Treasury Graduate Development Program (Feb 2026)

As a Treasury graduate, you’ll have access to rewarding career opportunities in an Australian Government central agency, exposure to meaningful work in several areas of the department, the opportunity to work on policies that shape the Australian economic landscape and make a difference for all Australians.

Who should apply

Our program is open to all university students who have graduated in the last 5 years. Graduates must be willing to work for the government of the day and be curious and driven to work on topics that will directly make a difference to Australians. 

We offer opportunities to graduates from a range of disciplines including: 

• law
• economics
• econometrics
• public policy
• political science
• data and statistics
• mathematics
• business 
• commerce
• finance

And many more! 

In addition to academic qualifications, graduates should be able to work as part of a team, enjoy problem solving, creative thinking, be committed to learning and are open-minded to trying new work. 

We’re looking for graduates with strong analytical thinking and collaborative skills, who are flexible, curious and resilient and are eager to develop their written and communication skills.  

Program overview

• our graduate program runs for 2 years with 3x 8-month rotations in different work areas, allowing you to gain experience across the department. 
• work placements are based on your skills, academic qualifications and Treasury’s portfolio responsibilities 
• graduates can nominate work areas of interest for second and final rotations
• you will complete several face-to-face development opportunities over the 2 years.
• most of our graduates are based in our Canberra office, however those already residing in Sydney and Melbourne may have the opportunity to secure one of the limited places in one of the state offices, with occasional travel to Canberra. 

Learning and development

You will:

• have access to bespoke face-to-face development opportunities including university facilitated development workshops with a mix of academic professionals and Treasury subject matter experts
• have a pathway that enables career progression as your capability develops
• complete formal learning and development opportunities including six 2-day external workshops and four peer coaching sessions each year.

Other employee benefits
In addition to our learning and development opportunities, we have a range of benefits. As a graduate on commencement you will receive:

• access to unique and highly rewarding networking experiences and events
• competitive starting salary of $76,059 per annum + 15.4% superannuation (total remuneration package $87,772 per annum) based on a commencing at Treasury’s APS 3.2 level
• pay-point and broadband progression as your capabilities develop
• 20 days annual leave and additional office closure between Christmas and New Year
• flexible working arrangements and work from home options in agreement with your manager and team requirements
• an Annual Lifestyle Contribution allowance of $600 to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can use the contribution toward a gym membership or to purchase sporting equipment and apparel
• access to a graduate buddy who has completed the program
• an inclusive and diverse workplace which celebrates and recognises all staff’s backgrounds, beliefs and experiences
• relocation assistance for eligible graduates – including 4 weeks of short-term temporary accommodation (if required)
• on-site childcare centre and carer rooms– we are proudly accredited through the Australian Breastfeeding Association as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace
• dedicated quiet rooms for reflection, prayer and meditation.

For more information about the Treasury Graduate Development Program visit: http://graduates.treasury.gov.au/.

Why work at Treasury

Treasury is the Australian Government’s lead economic adviser. We provide advice to the Australian Government and implement policies and programs to achieve strong and sustainable economic and fiscal outcomes for Australians. As a central policy agency, our role is to anticipate and analyse policy issues with a whole of economy perspective, understand government and stakeholder circumstances, and respond rapidly to changing events and directions. We provide sound economic analysis and informed, impactful advice on issues such as:

• the economy
• Budget
• taxation
• the financial sector
• foreign investment
• structural policy
• superannuation
• small business
• housing affordability and
• international economic policy.

Our employees come from all walks of life, and all corners of the Australian community and value our staff’s different perspectives, experiences, backgrounds and skills enable us to better achieve our department’s goals. We strongly believe that diversity in our teams further enhances our creativity, innovation and improves problem solving. We’re committed to growing and maintaining a safe, inclusive and welcoming work environment for all staff, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, linguistic background, age, sexuality, or disability.

The application process and timeline 

Stage 1 – Submit your online application including: your resume and recent academic transcripts details of two referees a short-written response to an application question.	28 January – 14 April 2025
Stage 2 – Online assessment in the form of a timed written assessment	April-May 2025
Stage 3 - virtual interview and reference checking	May-June 2025
Stage 4 – merit pool and employment offers	August 2025 - onwards

Eligibility

To apply for our 2026 Graduate Development Program, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• be an Australian citizen (or become an Australian citizen by December 2025) 
• education requirements:  
  • hold an Australian-recognised undergraduate qualification (bachelor’s degree or higher), completed, or to be completed within the last 5 years. For example, you have or will complete your degree between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2025 
  • if your degree is from an overseas university, you will need to provide a statement from an Australian state or territory government overseas qualifications unit. We are unable to accept your application without this documentation. 
  • performed well in your studies to ensure you are competitive in the selection process   
• be willing to 
  • move to Canberra for the program duration (or travel to Canberra for development activities if placed in our Sydney or Melbourne offices) 
  • obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance at the Baseline level once accepted into the program. For more information on security clearances please visit the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.  
  • undergo any police, character, health or other required checks. 

RecruitAbility

If you identify as a person with a disability, you can ‘opt in’ for RecruitAbility on the application form. RecruitAbility aims to attract applicants with disability. Applicants who opt into the scheme and meet the minimum requirements of the role are advanced to a further stage in the selection process. Merit remains the basis for engagement and promotion. You can ‘opt in’ for RecruitAbility on the application form.

Further information on RecruitAbility is available on the Australian Public Service Commission’s (https://www.apsc.gov.au/working-aps/diversity-and-inclusion/disability/recruitability/recruitability-scheme-guide-applicants) website.applicants) website.

Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) - Economist Stream

The Treasury also leads graduate recruitment for the AGGP - Economist Stream. If you apply for the AGGP – Economist Stream, you can apply for graduate roles at several participating Australian Public Service departments and agencies who are seeking Economist Graduates, through one application. 

The Economist Stream will be advertised 3 March 2025, and you can apply for both the Treasury Graduate Program and the Economist Stream Graduate recruitment processes – just make sure to check the eligibility requirements.