Graduate and Entry Level Programs

Entry Level Programs

Our Entry Level Programs offer career pathways and opportunities to launch your career in the Australian Public Service (APS).

Why join us?

At the Department of Education, we create a better future for all Australians through education.

Our role is important, and our work makes a difference:

We provide strategic direction and national leadership of Australia’s education system – through early years, school, higher education and research.
We advise the Australian Government on education.
We champion the government’s vision for reforming Australia’s education system.

If you’re interested in empowering people to achieve their potential through education—get your career startED with us!

We are committed to supporting entry level participants, helping them to expand their skills, gain experience, and reach their full potential while working on issues that matter.

We offer a range of Entry Level Programs. Explore the options below:

Graduate Program

We engage graduates from all degree disciplines to help us deliver Australian Government priorities across the education sector.

Our graduate program is a great way for you to transition from education to employment. We know firsthand the significance of this milestone and you’ll find our graduate program connects you to friendly, experienced professionals who will help you apply your skills and knowledge as you start your career in the Australian Public Service (APS).

The department participates in the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP), working collaboratively with other APS agencies to recruit talented individuals for our Graduate Program.

Applications for the 2026 AGGP have now closed. Visit the APS Jobs Careers Pathway website to register your interest for 2027.

Entry Level Pathways

If you are looking for alternative career pathways to join the APS, we also participate in a range of whole of government entry level initiatives:

Australian Government School Leaver Program (AGSLP): The AGSLP is a 12-month career development program for recent high school graduates who are looking to transition into the workforce and Australian Public Service.
Australian Government Apprenticeship Program (AGAP): Are you looking for a career change or new opportunity within the Australian Public Service? The program is a 12-month learning and development pathway at the APS Level 3 offering participants the opportunity to expand their personal and professional capabilities.
Indigenous Apprenticeships Program (IAP): The IAP is a pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to start their career in the APS, offering a range of learning and development opportunities to support on-the-job training.
Australian Science Policy Fellowship Program: The Australian Science Policy Fellowship Program provides a pathway for early-to-mid career scientists to become skilled policy practitioners. It aims to grow the diversity of expertise in the workforce and create a conduit to bring scientific expertise into policy.

A strong foundation to kick-start your APS career

Whatever pathway you choose to kickstart your career in the APS, you will be supported when you join us.

You will have the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills including communication, strategic and innovative thinking, problem solving, stakeholder engagement, and research capabilities.

You will gain experience in the processes of government, including understanding and following legislation, and expand your professional network in the department and across the APS.

A diverse and inclusive culture

We are committed to inclusion and diversity and building a positive workplace culture.

We build a supportive workplace community through a range of events and activities, including our employee-led networks. Our employee-led networks focus on disability, LGBTQIA+, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, gender equity, and culturally and linguistically diverse heritage. The networks are very active within the department and work towards strengthening our workplace inclusiveness. We are also a member of Pride in Diversity, Diversity Council Australia, and the Australian Network on Disability.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, mature-age people and people with disability, regardless of sex, sexuality and gender identity.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

We strive to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the Australian community and recognises the important knowledge and skills Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples bring to the work we do. We work with other APS agencies to recruit through whole of government entry level programs including the Indigenous Graduate Program facilitated by the Department of Defence, and the Indigenous Apprenticeships Program coordinated by Services Australia.

By embracing these strengths, we help create culturally responsive environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are empowered to achieve their full potential in the workplace.

The department promotes a culture where Indigenous business is everyone’s business – across its work practices, values and business. Employees are also supported through the provision of a number of learning opportunities to build their cultural capability.

People with disability

The department is committed to supporting the employment and career development of people with disability. Our participation in the APS RecruitAbility Scheme means we will progress an applicant with disability to a further stage in the recruitment process, where they opt into the scheme and meet the work related qualities for the position.

We also participate in the Australian Disability Network’s Stepping Into Internship Program which offers practical paid work experience for successful students or recent graduates with disability who may face significant obstacles in gaining employment.

Competitive remuneration

The department offers excellent employment conditions with competitive remuneration, superannuation and employee leave and allowance entitlements. This available in our Enterprise Agreement.

Relocation assistance when you move to Canberra

The department will provide reasonable relocation assistance and temporary accommodation for incoming graduates and entry level participants who relocate to Canberra to take up employment with the department.

Relocation assistance is intended to assist with relocation costs, but it is important to note it may not cover all the costs of your relocation.

The relocation assistance offered by the department made the move down from the NSW Central Coast surprisingly easy and stress free. While I was still looking for a place, the department provided temporary accommodation in a serviced apartment right in the heart of the city. I felt completely at ease with the move and totally looked after. There was no need unmet. – Carissa, 2020 Graduate

Live in Canberra

Our department’s national office is located in Canberra. We are proud to live and work in one of the most liveable cities in Australia! Learn more about living and working in Canberra.

Contact us

If you have any questions on the Graduate Program or Entry Level Pathways at the Department of Education, please get in contact with the Recruitment Team.