Department of Education
Graduate Program (Legal Stream) (Feb 2026)
Canberra
Opportunity details
- Graduate Job or Program
- AUD 75419 / Year
- Progress to $90,580 (plus 15.4% superannuation) upon successful completion of the graduate program.
- 35-45 vacancies
- Apply by 3 Apr 2025
- Start date 4 Feb 2026
At the Department of Education, our goal is to create a better future for all Australians through education.
By supporting a strong early childhood education system, we help children prepare for school and families re-engage with work. Through education and learning, we change lives – opening a world of possibilities for children and young people.
We provide advice to our Ministers and lead the implementation of Government policies and programs to build a strong education system. We draw on the best available research, evidence and data and work collaboratively with industry, stakeholders and state and territory governments.
As an organisation of approximately 1,600 staff, we pride ourselves on our positive, supportive and inclusive workplace culture (https://www.education.gov.au/about-department/work-us/life-education) that nurtures talent and encourages employees to achieve their full potential.
To learn more about our department, including our key priorities, refer to our 2024-25 Corporate Plan (https://www.education.gov.au/about-department/resources/202425-corporate-plan-department-education).
Make a difference! Join our graduate program.
We are looking for graduates from all degree disciplines to help us deliver Australian Government priorities across the education sector.
The Department participates in the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP - https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/s/graduate-portal), working collaboratively with other APS agencies to recruit talented individuals for our Graduate Program. If you’re interested in empowering people to achieve their potential through education— preference Education and get your career startED with us!
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 (APS). As an Education Graduate, you will be provided with varied and challenging work supported by formal learning and development opportunities, on-the-job training and mentoring.
Successfully completing our graduate program will help you apply your skills in new ways while building a strong foundation for a fulfilling career at the department or across the Australian Public Service (APS).
Why join us
- Career progression: Start as an APS Level 3 and progress to APS Level 5 on successful completion of the program. Refer to the Australian Public Service Commission website for more information on APS levels.
- Salary increase: Start at $75,419 (plus 15.4% superannuation) and progress to $90,580 (plus 15.4% superannuation) upon successful completion of the program.
- Placements: Full-time 10-month program, involving two 5-month work placements, allowing you to work on a variety of priority policies, programs or projects.
- Learning and Development: Experience on-the-job training, supported by a range of formal learning and development opportunities.
- Buddy Program: We will match you up with a ‘buddy’ from the previous year’s graduate program, who can support and guide you by sharing their experience and insights.
- Location options: Majority of positions are located in Canberra with some opportunities available interstate. Relocation assistance is provided to candidates who relocate to Canberra.
- Employee Networks: Help contribute to a positive and inclusive workplace culture by joining our Employee Networks.
- Community: Participate in Social Club and Graduate Fundraising activities to connect with colleagues at every level.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply through the AGGP, applicants must submit a completed application prior to the closing date and time and provide evidence of or confirmation of the following:
- be an Australian citizen at the time of application
- will or have completed at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor's degree), or higher equivalent by 31 December 2025
- your most recent eligible qualification has or will be completed between 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025
- be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government baseline security clearance once accepted onto the program
- be willing to undergo any police, character, health or other checks required.
If you secure a place in our Graduate Program the department will guide you through the process of obtaining your Baseline security clearance as part of your onboarding process.
How to apply
The Department of Education participates in the following AGGP streams. You can apply for one or many of the streams below to be considered for a role with us.
- Generalist
- Data
- Economist
- Legal
- Indigenous Graduate Program
- Finance and Accounting
- Digital
- HR
Visit our website (https://www.education.gov.au/graduate-and-entry-level-programs/graduate-program) to read more about what we can offer you as a 2026 Education Graduate.
Applications for the 2026 Australian Government Graduate Program will open in March 2025, but we offer an Expression of Interest Register allowing you to share your interest in the meantime. When you express your interest we'll keep in touch, so you know when you can apply and what opportunities we offer.
Complete the expression of interest for our exciting and rewarding Graduate Program! Click "Pre-register" now!
Make a difference by creating a better future for all Australians through education. You have what it takes. Join us!
Hiring criteria
- No experience required
- Australian Citizen
- Business & Management +more
- Bachelor or higher
Reviews
Handling server and network operations
In my role I assist with privacy and FOI matters. I am most satisfied when I have a range of tasks to do (as opposed to all similar tasks) and the tasks challenge me.
As a graduate, my day-to-day responsibilities include team inbox monitoring, drafting ministerial correspondence, stakeholder engagement, attending meetings, etc.
About the employer
Department of Education
4.1
1,000 - 50,000 employees
Government & Public Service
The Department of Education creates opportunities and drives better outcomes through access to quality education.
Pros and cons of working at Department of Education
Pros
The workplace environment and culture is very supportive and friendly and the work is exciting.
Opportunities to learn - Complete work that has real life impacts for people who need government support – Great people to work with – Many development opportunities.
The department is very supportive with flexible work arrangements and understanding if you need to change work hours. take leave or use flex.
The ability to come home from work and not feel pressure to keep working.
I find the progression of the grad program to be excellent and well worth the time investment.
Cons
Having to work within the systems already in place to reach the best possible outcomes rather than changing the system itself to achieve potentially better outcomes.
Inconsistency in workload (has been a particularly slow period for me).
Last minute work with tight deadlines.
The opportunities to rotate are defined strongly by business needs.
There are constant changes which can be hard to get used to - whether it be about priorities, teams or overall structure of your division which takes time to get used to. But is also a good learning experience.