Austrade Graduate Program 2026

Austrade is on the hunt for the next generation of leaders and changemakers to help drive Australia's economic prosperity.
As a graduate, you'll kickstart a meaningful career in international trade and investment, helping to deliver on our government's largest priorities - Australia's transition to net zero and strengthening our economic resilience and security in today's rapidly changing world.
From day one, you'll be part of a collaborative, outcomes-driven and culturally diverse team that values your unique voice and perspective.
You'll work alongside brilliant minds to power Australia's future in sectors as unique as hydrogen, renewable energy, critical technology, defence, agribusiness and food, education and more.
Whether you're producing valuable market insights, promoting Australia's world-class capabilities, or facilitating global connections through our network of 60 offices around the world, you'll be making a real contribution to Australia's future.
Our National Graduate Program is a tailored 12-month rotational program including our Trade, Investment, Government and Policy, and Visitor Economy and Client Programs Divisions, along with many more opportunities.
You will gain access to our fantastic mentoring program, where a dedicated in-house mentor will be provided to you for the entire year, providing you with support to integrate seamlessly into our agency.
WHO WE AREThe Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) helps grow Australia's prosperity by delivering quality trade and investment services to businesses, accelerates growth in Australia's tourism sector and promotes Australia's education to the world.
Austrade has the local knowledge, commercial expertise and trusted relationships with decision-makers that make the difference.
We can link Australian businesses to global export opportunities.
We provide market and industry insights and make it easier for businesses to go global.
Austrade actively works to attract international investors.
We help to drive local jobs and develop skills in the local economy.
We lead policy and programs for Australian tourism and the visitor economy.
We work with education providers to attract international students to study with Australia.
Our goal is to deliver trade and investment services that increase Australian prosperity by : Equipping Australian businesses with expert advice, contacts, grants and inmarket and in language support to sell their goods and services overseas Connecting investors to early-stage opportunities in high-potential industries in Australia Share commercial insights to inform government policy Facilitating engagement with all levels of government and agencies Encouraging the world to choose Australia – for products and services, for study and business, for lifestyle and investing Leading work to ensure a sustainable, long-term future for our visitor economy including leading the THRIVE 2030 strategy Administer a range of tourism grants and run the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) Program OFFICIAL OFFICIALConnecting Government to Australian business to inform policy-making Building our Nation Brand to reflect our advanced capabilities, highly educated workforce, stable investment environment and bounty of quality produce and natural resources, and Assisting Australian universities and colleges to expand overseas.
Collecting and analysing tourism data to inform decisions by government and industry.
With over 100 offices in Australia and worldwide, we help Australian businesses achieve diverse export outcomes and win investment needed to grow.
We provide expert evidence-based advice to the government regarding Australia's trade and investment interests.
We are responsible for the Commonwealth's tourism policy, programs, tourism research and official data.
Our local knowledge, commercial expertise and trusted relationships with decision-makers make the difference.
WHAT WE OFFERAustrade offers exciting careers both in Australia and overseas.
We value the richness of different experiences and perspectives, and we have proven to be an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and that they belong.
During your 12-month graduate program, we offer : An ongoing, entry level position, commencing at an APS 3 classification and advancing to an APS 4 classification at completion of the program, with the opportunity to progress to an APS5.
Work as part of a global organisation who are taking Australia to the world - an experience you won't get anywhere else Guidance from a dedicated graduate advisor and graduate mentor during the program Targeted training and development A supportive work environment, helping you get the most out of your graduate year Extra benefits like access to flexible working and 15.4% superannuation Access to a global, professional network Generous leave provisions and paid time off between Christmas and New Year.
Austrade Graduates can be based on the lands of the Kaurna People (Adelaide), Jagera and Turrbal People (Brisbane), Ngunnawal and Ngambri People (Canberra), Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Eastern Kulin (Melbourne) and the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation (Sydney) and will commence in early 2026.
PROGRAM DETAILSYou will complete three placements getting first-hand and broad experience as part of a team delivering on the Government and Austrade's strategic priorities and contributing to the economic prosperity of Australia.
You will also gain access to our fantastic mentoring program, where a dedicated in-house mentor will be provided to you for the entirety of the year, ensuring you are supported and integrated into Austrade.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FORAustrade welcomes graduates from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds who are curious, purpose-driven, and motivated to contribute to Australia's economic prosperity.
You'll need to enjoy building relationships, have strong analytical and communication skills, and bring an interest in diverse business cultures.
We are looking for graduates with a range of experiences and from diverse backgrounds.
We would particularly welcome interest from First Nations applicants, and as an international-facing organisation, we also highly regard cultural capability and non English language proficiency, especially in Japanese, Chinese, Indonesian and Arabic.
At Austrade, we're looking for collaborative, outcomes-focused and high-performing graduates who want to : Build meaningful connections with Australia's international partners Tackle complex global challenges, like the net zero transition and supply chain resilience Help Australian businesses grow through attracting, promoting and facilitating international trade and investment Safeguard our region by protecting international directions and helping Australians overseas.
We welcome applications from graduates with a wide range of academic backgrounds, including economics, finance, social sciences, policy, education, business, international studies, commerce, law, arts and languages.
If you're excited to contribute to Australia's economic prosperity, we'd love to hear from you.
RECRUITABILITY AND REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTSRecruit Ability applies to this vacancy.
Under the Recruit Ability scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job.
For more information visit : In accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act (1992), the agency will apply the principle of 'reasonable adjustment' to remove barriers to participation in work or selection processes for people with disability.
For further information about reasonable adjustments refer to this information from Comcare.
All requests for reasonable workplace adjustments will be managed in consultation with you.
We can confirm if you require workplace adjustments at each stage of the recruitment process.
If you are successful in gaining employment with the agency, we can provide you with workplace adjustments to assist you in performing your role.
If you require a workplace adjustment to allow you to participate in this application, please contact Austrade Recruitment via email ataustrade.gov.au.
AFFIRMATIVE MEASURES – INDIGENOUSPlease note some positions are available only to Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander applicants.
The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under Section 31 of the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions 2022.
This vacancy is open only to Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander people.
This initiative helps to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples employed in the Australian Public Service, to better reflect the diversity of the Australian community.
Austrade is committed to improving employment outcomes for First Nations people and this is demonstrated in Austrade's participation in the Reconciliation Action Plan Program since 2012.
Over the last year, Austrade has demonstrated this commitment through : Recently released our own Cultural Capability Hub on our learning management system We have an Indigenous Ally Network, First Nations Employee Network as well as RAP Working Group, which help to deliver events like NRW and NAIDOC week as well as key items for our RAPImproved our Employee Assistance Program to include culturally competent services for First Nations staff with Abstarr Supported a number of staff to join Jawun Secondment Program Engaged with 294 First Nations export businesses in sectors including Agribusiness and Food, Critical and Enabling Tech, Defence, Education and Skills and Green Economy Supported First Nations exporters through EMDGIntroduced a First Nations Category as part of the Australian Export Awards for the first time this year Showcased First Nations exporters at global trade events, and through international trade missions Introduced international investors to First Nations stakeholders as part of its investment facilitation work Partnered with the First Nations Ambassador on international trade events Hosted the inaugural meeting of the First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership, an initiative of THRIVE 2030 Supported the launch of "Connecting to Culture" - a toolkit guiding respectful engagement with First Nations People which was launched by Minister Farrell.
STRENGTH IN DIVERSITYAustrade is committed to providing a work environment where staff can confidently bring their full selves to work.
A truly diverse agency is one that is capable of retaining a broad talent base while best serving its clients and connecting to its global network of employees.
Austrade's Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2022-25 sets out how Austrade will sustain an environment where all employees can bring their perspectives, creativity, and skills to the work of the agency.
It is the roadmap for how Austrade will strengthen its position as an employer of choice.
At Austrade, we consider diversity and inclusion a top strategic priority.
The aim of our diversity and inclusion strategy is to make Austrade a place where our people feel respected and valued, workplaces are safe, workforce is diverse and inclusive and global agency is high performing.
Given our commitment to diversity and inclusion, Austrade actively encourages applications from people from culturally diverse backgrounds, mature-age people and people with a disability regardless of sex, sexuality or gender identity.
We recognise the richness of First Nations cultures and the unique knowledge First Nations employees bring to our workplace.
As such, we welcome and strongly encourage applications from First Nation's people to our graduate program.
ELIGIBILITYYou must meet Austrade generaleligibility requirements to apply for the 2026 Graduate Program which include : Identify as an Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander person Be an Australian Citizen at the time of application Have finished at least a bachelor's degree between 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2025.
Be able to obtain and maintain an Australian national security clearance at Baseline level prior to commencing.
If your only qualification is from an overseas institution, you will need to provide Australian documentation recognising your qualification(s).
Refer to the Department of Education for more information about recognition of overseas qualifications.
Successful applicants will be placed in a merit pool and may be considered for further roles in Austrade.
APPLICATION PROCESSStage One : Online Application Submit an online application via the Austrade Careers website by 11.30 PM, Sunday, 27 July 2025 (AEST)The application form is an opportunity for you to tell us about yourself, your interests and why you want to work for Austrade.
We also ask you to complete a CV template where you can provide details of your academic background, work and / or volunteer experience, awards and achievements and any interests outside of work and study.
At this stage, you'll also need to upload your academic transcript and recognition of overseas qualifications (if required).
In the application form, you'll be asked to respond to the following question : "In no more than 500 words, let us know why you are interested in being a graduate with Austrade and what you are most excited to learn / experience during the program.
Identify your strengths by including an example of how your skills and experience have helped you handle change and / or overcome a challenge."You will also need to consider the APS Level 3 work level standards, and the skills and capabilities required at this level.
The work level standards for this role can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission website : Work level standards : APS Level and Executive Level classifications | Australian Public Service Commission (apsc.gov.au)Stage Two : Online Assessment After submitting your application, and if you meet the program eligibility requirements, we will invite you to complete an online assessment.
There may be multiple online assessments.
Stage Three : Assessment Centre The assessment Centre is the final stage of the selection process and will be held either in-person or virtually.
It may include : A group exercise A Panel Interview A written test Assessment Centers are expected to be held in August / September 2025, but dates may change.
REFEREESReferee reports help the selection committee verify information shared in your application and during assessment activities.
These will be collected online, through email or via our recruitment portal.
When providing referees, make sure their details are up to date.
CLOSING DATEApplications close 11.30 PM, Sunday, 27 July 2025 (AEST)
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