Updating Results

Department of Home Affairs

  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Department of Home Affairs Graduate Programs & Internships

  • Government & Public Service

The Department supports a range of activities, including international trade, the supply of skilled labour for our domestic economy, business relationships, revenue collection, law enforcement and national security outcomes, travel and tourism facilitation, community protection, and building a prosperous and cohesive society. The breadth of these activities necessarily means that the operating and strategic environment in which we work is equally vast and is influenced by both domestic and international trends and events.

Our senior leadership team views our Graduate Development Program as an investment in developing and maturing our future leadership capability. The Department invests in enhancing leadership through development programs and opportunities to ensure our leaders are equipped to build high performing teams and positively influence the direction of the Department.

Recruitment Process

Applications open on 6 March 2023 and close on 17 April 2023.

The selection process for our Graduate Development Program involves a number of stages and runs over several months. You will need to be assessed as suitable for each stage of the selection process in order to move onto the next stage.​​​​

Step 1:  Online application – 6 March 2023 to 17 April 2023

You must create an account to register and use our Recruitment website.

When completing the online application you will be asked to provide your:

  • personal information
  • details of your qualifications including your current academic transcript (as an attachment – maximum 3MB)
  • a statement verifying recognition of your qualifications if you have overseas qualifications (as an attachment – maximum 3MB)
  • your resume

When you submit your application you will receive an email confirmation. You will also receive profile information so you can log into your account and update your personal and referee details at any time.

After the closing date, you will only be able to make changes to your profile information (for example, your contact details).

Step 2: First round of assessments

These two online assessments will be undertaken through PredictiveHire and SOVA ability software.

Step 3: Assessment centre

Applicants who are successful in the first interview stage will be invited to an assessment centre. This will include a variety of activities aimed at determining suitable applicants. We will run virtual assessment centres in May 2023.

Step 4: Referee reports

Referee reports are used to confirm information about your employment history, qualifications, experience and role suitability. They also provide the selection panel with the opportunity to seek clarification on matters discussed during your assessment.

Step 5: Merit pool

Once you complete the recruitment process we’ll let you know if you are suitable or not suitable for the program. Suitable candidates will be placed into a merit pool.

Not all suitable candidates will be offered a position. We recommend you do not give notice to your current employer until you have been issued with a formal Offer of Engagement and you have obtained the required clearances.

Step 6: Receive verbal employment offer

If suitable and selected, we’ll contact you with an offer of employment. The offer is conditional based on you obtaining an Employment Suitability Clearance and Security clearance.

Step 7: Clearances

ll employees are required to undergo comprehensive security clearance processing before commencement with Home Affairs.

Employees must obtain an Employment Suitability Clearance and a Commonwealth security clearance.

For more information, see Employment Suitability Clearance.

Before applying for a career with us, we encourage you to complete the Employment Suitability Self-Assessment.

Step 7: Clearances

When you are ready to apply, see Graduate Program.

Remuneration & Career Growth

Build your skills. Build your career. Shape Australia's future.

When you work with us, you are part of a diverse and dynamic workforce dedicated to keeping Australia prosperous, secure and united. You will carry out meaningful and important work that improves the lives of all Australians.

As one of our graduates you will be offered a variety of hands-on experiences with formal development opportunities throughout the 12-month program. You will experience interesting and unique opportunities through various workplace rotations designed to build a diverse range of skills and knowledge to take your career to the next level with confidence.

We offer you:

  • A positive approach to flexible work arrangements as well as a work life balance
  • A workplace that promotes and actively supports diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity
  • Foundational knowledge and skills to set up your career with a unique introduction to the work of government
  • Four unique rotations throughout the Department of Home Affairs and/or Australian Border Force
  • Tailored learning and development program
  • A starting salary of $71,201 + 15.4% superannuation
  • A range of high profile graduate and departmental events
  • A graduate specific induction program
  • A dedicated SES mentor to guide you
  • A partnership with a previous graduate buddy to help you settle in
  • Ongoing employment with a department that can offer you endless career opportunities
  • A dedicated Entry Programs Team for support; and,
  • Relocation assistance if required

Jobs & Opportunities

Locations With Jobs & Opportunities
  • Canberra ACT, Sydney NSW, Melbourne VIC, Adelaide SA, Perth WA, Brisbane QLD
Hiring candidates with qualifications in
B
Business & Management
C
Creative Arts
E
Engineering & Mathematics
H
Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
I
IT & Computer Science
L
Law, Legal Studies & Justice
M
Medical & Health Sciences
P
Property & Built Environment
S
Sciences
T
Teaching & Education

Videos


2022 AGGP Super Fair | Department of Home Affairs

Watch this presentation from the Indigenous Graduate Pathway session to hear from Department of Home Affairs representatives about their graduate program.

Graduate Development Program - Victoria's experience

Meet Victoria as she shares her experience as a 2020 Department of Home Affairs Graduate.

2022 AGGP Super Fair | Department of Home Affairs

Watch this presentation from the Indigenous Graduate Pathway session to hear from Department of Home Affairs representatives about their graduate program.

Graduate Development Program - Victoria's experience

Meet Victoria as she shares her experience as a 2020 Department of Home Affairs Graduate.

Upcoming Events


  • May
  • 02
  • 04
Australian Signals Directorate (ASD)

2024 VCE and Careers Expo

Thu 2 May 2024, 9:00am - Sat 4 May 2024, 3:00pm

Australia's biggest education and careers event is now in its 32nd year in a NEW, BIGGER VENUE!