The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) serves as Australia's foreign service, leading and coordinating the nation's international agenda by engaging with foreign governments and organisations to advance strategic, security, and economic interests. From Australia and across our overseas posts, we cultivate relationships and networks to provide strategic insights, deliver international development and humanitarian assistance, lead on crisis response and offer consular and passport services.

Working at DFAT is a vocation where everyday brings new challenges and opportunities to do meaningful work and represent Australia's interests globally. With a focus on learning and development, backed by our leading‑edge Diplomatic Academy, DFAT offers a diverse range of career paths within a supportive environment. Staff have the chance to engage in international deployments while contributing to efforts both at home and abroad.

DFAT fosters a high‑performance culture driven by a resilient, motivated, and diverse workforce committed to serving the country. Upholding APS Values, we prioritize achievement, leadership, valuing people, and collaboration. Our strength lies in diversity, which enables us to find common ground as we work with people around the world to solve complex global issues.

DFAT is an inclusive workplace, both in Australia and across the global network, committed to embracing and projecting the diversity of the Australian community, striving to create safe work environments where staff are respected and valued, and everyone has equitable access to opportunities, and dedicated to achieving the objectives outlined in DFAT’s Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Strategy 2024‑2027.

DFAT offers attractive conditions of service, as outlined in DFAT’s 2024 Enterprise Agreement, including a competitive remuneration package with 15.4% employer contribution to your superannuation, 22 days annual leave every 12 months, 20 days of personal/carers leave credited upon commencement,



attractive parental leave benefits and flexible working environments.

About the program

Nomatter your interest, whether it’s in foreign affairs, international development, national security, or trade and investment, our graduate program will prepare you for a rich and rewarding career in DFAT.

During the 18‑month program, you will complete four placements within the department and will develop first‑hand experience across a range of DFAT’s work areas. You will be provided with:

- Starting salary of $84,115, increasing to $92,753 at completion of the program
- 15.4% superannuation

Opportunities to apply for overseas service are available to DFAT employees throughout their career, whether they are working in policy or corporate fields.

The graduate program has two streams: Policy and Corporate.

This relates to the Policy Stream . If you wish to apply for both streams you need to submit separate applications.

In the Policy stream you will work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders to design, manage, and implement key Australian Government policies and programs across the world.

- Bilateral Economic and Political Relations
- International Trade Negotiations, Investment, and Economic Analysis
- Development and Aid Program Management
- International Security
- International Law
- Public Diplomacy
- Multilateral and Global Issues
- Strategic Communications

The experience policy graduates will gain during the program will place them in a competitive position to apply for overseas transfers in roles such as Second Secretary (policy/trade/development),



or mixed duties positions at the end of the program.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for graduates with a range of experiences and from diverse backgrounds. People who have a genuine interest in working with Australia’s international partners to tackle global challenges, increase trade and investment opportunities, protect international rules, keep our region secure and help Australians overseas. Further, we need graduates who will help us manage departmental resources and assets in Australia and overseas.

We welcome applications from all academic backgrounds, including, but not limited to, international relations, economics, social sciences, public policy, education, commerce, law, defence, development, health sciences, public policy, history, journalism, communications, linguistics, humanitarian support, cyber security, nuclear science and STEM.

It is important our graduates can work collaboratively with others, manage relationships, have humility, drive and accountability. We also look for respectful people who are curious; adaptable; have resilience and through analytical thinking; and are able to problem‑solve.

You must meet the DFAT general eligibility requirements to apply for the Graduate Program. You also need to:

- Have completed at least a bachelor’s degree between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2026

Prior to starting the graduate program, successful candidates need to obtain an Australian national security clearance at Negative Vetting Level 2.

How to Apply

How to apply and further information about the department and the graduate program please go to DFAT (APS) careers.

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📌 2027 Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Graduate Program - Policy Stream (Canberra)
🏢 Theibr
📍 Canberra