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How to apply for the Graduate Development Program

​​​​Interested in being part of our Graduate Development Program? Create a profile on our jobs site to receive notifications and stay up to date when applications open - ​Job map at Home Affairs​​.

Applications for our 2027 Graduate Program close on 12 May 2026 at 11:59 AEDT (midnight). To apply, visit ​Graduate Jobs at Home Affairs

The selection process runs over several months and includes multiple stages. You must meet the required standards at each stage to progress.

Below is an overview of what to expect.

Affirmative Measures

At the Department of Home Affairs and ABF, we are committed to building and valuing a diverse, professional and empowered workforce that authentically represents the community we serve.

Our inclusive recruitment processes allow candidates to demonstrate their capability, ensuring that all applicants are assessed and compared fairly on merit.

The aim is to improve representation in the Australian Public Service (APS) by:

  • promoting equality and non-discrimination in employment
  • recognising equality and non-discrimination in employment
  • recognising that everyone has the right to equal employment opportunities and providing extra support where needed to remove barriers for some groups
  • increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with disability employed in the APS
  • helping agencies meet the APS wide target of 2% representation.

First Nations

Outlined in Section 31 of the Australian Public Service Commissioner’s Directions, participating candidates must provide evidence that they:

  • are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian descent
  • identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian or both
  • are accepted as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander by their community.

Applicants can confirm their heritage with either:

  • a letter signed and executed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation confirming that they are recognised as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person
  • confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent form executed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation.

Learn more about the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions.

People with disability

As outlined in Section 33 of the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions, suitable evidence is not required to include information about the type of disability. However, participating candidates must provide evidence such as a:

  • certificate or letter from a registered medical practitioner
  • letter from a Disability Employment Service or jobactive provider
  • letter from a secondary or tertiary institution disability services unit in relation to a recent student of the type of disability. This is only required if the vacancy is restricted to people with a particular type of disability.

We may consider other documents in individual circumstances.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming the next generation of those who want to shape tomorrow today.

Apply now

When you are ready to apply, see Graduate - Department of Home Affairs Jobs.​

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