Australian Government PM&C Graduate Program 2027: Salary, Eligibility and Benefits
The Australian Government Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) offers a graduate development programme for university graduates interested in contributing to national policy, government coordination and public administration.
Based in Canberra, the PM&C Graduate Program provides a 12-month pathway into the Australian Public Service (APS), combining practical work experience, professional development and rotations across different areas of government.
Important: Applications for the 2027 Graduate Program are closed. The information below can help prospective applicants understand the programme and prepare for future recruitment rounds.
PM&C Graduate Program 2027: Overview
- Organisation: Australian Government Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Programme: PM&C Graduate Program
- Location: Canberra, Australia
- Duration: 12 months
- Employment Type: Permanent, ongoing APS position
- Starting Salary: AUD $79,707 at the maximum of the APS 3 classification
- Salary Progression: APS 4 after six months and APS 5 after 12 months, subject to programme arrangements
- Relocation Assistance: Available for eligible reasonable relocation expenses
- 2027 Applications: Closed
About the PM&C Graduate Program
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet works at the centre of the Australian Government, partnering with departments and agencies to support government priorities.
Graduate recruits gain exposure to issues of national significance, contributing to policy development, government coordination, programme delivery and advice to senior decision-makers.
The programme is designed for graduates who want to apply their academic knowledge to practical challenges while developing the skills and networks needed for a public service career.
How the Graduate Rotations Work
The 12-month programme includes three four-month placements.
Graduates begin in a designated home rotation, where they establish a foundation and build relationships with their team. They then complete two additional rotations in other areas of the department before returning to their home area at the end of the programme.
This structure allows participants to explore different policy and operational functions while maintaining a consistent support network.
Rotation areas may include:
- Domestic and Social Policy: Economic, social, environmental and First Nations priorities.
- Government: Cabinet processes, ministerial support and whole-of-government coordination.
- International Policy: Foreign affairs, trade, development and strategic partnerships.
- National Security: Defence, border protection, crisis management and counter-terrorism.
- Office for Women: Initiatives to advance gender equality.
- Australian Government Consulting: Strategic, organisational and operational challenges.
- AUKUS: Work connected to the Australia–United Kingdom–United States security partnership.
- BETA: Applying behavioural science, data and experimentation to improve government outcomes.
- Corporate Services: Finance, technology, communications, human resources and governance.
- Office of AI: Work on national artificial intelligence standards and regulatory systems.
Actual placements depend on the programme’s arrangements and departmental requirements.
Salary and Employment Benefits
The supplied PM&C information states that graduates commencing in February 2027 will receive a starting salary of AUD $79,707 per year, at the maximum of the APS 3 classification under the PM&C Enterprise Agreement 2024–27.
The programme provides opportunities for accelerated salary progression:
- APS 3 at commencement
- APS 4 after six months
- APS 5 after 12 months
Graduates are offered permanent, ongoing APS employment, alongside benefits that include flexible working arrangements, leave provisions and generous superannuation.
Candidates should consult the relevant enterprise agreement and official programme guidance for the detailed employment conditions.
Relocation Assistance to Canberra
Successful graduates must be willing to relocate to Canberra to participate in the programme.
PM&C states that relocation assistance is available for reasonable expenses associated with moving. Depending on individual circumstances, support may cover eligible expenses relating to partners, children and, in some cases, pets. Temporary accommodation may also be available to help graduates settle into Canberra.
Applicants should confirm the applicable conditions and the expenses covered before making relocation arrangements.
Who Can Apply?
The published eligibility requirements for the 2027 intake state that candidates must:
- Have completed at least a three-year undergraduate bachelor’s degree with a credit average within the previous eight years.
- Ensure their degree is recognised in Australia and that all degree requirements are completed by 31 December 2027.
- Be an Australian citizen by 30 June 2027, providing evidence of impending citizenship where relevant.
- Be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected) security clearance, or hold an appropriate current clearance.
- Be willing to relocate to Canberra.
PM&C welcomes graduates from a wide range of academic disciplines and backgrounds. Its work spans policy, government operations, technology, national security, international relations and corporate services.
The department also encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, carers, mature-age applicants and LGBTQIA+ people.
Important: The Australian citizenship requirement means this particular graduate programme is not open to international applicants who do not meet the stated citizenship criteria.
How to Prepare for the Next Intake
Although applications for the 2027 programme are closed, prospective candidates can prepare for future recruitment rounds by:
- Reviewing the official graduate recruitment process.
- Checking whether their qualifications meet the academic requirements.
- Preparing a CV that demonstrates analytical thinking, teamwork and communication skills.
- Gathering academic transcripts and other supporting documents.
- Learning about PM&C’s policy priorities and the Australian Public Service.
- Monitoring the official careers website for future application announcements.
Final Thoughts
The PM&C Graduate Program offers a structured entry into Australian public service, combining permanent employment, departmental rotations, mentoring and salary progression.
Although the 2027 intake is closed, eligible Australian graduates can use the published requirements to prepare for future opportunities.
Disclaimer: FlexJobSpace is an independent opportunities information platform and is not affiliated with the Australian Government. Always verify recruitment information through official PM&C channels.
