Data Stream Graduate Program (Jan 2025)

Are you ready to kick-start your career in data? Apply for the Data stream and have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across the Australian Government.

• Commence a full-time position in an Australian Government department or agency, with a generous salary range between $65,000–$80,000 a year
• Advance to a higher classification and salary at the successful completion of the 12-month program
• Undertake rotations in different work areas
• Access on-the-job and formal learning and development opportunities

About the role

The Data Stream includes Australian Public Service (APS) and other Commonwealth agencies seeking to recruit recent university graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in data and contributing to Australian society.

Data roles are varied and support evidence-based, informed decision making, and work across all aspects of Government such as policy development, research, program management and service delivery. Roles cover the full data lifecycle including survey and questionnaire development, research, data acquisition, data engineering and data analysis, as well as more specialised streams such as data science, methodology, geospatial analysis and data management.

Data graduates in the Australian Government have access to unparalleled datasets – stories from these datasets help policy makers make decisions for Australia. This is a real opportunity to give back to the public and help shape Australian decision making.

Data Generalist

Data roles filled thorough this stream include Data Analysts, Data Engineers, Data Managers and Geospatial Analysts.

There are no requirements for any degrees or disciplines, though people who have undertaken data subjects are more likely to be successful. The types of backgrounds our graduates are from include analytics, actuarial studies, data science or mining, demography, economics, econometrics, engineering, finance, mathematics or mathematical modelling, machine learning, psychology, risk and intelligence analysis, social sciences, and statistics.

Data Specialist

Specialist roles filled through this stream can include Data Scientists (applied data science, data science developer, data modeller) and Statistical Methodologists (Data Collection Methodologist & Mathematical Stats Specialist).

While we consider most degree types, formal qualifications in data science, statistics, computer science, mathematics, econometrics, actuarial studies, physics, engineering, or other disciplines with a strong quantitative component are required.

Find your fit

Successful applicants will be matched with a suitable position in a participating Australian Government department or agency. In 2023, more than 60 agencies placed graduates from the Australian Government Graduate Program.

You’ll have the opportunity to nominate your preferred placement when you apply.

Who can apply 

To be suitable as a Data Graduate, you will have all or most of the below criteria:

• Proficient data skills
• Sound communication (written, verbal and presentation)
• Interpersonal skills
• Research skills (analytical and thinking)

To be eligible for the program, you must:

• Be an Australian citizen
• Have or will have completed a Bachelor degree or higher by 31 December 2024
• Have completed your qualification between 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2024
• Be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance once accepted into the program
• Be willing to undergo any police, character, health or other checks required

How to apply/pre-register

The selection process for this program typically includes:

• An online application, where you’ll upload your resume, academic transcript and proof of your Australian citizenship
• Online testing and/or video interview, which may involve problem solving, numerical reasoning, and behavioural or emotional testing
• Assessment centre, where you might participate in activities such as panel interviews, group presentations or written tasks
• Matching and offers, where successful applicants are matched with a suitable placement in an Australian Government department or agency