Company Overview
Website: https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers/graduate-program
Defence's primary role is to defend Australia and its national interests, promote security and stability, and support the Australian community as directed by the Government.
Defence's mission and purpose is to defend Australia and its national interests in order to advance Australia’s security and prosperity.
The Defence Graduate Program is a 12-month development opportunity designed to launch your career in the Australian Public Service (APS). As a Defence graduate, you will gain hands-on experience, build professional networks and develop the skills needed to make a real impact.
You'll find opportunities across a range of roles to help you start your Defence career with confidence. Choose from 10 pathways aligned to your interests and qualifications:
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Australian Government Graduate Program pathways
- Accounting and Financial Management
- Data
- Digital
- Human Resources
- Legal
- Defence-led recruitment pathways
- Business Services and Policy
- Commercial
- Engineering
- Intelligence*
- Research and Innovation.
You'll work with a diverse group of dedicated experts and access cutting-edge technology designed to protect Australian interests and have a chance to support Australia’s security and humanitarian efforts.
Join us and kick-start a future with purpose.
Defence is one of the Australian Financial Review’s Top 100 Graduate Employers in 2026.
** Please note - Recruitment for the Intelligence Pathway is conducted separately to the remaining pathways. Applications for this pathway open mid-year.
Application Process
- Confirm Your Eligibility and Gather Your Documentation - Review the Eligibility Requirements for the program and ensure your Resume/CV is current and up to date.
- Confirm the Pathway(s) You Wish to Apply For - Review the available pathways and determine which pathway your skills and experience align with.
- Click the Application Link - Click on the “Apply Now” link at the top of your selected pathway’s webpage to access the online application form.
- Complete the Application Form and Motivational Alignment - Provide all required details, upload supporting documents, and ensure your responses are accurate and complete.
Please note: Applications must be submitted by the advertised deadline. Late applications cannot be accepted and no extensions will be granted.
Testing and Assessments
After applications close, Defence will shortlist applicants to the next round of the process. You may be invited to participate in:
- an online written activity, and
- a virtual interview.
Reference checks may also be undertaken.
Key Dates
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Applications Open: Monday, 2 March 2026
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Applications Close: Monday, 13 April 2026
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Written Assessment: the week commencing 5 May 2026
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Virtual Interview: the week commencing 17 June 2026
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Referee Reports & Matching: the week commencing 6 July 2026
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Merit Pool Notifications: the week commencing 11 August 2026
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Offers: the week commencing 7 September 2026
** Please note, these dates nay be subject to change.
Jobs and Opportunities
Join Defence’s Intelligence Pathway and help drive strategy, planning and operations with sharp analysis, critical thinking and impactful insights...
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