Economics, Commerce, Finance & Accounting Graduate Program (Jan 2026)

If you have recently graduated in one of the Economics, Commerce, Finance, and Accounting disciplines at university then we want you to apply for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) Graduate Program. PM&C will give you the opportunity to work across an exciting and broad range of areas that aren’t available anywhere else – it’s a mini public service rolled into one! If you’re keen to explore a broad range of opportunities, then there’s no better place to start your career.

What we provide 

• 12-month, multiple award-winning graduate program where you choose where you go
• Excellent support including mentors, buddies, and networking opportunities to connect with countless business areas
• A starting APS3 salary of $77086 + 15.4% superannuation and potential advancement after 6 months to the APS4 salary
• Inspiring and diverse work opportunities so that you can tailor your program to suit your goals
• Work-life balance including flexible working-from-home arrangements and generous leave entitlements
• Career progression to a permanent placement of your choice and the possibility of future promotion
• Generous relocation package to support your move to Canberra
• A work culture that respects opinions and fosters inclusion and diversity

What you’ll do   

PM&C’s Graduate Program offers graduates hands-on experience supporting the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, Portfolio Ministers, and Assistant Ministers. 

As an Economics, Commerce, Finance, or Accounting graduate, you will work on key priorities that maximise the economic gains to shape options to reform the tax system, advise the Prime Minister on measures to strengthen financial sector governance and competition, be exposed to services and initiatives that assist job seekers and small businesses and shape options for improving the industrial relations system. You could also work closely with our Behavioural Economics teams to generate and apply evidence from the behavioural and social sciences to find solutions to complex policy problems.

You will work closely with PM&C colleagues, the private sector, and partner agencies, including the Treasury, the Productivity Commission, and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to deliver on priorities. You will also have opportunities to: 

• Influence policy decisions on key economic issues for the Government and the nation
• Build an understanding of key elements of Australia’s economic framework
• Support Australia’s G20 Sherpa and Sous Sherpa in key engagements and meetings
• Provide advice on policies, programs, and Cabinet proposals to advance women’s economic security and gender equality
• Work on key policy areas being examined as part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme review
• Conduct research and provide advice on how people interact with programs and policy issues
• Design and test evidence-based solutions to complex policy problems;
• Evaluate and measure the impact of programs and program changes
• Work across government to provide insights on how people really behave by bringing together evidence from behavioural economics, psychology, and other social sciences to design and test behavioural insights interventions.

Who we’re looking for?  

PM&C looks for graduates from across a variety of academic disciplines with diverse experiences and backgrounds. We are looking for people who enjoy working in a fast-paced and challenging environment and enjoy adapting to new circumstances and priorities as the Prime Minister delivers them. 

To succeed in our program, you need to be curious, motivated, and driven to make a difference to the future of our country. You will work both independently and as part of a team, enjoy problem-solving, collaborating, and offer innovative and creative thinking, approaches, and insights. 

Who can apply? 

To be eligible to apply, you must have completed your university degree within the last eight years or be in your final year of study.  

The program starts in February 2026, and you must be willing to relocate to Canberra. You must also be an Australian citizen and willing to undergo police, character, and health checks as required.

Please note that applications close at 10 am on April 15

Next steps    

If this sounds like an opportunity for you, we encourage you to register today. 

To find out more, please visit our website.