Graduate Program

All roles at the NIAA are Identified positions, which means every team member plays an important part in work that relates to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Because of this, cultural capability is an essential part of every position.

This includes things like:

• having an understanding of issues that impact Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
• being able to communicate sensitively, respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
• showing a genuine commitment to developing and maintaining strong cultural capability throughout your career

Cultural capability will be considered during the assessment process, but this doesn’t mean you need to be an expert. We understand that cultural capability is an ongoing learning journey. What matters most is that you bring a solid foundation, an openness to learn, and a respectful approach to working with communities.

If you’re enthusiastic, curious and committed, we’ll help you continue to grow.

Under the Public Service Act 1999, APS employees must be Australian citizens, so unfortunately, we’re not able to accept applications from candidates who don’t meet this requirement.

If your tertiary qualification falls within the eight‑year timeframe and you’re an Australian citizen, we’d love to hear from you.

Our graduate program runs from February to February each year. This means the next program will commence in February 2027.

Once offers are made, we’ll work closely with you on everything you need to get started — including relocation support (if applicable), security clearance processes, and all the steps involved in onboarding. Our goal is to make your transition into the agency as smooth and supported as possible.

If you need to relocate for the NIAA Graduate Program, you won’t be doing it alone — our Entry Level Programs Team is there to support you every step of the way.

We arrange and cover the major logistics, including:

• professional removalists to manage the uplift and delivery of your belongings
• transport costs such as flights or petrol
• temporary accommodation while you get settled

Beyond the practical support, we also connect you with networks and community groups to make sure you feel supported emotionally as you transition to a new place. And once you start, you’ll join a welcoming graduate cohort who are often going through a similar experience — so you’ll immediately have a built‑in support system around you.

Relocating can feel like a big step, but you’ll have plenty of guidance and people cheering you on throughout the journey.

To be eligible for the NIAA Graduate Program, you must have completed an Australian‑recognised undergraduate degree or higher (such as an honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, or postgraduate qualification) within the past eight years. We welcome graduates from all disciplines.

The NIAA values diverse perspectives and experiences. Whether you’re finishing university for the first time, looking to change careers, returning to study later in life, or seeking a fresh start after time in the workforce, we encourage you to apply.

Completion of the NIAA Graduate Program does not guarantee automatic advancement. However, graduates may be eligible to apply for advancement to the APS5 or APS6 classification at the end of the program where:

• They are performing at, or above, the expected standard for the higher classification
• There is an available position at the higher classification level
• They have demonstrated the skills, capabilities and behaviours required to perform the role

To understand the capabilities and behaviours expected at each APS classification, you can refer to the Integrated Leadership Profiles on the Australian Public Service Commission website.

Footprints is the NIAA’s award‑winning cross‑cultural learning and professional development framework. It supports ongoing development of cultural capability across the Agency, with a strong focus on First Nations peoples, cultures, lands and histories.

The program reflects the NIAA’s shared responsibility for building cultural knowledge, respect and understanding. It encourages employees to engage in meaningful learning that supports culturally safe workplaces and respectful engagement with the communities we serve.

Footprints is self‑directed and flexible, allowing individuals to take ownership of their cultural learning journey by choosing learning activities aligned with their interests and work. Participation is an expectation for all staff and forms part of ongoing professional development at the NIAA.

Graduates complete three workplace rotations across different areas of the agency during the program. Each rotation places you within a team where you’ll undertake meaningful work aligned to the team’s function and priorities. The rotation structure is:

• Rotation 1 – 5.5 months
• Rotation 2 – 3.5 months
• Rotation 3 – 3.5 months

Rotations are designed to give you broad exposure to the agency’s work, allowing you to develop practical skills, contribute to real outcomes, and gain insight into how different parts of the organisation operate. They also provide valuable opportunities to build professional networks and relationships across the agency.

By experiencing a range of roles and work environments, graduates can explore different career pathways, better understand their interests and strengths, and make informed decisions about future opportunities within the agency.

Each year, a number of graduates are selected for a regional rotation, giving them hands‑on experience in a regional or remote community. It’s an opportunity to connect with local people, understand community priorities and see firsthand the impact of our work. Past rotation locations include Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Mount Isa and Broome.

Induction runs over the course of one week in Canberra and is facilitated by the NIAA’s Entry Level Programs Team (don’t worry, if you’re based interstate, we will transport you to Canberra for the week!). It is designed to provide graduates with the foundational knowledge and support needed to start their role, understand the agency’s work, and transition confidently into the public service environment.

The induction program includes a mix of learning, practical set‑up and networking opportunities, which may include:

• Corporate training covering key topics including work health and safety, diversity and inclusion, the APS Code of Conduct and security requirements
• Completion of administrative set‑up, including security passes and the provision of laptops and IT equipment
• Information sessions with Senior Executives, offering insight into the agency’s functions and portfolio responsibilities
• Team‑building activities to help graduates connect with each other
• Building and local area tours
• Visits to Parliament House and the Museum of Australian Democracy
• Opportunities to meet and learn from former NIAA graduates

Together, these activities help graduates feel supported, connected and well prepared for their first rotation and their broader career in the APS.