The Graduate Development Program is a 1-2 year full-time paid employment program for university graduates looking to start their career in government.
You will complete rotations within an NT Government department, working with teams and projects that are relevant to your field of study or interests.
Who can apply
To be eligible to apply, you should:
- have completed a degree at a recognised Australian university or institute within the last 3 years or be due to graduate prior to the program’s commencement
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or hold a visa with appropriate working rights.
Why apply
This is a 1-2 year full-time paid employment program where you gain work skills and experience. You will work with multiple teams and projects relevant to your field of study or interests.
Key program features and benefits:
- a starting salary of $73,898 plus superannuation, 6 weeks leave annually, and access to NT Government benefits
- rotations within an NT Government department
- grow your career and network
- work with teams and projects in your field of study or area of interest
- connect with peers and learn from experts
- tackle real-world challenges with support and mentoring
- apply your knowledge and skills with meaningful outcomes
- structured development plan to support your professional growth.
Upon successful completion, it will create a pathway to further career opportunities with the NT Government.
Key dates
You can express your interest at any time, and get notified when applications are open.
| Applications open | 02 February 2026 |
| Applications close | 15 March 2026 |
| Program commences | January 2027 |
| Program duration | 1-2 years |
How to apply
Your application should include:
- a current resume
- a 1-page cover letter
- 2 current referees from an Australian organisation or business
- your most recent Australian university results and a copy of your degree (if you have already graduated).
Visa holders should provide proof of a valid visa with appropriate working rights. Student visa holders should also include details of any pending bridging or graduate visas.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are eligible under special measures should provide a special statutory declaration. Further information is available on the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment website.
Application stages
- Apply: Submit your application through the online form above.
- Shortlist: If your application is found to meet the eligibility criteria, it will be shortlisted for review and matched to one or more NT Government departments. More than one department may contact you.
- Reference checks: We will contact your referees.
- Interview: An interview will be scheduled if your application progresses to this stage.
- Outcome: The Early Careers team will notify you of the outcome.
Where degrees turn into meaningful work.
Success stories
Eliza - Graduate Development Program
Jayan - Graduate program
Sanjo - Graduate Development Program