The ASIO Strategic Policy, Governance and Communications Graduate Program is a dynamic 12-month program, showcasing the breadth of work that ASIO undertakes and set graduates on a pathway for a career with purpose.

During the program, graduates will be guided and mentored, enabling further development to skills and knowledge, which will support graduates contribute to ASIO's mission. Graduates will gain unique experiences across ASIO, and a broader understanding of how national security fits within whole of government processes. 

Graduates will undertake 3 placements across a number of business areas, giving you the opportunity to work alongside colleagues throughout the organisation. These may include, but are not limited to:

  • National security policy and legislation reform.
  • Strategic communications.
  • International and strategic engagement.
  • Security and threat assessments.
  • Corporate governance.
  • Ministerial and cabinet liaison.

The Strategic Policy, Governance and Communications Graduate Program is for university students who will have completed their relevant degree before the program commences, or graduates from the past 3 years, who are looking for meaningful careers in national security.

Fields of study we are looking for include, but are not limited to:

  • Strategic policy.
  • Governance.
  • Communications.
  • National and international security.
  • International relations.

This program is Canberra-based only and applicants must be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance and support is provided to successful candidates.

Eligibility

ASIO has a number of requirements for all prospective employees. We recommend making sure you meet the requirements before you apply. In addition, candidates are required to have successfully completed their relevant degree before the program commences or have graduated in the past 3 years.

We are seeking graduates who display the following attributes:

  • The ability to work collaboratively.
  • The capacity to think critically and laterally in solving problems.
  • The propensity to adapt to emerging issues, events and environments.
  • Personal qualities that exemplify ASIO's values and expected behaviours.

 

To find out when recruitment is open, visit our current vacancies page or follow us on Instagram.

You can also find out more about working at ASIO through stories of real ASIO officers.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to move to Canberra?

Yes. The National Security and Strategic Policy Graduate Program is located in Canberra and applicants must be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is provided to successful candidates where ASIO requires you to relocate.

What if I’m not an Australian citizen right now?

To be eligible to apply, you need to be an Australian citizen at the time of application. If you are a dual Australian citizen, you are eligible.

Do I need a high GPA?

While we are looking for the best and brightest to join ASIO, we don’t quantify this by Grade Point Average (GPA) alone – your knowledge, skills and life experience all count with us.

What are you looking for in an ideal candidate?

There is no single ideal candidate. We are looking for lateral, critical and creative thinkers. We know that people from different backgrounds with varied life experience can bring great value to our work within the Australian community. We are committed to reflecting the community we protect.

Are graduate programs just for those under a certain age?

No. We welcome applications from eligible applications at all stages of their career.

Do I need to have, or be in the process of obtaining, a security clearance in order to apply?

No. We will coordinate all security vetting arrangements (at the appropriate time). Find out more about the security clearance process.