How to apply to the National Graduate Program

Steps to apply

You can apply for all streams when applications open on 2 March 2026.

For the data, digital, finance and accounting, human resources, legal and STEM streams you can also apply through the Australian Government Graduate Program.

Step 1: online application
Step 2: facilitated online assessment
Step 3: virtual assessment centre and referee checks
Step 4: merit pool and matching you to a role
Step 5: verbal employment offer and pre-engagement checks

Step 1: online application

To complete and submit your application, you need to:

• confirm your eligibility
• provide your personal, employment and qualification details
• provide your resume
• list your referee details.

Step 2: facilitated online assessment

If you progress to this stage, you’ll complete a facilitated online assessment.

This assessment includes different types of questions to see how you perform in real workplace tasks. It shows how you respond to various work situations, issues and problems.

You can complete this assessment using an internet-connected device with a large screen, like a laptop or tablet. We’ll send you instructions on what you need to do.

If you don’t progress to step 3, you won’t get feedback at this stage.

Step 3: virtual assessment centre and referee check

If you’re successful at step 2, you’ll be invited to a virtual assessment centre. This is your opportunity to showcase your skills in a behavioural interview and a group activity. The virtual assessment centre runs for about half a day, and you can choose a morning or an afternoon session that works for you.

You may need to take some time off work or from your studies to attend. If you can’t participate, we’ll have to withdraw your application.

At this stage, we’ll also contact your referee for feedback about your skills, abilities and past work performance.

You’ll get feedback after the assessment process to help you understand your strengths and areas for improvement.

Step 4: merit pool and matching you to a role

If you’re successful at step 3, including your referee check, you’ll join a merit pool.

The merit pool is valid for 18 months, but being in the pool doesn’t guarantee a job offer.

For more information about merit pools, read about the Australian Public Service (APS) merit principle on the Australian Public Service Commission website.

Step 5: verbal employment offer and pre-engagement checks

At this point our verbal offers depend on successfully completing eligibility, suitability and a medical declaration.

Eligibility and suitability check

We’ll check your details against a national database for any prior infringements, criminal charges or convictions.

If you have any of these, we’ll assess your situation individually.

Medical check

If needed, we’ll organise a general medical check after your medical declaration. This check helps us know if you need workplace adjustments and if you can perform the role’s requirements.

We’ll schedule your medical check at a nearby location, as your personal medical provider can’t complete this check.

Letter of offer

If you pass the pre-engagement checks, we’ll provide you a letter of offer. This letter will include details about your salary and employment conditions. Make sure to complete all the paperwork by the due date mentioned in the email to secure your spot.

We’ll provide all the information about the program and relocation process to help you prepare for this new opportunity.

Graduates with disability

We have an application process for Australians who identify as having disability.

You’ll need to provide evidence of your disability. This can be a statutory declaration or a letter from any of the following:

• a registered medical practitioner
• a Disability Employment Service (DES) provider
• a tertiary institution disability service unit.

Read about disability definitions on the Australian Public Service Commission website.

APS RecruitAbility scheme

If you meet the disability definition, you can also apply under the APS RecruitAbility scheme. The scheme helps people with disability present their skills and experience during the selection process.

You need to opt into the scheme when you apply to the 2027 National Graduate Program. You also need to:

• declare you have disability
• meet the minimum requirements for the program.

We’ll support you to apply in a way that works for you, and can make adjustments during the recruitment process, if needed. Contact us to discuss your options.

Australian Government Graduate Program

We’re a participating agency in the Australian Government Graduate Program’s (AGGP) which has streams in data, digital, finance and accounting, human resources and legal. By applying to one of these streams, you only have to complete the application and selection process once to be considered by different Australian Government agencies.

When you start your career as a graduate with the Australian Government, you’ll do meaningful work right from day one. You’ll contribute your ideas, be recognised for your input, and see how you can make a difference in the Australian community we serve.

You can apply for all streams through our website. For some of our streams you can apply through the AGGP:

Find out more about the AGGP on the APS Jobs website.

Indigenous Graduate Pathway

Services Australia is also part of the Indigenous Graduate Pathway. If you’re Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, you can complete one application and be considered for jobs in multiple agencies and departments across the APS.

Find out more about the Indigenous Graduate Pathway on the APS Jobs website.

If you apply through this pathway, you can also apply for our generalist or specialist streams through our own recruitment process.

Contact us

If you have any questions about the program, you can contact us by email at entrylevelprograms@servicesaustralia.gov.au.

You can also connect with us on our Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn pages.