be eligible for the Digital Graduate Program you must:
- Submit an online application
- Be an Australian citizen at the time of application
- Have (or nearly finished) a digital qualification at the Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 (bachelor degree), or higher by 31 December 2024.
- Have completed a digital qualification between 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2024.
- Be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance once accepted onto the program, if required. Further information on security clearances is available from Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA).
- Be willing to undergo any police, character, health or other checks required.
Selection Process
There are 4 stages to the recruitment and selection for digital graduates:
Step 1: Online application
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: Assessment
Shortlisted candidates will complete a motivational questionnaire/test and attend a virtual 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: Matching
Suitable candidates will be placed in a merit pool ready for potential placement. Our recruitment team will lead the matching process based on agency requirements and candidate degree, skillset and interest.
Step 4: Employment offers and pre-engagement checks
Government departments make employment offers and undertake pre-employment checks. Unmatched candidates will remain in the merit pool for future consideration, for up to 18 months from the date the job was advertised. For more information about merit pools, read about the APS merit principle.
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.