2025 International Relations, Cyber & National Security Graduate Program (Rolling Intake)

If you have recently graduated in International Relations, Cyber or National Security 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 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 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 $74,264 + 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 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   

As a graduate specialising in International Relations, Cyber or National Security there is no better place for you than the PM&C Graduate Program. You will work across a broad range of high priority, cross-cutting issues that will include dis/misinformation, social cohesion, space technology, foreign investment, and protecting critical infrastructure vital to Australia’s economic and social stability.  You will also support the Prime Minister and PM&C senior officials by providing advice on Defence's capability acquisitions across land, air, space, cyber and ICT domains. Being exposed to so many specialist areas you will have the chance to: 

• Prepare policy advice on complex and important foreign policy issues
• Support the Prime Minister’s engagement with key foreign leaders in North and South Asia including India, Japan and the Republic of Korea
• Consider options to confront pressing Indo‑Pacific challenges including economic coercion, international debt, banking and telecommunications in the Pacific
• Tackle critical challenges demanding international cooperation, including climate change, cyber security and critical and emerging technology
• Assist to deliver a successful Quad Leaders’ Summit
• Coordinate and drive the trilateral security partnership AUKUS (Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) in close partnership with Defence and DFAT

Who you are  

PM&C looks for graduates from across a variety of academic disciplines with diverse experiences and backgrounds. We are looking for people 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 2025 and you must be willing to relocate to Canberra. You must be an Australian citizen and willing to undergo police, character and health checks as required.

Please note that applications close at 10am on April 15

Next steps    

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

To find out more, please visit our website.