International Relations, Cyber & National Security Graduate Program null

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 to 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’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
• Excellent support including mentors and buddies
• A starting APS3 salary of $77086 + 15.4% superannuation and potential advancement after 6 months to the APS4 salary
• Inspiring and diverse work opportunities
• Work-life balance including flexible working-from-home arrangements and generous leave entitlements
• Career progression to a permanent placement and the 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 graduates come from a variety of academic disciplines with diverse experiences and backgrounds. You will relish 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 2026, and you must be willing to relocate to Canberra. You must also be an Australian citizen and willing to undergo police, character, and health checks as required.

Please note that applications close at 11:30 am on April 9

Next steps    

If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, we encourage you to register now!

To find out more, please visit our website.