The Defence Graduate Program pathways provide unique learning and career progression opportunities, including opportunities to make an impact and do meaningful work from the first day on the program.
Salary and entitlements
Defence is committed to enabling an enjoyable work-life balance for staff. This includes generous remuneration package, conditions of service, flexible work options and leave benefits.
Successful candidates will start the Graduate Program as a permanent full-time APS employee.
Defence APS staff are employed under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement. All successful candidates start the Graduate Program on a salary of $79,176 plus 15.4% superannuation (increasing to $81,868 in March 2026).
Graduates advance to a higher salary after successfully completing the Graduate Program. The salary increase depends on which training pathway is completed.
The average work day for a graduate is 7.5 hours per day. Flexible work hours and arrangements are negotiated individually, depending on the work area.
Defence also helps to support with relocation costs for those who need move away from home for work.
Professional development
Personal and professional career development opportunities, such as:
- rotations across Defence
- practical learning opportunities with exposure to Defence technology and locations.
Inclusive culture
Defence is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. Employees strive to uphold and demonstrate respectful, professional and inclusive behaviours.
A diverse workforce:
- supports an inclusive culture
- encourages innovation
- enables staff to adapt in a rapidly evolving security environment.
Defence is proud to host a number of staff networks, initiatives and activities to celebrate and respect the diversity of its workforce.
A diverse workforce supported by an inclusive culture enhances Defence’s capability and effectiveness. It enables ideas and innovation to adapt to a rapidly evolving strategic environment.