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Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Graduate Programs & Internships

  • Government & Public Service

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (the department) is the lead agency managing Australia's international presence. We manage a network of posts on five continents and have over 6000 staff located in Canberra, our state and territory offices and at our overseas missions.

We work with international partners and other countries to tackle global challenges, increase trade and investment opportunities, protect international rules, keep our region stable and help Australians overseas.

Our officers are highly skilled at their work, which includes:

  • developing and implementing foreign, trade and development policy 
  • negotiating international agreements 
  • delivering an effective aid program 
  • supporting Australian business, and 
  • providing high quality consular assistance and passport services.

In a career with the DFAT, you will learn new skills, be part of experienced and motivated teams, and do meaningful work that promotes and protects Australia's international interests.

Each year, we select a mix of new graduates, and graduates with several years of professional experience. It does not matter how old you are. We are seeking graduates with all degree backgrounds for policy and corporate roles across the department.

We strive for a workforce that represents the Australia we serve and encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds who share our values.

To be eligible for the DFAT graduate program, you must:

  • be an Australian Citizen at the time of application
  • have finished at least a Bachelor’s degree between 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2022by 31 December 2022
  • be willing to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 2 security clearance.

Roles are based in Canberra and will commence in February or March 2023.

Graduates usually spend several years in Canberra, gaining experience across the department, before being selected for an overseas posting, but you are eligible to apply once you have completed the program.

Recruitment Process

DFAT Application Process

Stage One: Online Application 

Submit an online application via the DFAT Careers website by Sunday, 12 June 2022 at 11:30 pm AEST. 

We ask you to complete a CV template where you can provide details of your academic background, work and/or volunteer experience, awards and achievements.

Stage Two: Online Assessment 

After submitting your application, and if you meet the program eligibility requirements, we will invite you to complete an online assessment. 

Stage Three: Assessment Centre 

The assessment centre is the final stage of the selection process and will be held either in person or virtually. 

It may include: 

  • a written exercise, which may be completed online, before the assessment centre 
  • a group exercise 
  • a panel interview

Referees

Referee reports help the selection committee verify information shared in your application and during assessment activities. 

Merit pool and outcome 

After the assessment process, suitable candidates will be placed in a merit pool. At this stage in the process, we will match suitable candidates to available positions and contact you with a verbal offer of employment. Verbal offers will be made in August 2022. Pending your security clearance being granted, we will provide a formal written offer of employment. 

Feedback

We can provide feedback on request. A link to request feedback will be provided in your outcome notification email.

Remuneration & Career Growth

During the 12-month program, you will get:

  • an ongoing, entry level position, commencing at an APS 3 classification and advancing to an APS 4 classification at completion of the program
  • a starting salary of $71,163, increasing to $73,162 at completion of the program
  • 15.4% superannuation
  • placements in three work areas
  • targeted training and development delivered by DFAT's Diplomatic Academy
  • an inclusive and flexible working environment
  • access to employee and professional networks
  • a Senior Executive Service mentor
  • generous leave conditions and a relocation package if you need to move to Canberra.

Jobs & Opportunities

Locations With Jobs & Opportunities
  • Canberra
Hiring candidates with qualifications in
B
Business & Management
E
Engineering & Mathematics
H
Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
I
IT & Computer Science
L
Law, Legal Studies & Justice
M
Medical & Health Sciences
S
Sciences
T
Teaching & Education

Graduate Success Stories


  • Graduate stories
One thing I’ve learned so far is to ‘say yes to the things that seem challenging they’re often the most rewarding experiences.

Emily

  • Graduate stories
One thing I’ve learned so far is to ‘say yes to the things that seem challenging they’re often the most rewarding experiences.

Emily

  • Graduate stories
If you’re curious, determined and passionate about making a difference, DFAT is an excellent place to start your career.

Aidan

  • Graduate stories
If you’re curious, determined and passionate about making a difference, DFAT is an excellent place to start your career.

Aidan

  • Graduate stories
One thing I’ve learned so far is to ‘say yes to the things that seem challenging they’re often the most rewarding experiences.

Emily

  • Graduate stories
One thing I’ve learned so far is to ‘say yes to the things that seem challenging they’re often the most rewarding experiences.

Emily

  • Graduate stories
If you’re curious, determined and passionate about making a difference, DFAT is an excellent place to start your career.

Aidan

  • Graduate stories
If you’re curious, determined and passionate about making a difference, DFAT is an excellent place to start your career.

Aidan