Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't find an answer to your question here please contact us.

Where are the positions?	How may positions are available on the Graduate Development Program?
What happens during the development year?	How many people usually apply?
Which area of Defence can I work?	Do I need to sit the Public Service Entry Exam?
What training is offered during the program?	Can I apply if I'm not an Australian citizen?
Can you tell me something about the selection process?	What does a security clearance involve?
When will you be making offers to successful applicants?	What does a medical clearance involve?
When does the next program commence?	What's the starting salary?
Are you looking for people with specific degrees?	Can I apply for other positions in Defence, outside the Graduate Development Program?
I graduated a while ago, am I eligible for the Graduate Development Program?	How can I find out more about living and working in Canberra?
Do you have age limits for applicants?

Where are the positions?

The majority of Graduate positions are located in Canberra. A limited number of regional rotations may be available in second and third rotations, at selected Defence establishments and bases across Australia. You will have the opportunity to nominate your choices for placements during second and third rotations.

What happens during the development year?

We provide our graduates with 3 diverse workplace rotations of approximately 3 months in duration with a focus on skills development. Variety is the key - with rotations available in a wide range of functions within the Organisation. Graduates are exposed to very different areas within the Organisation, with at least one rotation outside your comfort zone.

Which area of Defence can I work?

Graduates on the Program are offered a myriad of choices of career paths. During the graduate year you are given a broad range of opportunities across all areas of the Department, ranging from policy development, intelligence, human resources to public affairs working in both service and civilian environments. You may find yourself working in business management for a Navy ship project or education policy for Defence employees or systems management of Defence IT hardware.

What training is offered during the program?

The training and development activities, in conjunction with the work rotations that make up the GDP, build a solid base from which you can launch your career in Defence and the broader Australian Public Service.

Training and development activities undertaken by past graduate programs include: Defence and Ministerial Writing, Strategy, Simple Procurement, Senate and Legislative Processes, Winning that Job, Senior Officer Briefings, Introduction to Resource Management and Communicating with Influence. Additional specific training is provided to the Finance Stream, Information Stream Infrastructure and People Stream graduates.

Following your development year, further personal and professional development opportunities are actively encouraged. Defence can offer a variety of assistance, ranging from study leave to financial assistance with fees and HECS.

Can you tell me something about the selection process?

Applicants have to submit a written application online addressing specified selection criteria. The applications are then assessed against the selection criteria, ranked and shortlisted. An order of merit is then created from which you are invited to attend a one day assessment centre. The assessment centres are held across Australia during mid July to mid August. The assessment centre is the final stage of the recruitment process before offers are made.

When will you be making offers to successful applicants?

It is anticipated that successful candidates will receive offers of employment by early August. Initially, you will be offered a position on the program via the telephone, and if you are still interested, a formal written offer is then sent to you. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified via mail.

When does the next program commence?

It is anticipated that the next Program will commence in Canberra in February 2008.

Are you looking for people with specific degrees?

No, we are looking for graduates from ALL disciplines.
For the People, Information, Infrastructure and Finance Stream of the program your degree must have a major component in relevant disciplines.
For example, for the People Stream, we are seeking graduates with qualifications in Human Resource Management (HRM) or Human Resource Development (HRD), Psychology, Education or Social Work and strong skills in communication, strategic thinking, problem solving and planning.

For further information about eligibility for the different streams please see The Grads We Need

I graduated a while ago, am I eligible for the Graduate Development Program?

Yes, to satisfy the eligibility requirements you must have completed your degree before you commence the Graduate Program in February.

Do you have age limits for applicants?

No. All graduates are selected on their capabilities and demonstrated competence against the selection criteria.

How may positions are available on the Graduate Development Program?

The Graduate Development Program is made up of four Streams, below are the anticpated number of positions available in each scheme;

Generalist Stream - approx 50 positions
Finance & Business Stream - approx 15 positions
People Stream - approx 5 positions
Information Stream - approx 10 positions
Infrastructure Stream - approx 5 positions

How many people usually apply?

For the 2007 program, we received over 1,200 applications. This was shortlisted to 400 candidates who were invited to attend assessment centres around Australia.

Do I need to sit the Public Service Entry Exam?

No. The Public Service Recruitment Test, which applicants had to sit in order to enter the Public Service, no longer exists. Following the introduction of the Public Service Act 1999, any Australian citizen may apply for Public Service vacancies and compete in a merit based selection process. Each government agency is now responsible for recruiting its own graduates.

Can I apply if I'm not an Australian citizen?

To be eligible to apply for the Graduate Development Program, you must be an Australian citizen. If you are currently a permanent resident, you will need to provide evidence of your citizenship three months before commencement on the Program.

What does a security clearance involve?

It is a condition of employment that you obtain and maintain a security clearance. You will be asked to provide comprehensive information about yourself and your dependants and to give the Department the right to check any information which you provide with relevant authorities such as the Australian Federal Police and financial institutions. Only the candidates who accept a position on the Program undergo a security clearance.

What does a medical clearance involve?

A Commonwealth medical clearance is a standard condition of employment in the Australian Public Service. The medical clearance is designed to ensure that you are fit to work in the Department. Only the candidates successful in the final selection process undergo a medical check.

What's the starting salary?

We provide you with a competitive salary and excellent working conditions. For the duration of the Graduate Development Program your salary is paid at the Australian Public Service level 2 (APS2). The graduate salary from January 2008 is $44,714. On successful completion of the Program you will be advanced to an APS Level 4. The salary for this position in December 2008 will be $52,009.

Can I apply for other positions in Defence, outside the Graduate Development Program?

Yes, there are other ways to join the Department - you can apply for positions advertised from time to time on the website, in the Commonwealth Gazette or newspapers.

How can I find out more about living and working in Canberra?

Further information about living and working in Canberra can be found by clicking here.