The application process for the Defence Graduate Program matches graduates with the most suitable pathway role as they begin a career in Defence.
Key dates
2026 Graduate Program
- 24 February 2025: Applications open
- 9 April 2025: Applications close
- Late-August to mid-October 2025: Program offers
- February 2026: Program commencement.
Key activities:
- 28 April to 4 May 2025: Online written activity
- 16 May 2025: Assessment outcome
- 26 May to 6 June 2025: Group Assessment (hybrid delivery of face-to-face and online sessions)
- 11 June 2025: Assessment outcome
- 30 June to 11 July 2025: Interviews
- Within 1 week of interview: Reference checks.
Note: Intelligence pathway applicants may need to complete extra suitability assessments. This may extend the time period before successful applicants are notified.
2027 Graduate Program – Intelligence Pathway
- 9 June 2025: Applications open
- 20 July 2025: Applications close
- 16 January to 27 February 2026: Program offers
- February 2027: Program commencement.
Key activities:
- 9 June to 31 July 2025: Shortlisting and eligibility checks
- 1 August 2025: Shortlisting and eligibility outcomes
- 4 August to 10 August 2025: Online written activity
- 4 August to 10 August 2025: Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation Spatial Aptitude Assessment (AGO candidates only)
- 15 August 2025: Assessment outcome
- 25 to 28 August 2025: Online group assessment
- 29 August 2025: Assessment outcome
- 1 September to 10 October 2025: Reference checks
- 1 September to 10 October 2025: Defence Intelligence Suitability Assessment (DISA testing)
- 13 October 2025: DISA and referee outcomes
- 27 to 31 October 2025: Online panel interview
- 3 November to 19 December 2025: DISA Interview.