Every contribution you make in the Defence Graduate Program leaves a unique mark.

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.

You'll work with a diverse group of dedicated experts and access cutting-edge technology designed to protect Australian interests.

As a graduate, you’ll have a chance to support Australia’s security and humanitarian efforts.

Defence is the winner of the Graduate Employer award for Government & Public Safety by Prosple. 

Join one of the Top 100 Graduate employers and kick-start a future with purpose.

What you’ll do

The Defence Graduate Program offers you a real part in keeping Australia safe and secure.

The Program offers has 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 cutting-edge technology designed to protect Australian interests.

As a Defence Graduate, you will:

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

Learn more about the 4 graduate pathways.

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 at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor degree), or higher equivalent by 31 December 2025, with the most recent eligible qualification being completed between 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025, and
are capable, flexible, resilient, team-focused, results-oriented and committed.

Successful candidates will also need 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 likely need to undertake a psychological assessment. They type of assessment depends on which area of Defence you're accepted into.

Key dates

24 February 2025: Applications open
9 April 2025: Applications close

Shortlisting

28 April to 4 May 2025: Online written activity
16 May 2025: Assessment outcome
26 May to 6 June 2025: Group Assessment (Hybrid delivery of face-to-face and online sessions)
11 June 2025: Assessment outcome
30 June to 11 July 2025: Interviews
Within 1 week of interview: Reference checks
Late-August to mid-October:  Program offers
February 2026: Program commencement

Please note: Intelligence pathway applicants may need to complete extra suitability assessments. This may extend the time before you find out the outcome of your application.

Department of Defence

Defence culture and misconceptions about civilian employment