Entry Level Programs
2024 Graduate Program
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 contribute to Australia’s economic prosperity and social wellbeing by creating opportunities and driving better outcomes through access to quality education.
If you’re interested in making a difference by helping people achieve their potential through education, we encourage you to join us!
We offer a range of Entry Level Programs. Explore the options below:
Graduate Program
We are looking for 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.
For our 2024 Graduate Program, the department is working collaboratively with other APS agencies to recruit talented individuals through a number of specialist graduate streams and entry level programs. These programs are coordinated centrally by lead agencies.
We are participating in the following specialist streams for our 2024 program:
- Generalist stream
- Accounting and Financial Management stream
- Data stream
- Economist stream
- Indigenous Graduate Pathway
- Legal stream
Graduate Program applications open in March each year. For further information, please visit the APS Jobs Graduate Portal.
Entry Level Pathways
If you are looking for alternative career pathways to join the APS, we also source candidates from the Career Starter and HR School Leavers Program.
- Career Starter Program
Run by the Department of Finance, the Career Starters Program is for students who have recently completed Year 12. This program offers mentoring and on-the-job experience to make the transition from school into the workforce a great experience.
- HR School Leavers Program
The HR School Leavers Program provides opportunities for Year 12 graduates to enter a Human Resource (HR) career in the Australian Public Service (APS).
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 transferable technical skills (writing, presentation, and systems), and develop interpersonal and intrapersonal skills including communication skills, strategic and innovative thinking, problem solving, stakeholder engagement, and research capabilities.
You will also gain experience in the processes of government, including working within legislative frameworks, 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.
Our commitment is demonstrated by the size and presence of 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 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. Additionally, we work with other APS agencies to recruit through the programs they offer including the Indigenous Graduate Program facilitated by the Australian Public Service Commission.
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.
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 minimum requirements for the position.
Competitive remuneration
The department offers excellent employment conditions with competitive remuneration, superannuation and employee leave and allowance entitlements. This available in our Enterprise Agreement and Determination.
Relocation assistance when you move to Canberra
The department will provide reasonable relocation assistance for successful incoming graduates and entry level participants who are required to 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.
Additionally, the department provides temporary accommodation (time limited) for incoming graduates designed to assist you with accommodation if your permanent property is not available, or you have not secured permanent accommodation upon arrival to Canberra. Relocation Guidelines outlining the conditions will be provided on formal acceptance into the program.
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
- Phone: 02 6121 5000
- Email: recruitment@education.gov.au
The department has consistently featured in the Top 100 Graduate Employer rankings over the past several years. This achievement highlights our active commitment to supporting talented graduates, helping them to expand their skills and experience, and reach their full potential.