Frequently asked questions about graduate recruitment

Will a particular university degree or work experience increase my suitability for a Graduate Program?

DFAT welcomes graduates from all disciplines.

DFAT looks for diversity amongst candidates and to ensure that diversity is maintained the Department does not provide advice on what applicants should study or guidance about any work experience they should undertake. Rather than choosing a particular university course that you think may be relevant to DFAT's work, you should select a discipline for which you have a particular interest and in which you are likely to perform well. This will broaden your career options and, at the same time, give you the opportunity to achieve the strong results the Department seeks.

Policy graduates in the 2011 program have degrees in Antarctic Studies, Arts, Asian Studies, Business, Commerce, Communications, Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, Language Studies, Law, Medicine and Science.

For the Corporate Graduate Program, the Department is particularly seeking graduates with accounting, ICT and human resource management qualifications.

Do I need to speak a second language?

No. While a second language is not essential to gaining a graduate position, languages, particularly Asian languages, are highly valued by the Department.

Can I apply if I'm not an Australian citizen?

Under the Public Service Act 1999 all applicants must be Australian citizens to be eligible for engagement as an employee of the Department. Applicants must be Australian citizens by 31 May in the year they apply for a graduate position.

What if I graduated some time ago?

Graduates come into the Department at a junior level and undergo an intensive two year training program. Some are recent graduates, others join us from the workforce. The Department does not discriminate on the basis of age when filling job vacancies.

If you graduated some time ago and have substantial work experience, you may prefer to apply for other positions advertised by the Department.

I applied for last year's intake but was not successful, can I reapply?

Yes, you may re-apply for the graduate program should you be unsuccessful in any given year. A number of graduates have been successful on their second or third applications for our graduate program.

Do I need to come back to Australia for the exam/interview?

Written examinations and psychometric testing is done online, however, interviews and group exercises are held at our head office in Canberra.

Are all graduate positions based in Canberra?

Yes. All graduate positions are based in Canberra.

If I am offered a graduate position, can I defer my start until the next year's intake, or start later in the year?

It is not possible to defer an offer of employment nor start at an alternative date later in the year.

Are there any programs for Indigenous students?

DFAT encourages Indigenous students to apply for its graduate programs. DFAT has a strong Indigenous Employee Network (IEN) whose members are available to assist and mentor new Indigenous employees.

DFAT also participates in the Australian Public Service Commission's Pathways Program. offering Indigenous undergraduates assistance during their studies and practical work experience in the long summer break.

What if I have a partner or children? Can they come with me on an overseas posting?

The Department does not discriminate against employees with partners or children. We do, however, take into account an employee's family composition, preferences and particular circumstances in allocating postings. When serving overseas, officers with partners and/or children may be entitled to additional payments and conditions to help them meet the challenges of moving and maintaining a family overseas.

Are there any programs for law graduates? Can I complete my legal traineeship with DFAT?

Graduate positions are broad foreign and trade policy positions or corporate positions. We do not offer practical legal traineeships as part of our graduate programs.

A number of graduates with legal qualifications join the Department each year. They often complete a work rotation in one of the Department's legal areas and may be able to use this practical legal experience towards their admission requirements.

The Department periodically employs legal specialists to fill specific legal positions. All vacancies are advertised on this website and on APSjobs.

Can I undertake work experience or vacation work with the Department?

The Department is unable to offer work experience or holiday work due to its strict security requirements.

How can I apply for an internship with the Department?

The Australian National Internships Program is run by the Australian National University, in conjunction with all Australian universities. Applications and inquiries should be made to the ANU.

For more information about the internship program (academic requirements and application forms etc) contact the University on:

• Phone: (02) 6125 8540
• Fax: (02) 6125 8541
• Web: Australian National Internships Program - Australian National University