PM&C Graduate Program

Before you apply for the PM&C Graduate Program, learn about our graduate recruitment process.

Why choose the PM&C Graduate Program

Our graduate program offers a unique opportunity to start your journey of professional growth and career development.

At the centre of the Australian Government, we work in partnership with departments and agencies across the Australian Public Service (APS) to support the government’s priorities. This means you will gain exposure to a broad range of national issues and contribute to work that shapes Australia’s future.

In our supportive and collaborative environment, you will apply your skills and knowledge to address real-world challenges while gaining valuable experience through diverse learning and development opportunities.

In our graduate program, you will:

• Begin with a 4-month placement in your ‘home rotation’, building a strong foundation and support network. You will return to your ‘home rotation’ at the end of the graduate program.
• Complete 2 additional 4-month rotations in other areas of the department to broaden your experience and understanding of PM&C’s work.
• Build professional connections through mentoring and networking opportunities with experts at the heart of government.
• Gain valuable insight into the workings of the Australian Government, laying the foundation for a successful career in public service.

PM&C is committed to supporting wellbeing, inclusion and a healthy work-life balance. To learn more about what makes PM&C a great place to work, visit Why work at PM&C.

About the PM&C Graduate Program

Our 12-month graduate program offers a range of experience supporting the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, portfolio ministers and assistant ministers, as well as our Secretary and senior leaders, on issues of national significance.

Based in Canberra, you will gain practical experience including coordination of government activities, policy development and advice, and program delivery. Working in partnership with colleagues across PM&C, the APS and stakeholders across national and international jurisdictions, you will help respond to emerging government priorities to improve the lives of all Australians, advance Australia's interests, and keep our country safe and prosperous.

Through this experience, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality advice and support to government, while developing the skills, knowledge and networks to build a successful career in the APS.

Our unique program

Your graduate program journey is unique. Your dedicated ‘home rotation’ provides a consistent team and support network throughout the 12-month program. You will then complete rotations in 2 other areas of the department, gaining broad exposure to our work. At the end of the program, you will return to your home area to consolidate your learnings, continue building your expertise and progress your career.

Areas available for rotation include:

• Domestic and Social policy: developing and coordinating policy solutions to Australia's key economic, social, environmental and First Nations priorities.
• Government: supporting Cabinet processes, whole-of-government coordination, ministerial support, national honours, public ceremonies and official events.
• International policy: contributing to decision making related to overseas trade, foreign aid and development, economic security and strategic partnerships.
• National security: providing advice on initiatives for border protection, crisis management, defence, counter-terrorism and crisis management.
• Office for Women: leading work to advance gender equality and improve outcomes for women across Australia.
• Australian Government Consulting: partnering with APS agencies to solve strategic, organisational and operational challenges.
• AUKUS: supporting and strengthening the military capabilities of Australia’s largest defence project, the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK and the US.
• BETA (Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government): applying behavioural science, data and experimentation to improve government policy, services and outcomes.
• Corporate: supporting the internal functions of PM&C through ministerial support, technology and business services, finance and shared services, communication, human resources and governance, performance and audit.
• Office of AI: working across government to design and legislate new national AI standards and create consistent regulatory systems.

To learn more about what we do, explore our corporate plan and A day in the life at PM&C which includes insights from a former PM&C graduate on life in the program.

You can also view our organisation chart to see our structure and the breadth of work undertaken across the department, and how we support the work of government.

Continue to learn

Our program invests in your development so you can build the skills, knowledge and confidence to grow your career. We will support you to push yourself out of your comfort zone at your preferred pace.

Starting a new role can feel daunting, but we will support you to develop the foundational and specialist skills, knowledge, behaviours and networks to contribute at PM&C and the APS.

You will progress through our program alongside a cohort of graduate peers, supported by a dedicated ‘buddy’, senior mentor, supervisors and colleagues who will help you learn, grow and succeed throughout each rotation.

Our aim is to build your confidence and skills, and tap into your fresh ideas and diverse perspectives to deliver the best outcomes for all Australians.

The graduate journey

The below timeline demonstrates an example of a graduate journey:

Salary, benefits and relocation

We offer graduates a permanent, ongoing position in the APS, with an attractive salary and access to a range of benefits, including flexible work arrangements, leave provisions and generous superannuation.

Graduates commencing in February 2027 will start the maximum of the APS 3 classification level, with a salary of $79,707 under the PM&C Enterprise Agreement 2024–27.

Our graduate program includes opportunities for accelerated progression, with advancement to the APS 4 classification level after 6 months and APS 5 classification level after 12 months.

We provide relocation assistance for reasonable expenses associated with moving to Canberra. This may include support for dependents such as partners, children and, in some cases, pets. Where required, transition accommodation in Canberra may also be available to help you settle into life in a new city.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking university graduates who are passionate about contributing to issues of national significance to improve the lives of all Australians.

Our graduates are curious, motivated and adaptable, with a willingness to tackle emerging challenges and evolving government priorities. They share diverse ideas, offer unique views and insights, problem-solve and work collaboratively to deliver meaningful outcomes while learning from their peers and colleagues.

They value the importance of teamwork, inclusion and mutual support, and contribute to a workplace where every voice is heard and valued.

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the Australian community and encourage applications from:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and/or queer people
• people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• carers
• mature-age people
• people living with disability.

As the Australian Government’s central agency, the breadth of PM&C’s work extends beyond international relations and public policy. We welcome graduates from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds, recognising that diverse skills, perspectives and experiences help us deliver better outcomes for government and the Australian community.

Whether you studied event management, nursing, teaching or town planning, there is a team that is keen for your skills and perspective at PM&C.

If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, you must:

• have completed at least a 3-year undergraduate bachelor degree with a credit average within the last 8 years. All degrees must be completed by 31 December 2027 and recognised in Australia
• be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected) level security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level
• be an Australian Citizen by 30 June 2027. Where relevant, you will need to provide evidence to verify impending citizenship
• be willing to relocate to Canberra to participate in the program. 

For more information on how to apply, visit Graduate recruitment process.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please email us at entrylevelprograms@pmc.gov.au.