DTA Graduate Program (Feb 2026)

Influence world class data and digital government services

Our graduate program gives you the opportunity to make a real impact and be part of a community that helps to drive digital transformation. It builds foundational skills, behaviours, mindsets and networks to make a significant contribution to the APS.

You will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful and challenging work with the support to build confidence and develop your skills, knowledge and networks.

Thrive in your chosen field 

Take advantage of 2 placements and a tailored learning and development program. 

We have a range of career paths, including but not limited to:

• digital policy development
• public policy
• strategic planning
• data and research
• digital and technology policy
• portfolio, project and programme assurance
• whole-of-government procurement and tenders
• corporate: finance, procurement, IT, human resources, media and communications.

Our streams

In 2026 we will recruit graduates from the following Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) Streams:

Stream	How to apply
Data As a data graduate, you'll manage every step of the data process, from surveys to analysis.	Data Stream | APS jobs (New build)
Digital As a digital graduate, you'll develop valuable digital skills in technical problem solving, analytics, digital design or development.	Digital Stream | APS jobs (New build)
Generalist As a generalist graduate, you'll support, provide advice and guidance on policies and programs that influence important decisions.	Generalist Stream | APS jobs (New build)

We also participate in the Indigenous Graduate Pathway Program (IGP). The program provides a rewarding career in the Australian Public Service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tertiary graduates. Learn more about the Indigenous Graduate Pathway Program and apply - https://content.apsjobs.gov.au/career-pathways/graduate-programs/indigenous-graduate-pathway

Who can apply 

This program is for graduates who: 

• are Australian citizens (or become an Australian citizen by December 2025)
• are willing to take part in pre-employment screening, including an Australian police check
• have, or willing to obtain and maintain, a valid Australian Government Baseline security clearance
• have completed or will complete an Australian-recognised undergraduate qualification (bachelor degree or higher) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2025
• are passionate about making a difference to the Australian Community, with an interest in digital and policy
• have a positive attitude, a desire to learn and a growth mindset
• are collaborative, innovative, ambitious and adaptable
• are located in or willing to relocate to Canberra for the duration of the program.

Graduate perks 

We focus on training and development to provide you with resources to build your career, develop your skills and find your passions. 

You’ll also:

• get a generous and attractive starting salary of $75,117 per annum, which will increase to $80,581 per annum upon successful completion of the 10-month program
• be offered a permanent job in the DTA and APS on successful completion of the 10-month program
• get access to support for the cost of moving if you need to relocate to Canberra
• have regular check-ins with your graduate coordinator, who will be your primary contact and support person throughout the year
• have a mentor who will meet with you monthly to provide advice and support you to settle into the APS and DTA
• feel a sense of connection and community, with access to networking events and an immediate social network – the graduate cohort
• be enrolled in the whole of APS Graduate Event Series which brings together graduates from across the APS in a series of informative and interactive workshops
• have access to up to 3 individual coaching sessions to assist you to explore your career goals and challenges and identify actionable steps for achieving your goals.

Leave and entitlements 

To support a healthy work-life balance, you’ll get access to: 

• 4 weeks of annual leave per year and 18 days personal leave per year
• additional paid closedown between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• 15.4% superannuation on top of your salary
• up to $1,500 per year for short courses, conferences and events
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements, such as working from home arrangements, condensed fortnights, part-time work and more.

To find out more take a look at our Employee Value Statement. 

Support before you start 

We’re here to support you before your first day. Before you start work with us, you’ll have: 

• A buddy: We’ll pair you up with a graduate from the previous year’s program or the broader DTA. Your buddy can offer you tips on finding housing, good restaurants and fun activities in Canberra. They will also help you to build your network early.
• The graduate coordinator: Our graduate coordinators will support you with recruitment, onboarding and your relocation to Canberra (if applicable) and ongoing pastoral care.
• Key information for your first day: Before you start, we will send you a link containing all the necessary onboarding information. You will learn about the DTA, receive guidance on timesheets, accessing the DTA building, setting up your workstation and more.

Diversity and inclusion

Join a team that values all experiences, skills and perspectives. Our biggest strength is our people. We don’t just celebrate diversity, it is essential to our success.

Our commitment extends beyond strategies and plans:

• Get access to flexible work, including assistive software and sit-stand workstations.
• Take part in Diversity and Inclusion Network events like National Reconciliation Week, Autism Awareness Day, International Day for People with Disability and Wear it Purple Day.
• Get paid cultural leave to attend religious or cultural obligations, paid time off for infant feeding and access to infant feeding rooms.
• Access free confidential counselling services anywhere in Australia 24/7.
• Access dedicated wellbeing rooms for reflection, prayer and meditation.

Pre-register now!