2025 Defence Graduate Program

• $73,343 (increasing to $76,277 upon the Fair Work Commission approval of the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement - 2024) (plus 15.4% superannuation)
• Permanent position and salary advancement after successful completion the program.
• Ongoing, full-time role

What you’ll do
Bring your unique skills and experiences to a world of opportunity at Defence. No matter your pathway, your contribution leaves an imprint at Defence that is uniquely yours. The Defence Graduate Program offers you a real part in keeping Australia safe and secure.
The Program offers 4 pathways based on skills and areas of study. Each provides unique learning experiences and career development: * Technical Pathway

• Intelligence Pathway
• Research and Innovation Pathway
• Policy and Corporate Pathway

The pathways help you to launch your Defence career with confidence and purpose. You will get:

• career development opportunities that enhance your specialist and generalist acumen
• hands-on experience and immerse yourself in a diverse group of dedicated experts, and
• access to cutting-edge technology designed to protect Australian interests.

As a Defence Graduate, you may:

• support intelligence operations nationally and internationally
• provide scientific and technical advice through research
• support sustainment and procurement activities, and
• contribute to Defence’s workforce through delivering vital corporate services.

In the application form, you will need to choose 2 preferred pathways and job role or area of interest. Learn more about the .
Who we’re looking for
This program is for graduates who:

• are Australian citizens, and hold citizenship for at least 3 months before applying
• have completed a minimum 3-year Bachelor’s Degree in the last 5 years. This must be recognised in Australia. If youre currently studying, you must be completing your final year of tertiary study.
• are capable, flexible, resilient, team-focused, results-oriented and committed.

Successful candidates will also need to obtain a security clearance. The level of clearance will depend on which pathway you are accepted into.
If you’re offered a position in a high-security environment, you will need to undertake a psychological assessment. The type of assessment depends on which area of Defence youre accepted into.
Read more about .
What you can look forward to
Competitive salary and benefits
All successful candidates start the Graduate Program on a salary of $73,343 (increasing to $76,277 upon the Fair Work Commission approval of the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement – 2024) plus 15.4% superannuation. If you successfully complete the Program, you will advance to a higher salary. The amount depends on which training pathway you've completed. Defence’s generous remuneration package, conditions of service, flexibility and leave benefits contribute to a happy work/life balance.
Comprehensive learning and development
You will experience a tailored learning and development program that is grounded in foundational, social and experiential learning. The program will give you the knowledge and skills to propel you into an exciting and challenging career.
All graduate pathways will include:

• rotation placements across work areas
• work on senior office briefs with members of Defence’s Senior Executive Service
• internal and external training and learning opportunities
• a Defence familiarisation tour, and
• exposure to military capability.

Relocation support
Defence offers opportunities across Australia, but it’s important to note that you may need to relocate if you’re successful. If you need to relocate, Defence can support you with the cost of moving.
Diversity and inclusion
Defence is and building a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Employees strive to uphold and demonstrate respectful, professional and inclusive behaviours.
Defence capability relies on a capable and talented workforce, regardless of background, gender, age, culture, religion, ability or sexual orientation. Defence encourages people from a range of backgrounds to apply for its Graduate Program. A diverse workforce:

• supports an inclusive culture
• encourages innovation
• enables you to adapt in a rapidly evolving security environment.

About Defence
Defence is one of Australia's largest Government departments and offers rewarding careers across a spectrum of job categories.
It's a place for graduates to bring their unique experiences, values and skills to explore a career of vast possibilities. Defence is an inclusive space to make a meaningful impact on Australia’s national security and protection. It embraces specialist skills, diversity and thought leadership.
With access to cutting-edge technology, experts and a close network of peers, graduates can get hands-on experience to learn on the job and find their unique path.