Applications are now open
Applications close 11:30 pm 30 July 2026.
Our Graduate Development Program is an 11-month program where you will:
- rotate across 3 different work areas
- take part in the Australian Public Service Commission Graduate Development Program
- have access to other learning and development opportunities
- attend networking events and activities
- work with other graduates to run our internal social club
- join a mentor program to help develop new skills and knowledge of the Clean Energy Regulator.
Eligibility for the Graduate Development Program
To apply for the program, you must:
- have completed an undergraduate degree (or higher) in the last 3 years or be in your last year of study and will complete your study before the program starts
- have maintained a credit (or equivalent) average throughout the degree
- be an Australian citizen
- be willing to move to Canberra
- be able to get and maintain at least a baseline security clearance.
What we're looking for in a graduate
We’re seeking graduates with strong communication and critical thinking skills. They will demonstrate initiative and accountability by taking ownership of tasks and collaborating effectively. We value curious, adaptable individuals with sound judgment who contribute positively to organisational outcomes.
We’re looking for motivated graduates in the following streams.
Generalist
- Electrical engineering
- Business and commerce
- Economics
- Environmental studies
- Science
- Law
- Agriculture studies
Affirmative measures – Indigenous
- All fields of study
IT/digital
- Information technology
- Cyber security
- Advanced computing
- Computer science
- Artificial intelligence
- Software engineering
- Information systems
Benefits for you
We hire our graduates as Australian Public Service (APS) Level 3. Benefits include:
- competitive salaries
- generous leave entitlements (paid annual and personal/carers leave, public holidays and end-of-year shutdown)
- paid relocation to Canberra (including up to 4 weeks of temporary accommodation)
- a full-time permanent APS 4 role after you complete the program.
Tips for your application
Update your resume
Make sure your resume is up to date. Include current personal details, education and relevant work experience. Aim for 2 to 3 pages in length. We recommend uploading your resume as a PDF.
Get a copy of your most recent academic transcript
Contact your university for a copy of your academic transcript.
Select your referees
Your referees are people we may contact to verify the claims made in your application and interview.
We ask for the details of 2 referees. The first referee should be your current or most recent work supervisor or manager. We will only contact referees if you progress past the interview stage.
Your written response
In your application you will be asked to respond to each of the following questions with a maximum of 200 words per response.
- Tell us about a time when something didn’t go to plan in your studies, work, or personal life, and you had to adapt your approach. What did you do, how did you feel at the time, and what would you do differently now?
- You are already working on a task with a tight deadline when you are assigned a second task that is both urgent and high priority. You are unlikely to complete both to a high standard within the timeframes provided. How would you manage this?
- Why did you choose your field of study and how do you see that benefiting the Australian Public Service?
Using AI in your application
Our expectation of candidates is that use of generative AI in the writing of your application will be responsible and focus on elements such as grammar checks, summarising information or structuring your response. We encourage you to emphasise your authenticity and personal reflections in your application.
Submit your application
Applications close 11:30pm 30 July 2026.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- complete the online application form and answer the questions
- copy and paste your written response into the application
- upload your resume and any other documents needed
- preview and submit your application.
Remember:
- You won't be able to submit your application if you've skipped any mandatory questions.
- You can withdraw and resubmit your application at any time until the closing date.
- You can see the status of your application when you’re signed in.
Next steps
Once the application period ends, our graduate selection panel will review your application. If you’re shortlisted, we'll invite you to take part in further assessment, which may include:
- an online work test
- online personality and skills assessments
- a virtual interview with the panel
- referee checks.
Shortlisting and assessment can take 4 to 6 weeks once applications close.