Graduate program information

Who can apply

Am I eligible for the graduate program?

Health and Aged Care’s graduate program is open to all Australian citizens who have obtained a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in the last five years.

Do I need a degree in health to apply?

You do not need a degree in health to apply for the program. We welcome applications from every degree discipline. 

Can I apply for multiple career streams?

Yes, you can apply for the Australian Government Graduate Program career streams and our graduate program. Please remember to check the opening and closing dates carefully, as they are different across the Australian Public Service (APS).

What if I applied earlier and missed out? Should I apply again?

Yes. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can reapply. If you are still interested in Health and Aged Care do consider reapplying again this year.

About applying

How long does the process take?

On average, we get over 1500 applications a year.

We have streamlined the process. Successful candidates will complete various assessments over a few months. This helps us to get to know you. Successful applicants will hear from us around September with employment offers.

When can I apply?

Successful applicants can opt into our midyear intake in September 2024 or commence in February 2025.

The Department of Health and Aged Care also facilitate the following internal streams:

• Generalist program
• Legal Stream
• Communications Steam.

Employment conditions

Will I be a permanent employee as part of the program?

As a graduate you will start with us as a full-time, ongoing APS 4 employee. At the end of the program, you will progress to the APS 5 level.

Will I need to relocate for the position? Can I work from a state office?

The graduate program runs in Canberra. You will need to relocate to Canberra to be part of the program. We help successful applicants to move.

Can I access support for further study?

The graduate program provides a learning and development program designed to give you the skills you need to work well in the APS. After you have completed the graduate program, Health and Aged Care also offers Studybank, to help employees to do approved study.

What security requirements must I meet?

You must be able to get a Baseline Security Clearance.

About the work

What will I be working on?

You can work on policy and programs that contribute toward improving the lives of all Australians. As part of the program, you will complete you will complete two diverse rotations that expose you to interesting and challenging work.

How are work placements determined?

To allocate placements we look at operational requirements, your skills and your academic qualifications. Each placement provides broad exposure to a range of the department’s work. You will be able to give us your preferences for rotation 2.

What work areas could I work in?

At Health and Aged Care there are multiple job families that you can express interest in.

Accounting and finance roles plan and provide systems and services relating to the financial, accounting and procurement activities within organisations.

Communications and stakeholder management roles plan, develop, implement and evaluate communication strategies. These strategies create a favourable view of organisations, their services and their roles in the community to internal and external stakeholders.

Corporate roles provide a range of administrative and corporate services to help the organisation, senior executive or committees.

Data, research and analysis roles investigate, study and analyse a subject or organisation.

ICT roles plan, organise, direct, control, coordinate and support the ICT strategies, plans and operations of an organisation. This ensures the ICT infrastructure and software supports the organisation’s operations and priorities.

Legal and parliamentary roles provide legal advice or support this work. They prepare and draft legal documents, conduct negotiations for clients, plead cases and interpret, analyse, administer and review the law. This also includes Ministerial, Cabinet and Parliamentary advice and support.

Policy roles shape and manage evidence-based policy and programs aligned to government policies and priorities.

Project and program roles coordinate, direct and oversee the project and program  activities to deliver outcomes and benefits related to the organisation’s strategic goals.

Regulation and compliance roles examine, evaluate, inspect and investigate compliance with legislation and organisational frameworks.

Risk and assurance roles plan, develop and implement review of organisational, program or project performance. This also includes roles that analyse risk, and manage fraud control for an organisation or compliance activity.

Science and engineering roles use their technical knowledge to undertake scientific evaluation and risk assessment for regulatory purposes by analysis of data and research. They may also support development of evidence based policy and programs.

Service delivery roles provide coordinated and structured advice or services to support the delivery of an Australia Government or corporate program of work.