Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Australian Government Graduate Program - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Stream (Jan 2026)
Canberra, Canberra
Opportunity details
- Graduate Job or Program
- AUD 50,000 - 80,000 / Year
- 40-60 vacancies
- Apply by 14 Apr 2025
- Start date 31 Jan 2026 - 12 Feb 2026
Australian Government Graduate Program: STEM stream
The STEM Stream offers graduates a unique opportunity to work across multiple STEM fields, become part of a collaborative cohort and participate in a number of networking opportunities.
Skills you need
To be suitable for a STEM graduate role, you should have most or all of the following skills:
- Proficient communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- A willingness to learn and grow
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
- Research and analysis skills
- Adaptability
- Ability to show initiative and judgement
Benefits
As a graduate in the STEM Stream, you'll work on meaningful projects that have a real impact on Australia’s future. You'll gain experience across different STEM areas while contributing to important initiatives.
Working with the Australian Government offers great benefits, including:
- Workplace rotations to help you gain experience in diverse roles
- Structured learning and development opportunities
- Networking events
- Exposure to senior executives and STEM-specific events
- Competitive salary and flexible work options
Locations
Most roles within the STEM Stream are based in Canberra, with some opportunities available across Australia, depending on the agency you are matched with. Relocation assistance may be available through some agencies.
Roles are full-time, with potential for flexible work arrangements depending on your placement agency.
What to expect in this program
STEM graduates will:
- Work on real projects across different Australian Public Service (APS) departments
- Participate in work rotations to gain experience in diverse roles
- Experience a rewarding career within science, technology, engineering or mathematics
- Meet senior STEM leaders from across the APS
- Participate in unique STEM experiences and networking opportunities
The STEM Stream is lead by Department of Industry, Science and Resources on behalf of all participating agencies. Applicants can apply for the STEM Stream through one application and be considered for a STEM graduate position across many different agencies.
Areas you can work in
Some of the work STEM graduates may be able to experience include:
- Advancing women in STEM strategy
- International and national space negotiations and agreements
- Earth observations
- Robotics
- Neuromorphic engineering
- Chemical and biological analysis
- Electro technology
- Genomics
- Cyber security
- Technology and programming
- Software engineering
- Geophysics
- Spatial analysis
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the AGGP STEM Stream, you must submit your application with evidence of the following:
- Be an Australian citizen at the time of application.
- Have completed a minimum three-year undergraduate degree in a STEM field within the last five years.
- Have completed or be finishing an undergraduate degree or higher by 31 December 2025.
- Be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance.
- Be willing to undergo any police, character, health, or other checks required.
Application process
The assessment and selection process may include:
- an online assessment
- a written task
- a behavioural interview
- referee checks
- a short phone or video interview (this may be applicable if you’re applying through specialist streams).
Hiring criteria
- No experience required
- Australian Citizen
- Business & Management +more
- Bachelor or higher
Reviews
As a graduate I've had 3 rotations. Each rotation was different. My first rotation was a laboratory based role which varied day to day. The things I were doing consisted of preparing to do tests and analysis in the laboratory, calculating results and writing up reports. Some days I would also be preparing for student engagements and participating in external stakeholder meetings. My second rotation looked into developing promotional material for the laboratory, highlighting new services that we can provide during our stakeholder meetings. My final rotation looked more into how policy and government work within the department. Focusing more on development of useful documents, drafting up documents for managers, and being involved in meetings concerning the work that I was undertaking. During the program I would also sporadically work on the Graduate Major Project that is assigned yearly for graduates to work on an emerging policy area. My tasks consisted of desktop researching, stakeholder engagements, weekly meetings with my project team and reporting writing.
A lot of pretty straight forward draft advice type work
I am a Graduate so my role is to support my supervisor and team achieve policy outcomes. I do a lot of desk top research, inbox monitoring, drafting policy documents and attending team meetings
About the employer
Department of Industry, Science and Resources
3.9
1,000 - 50,000 employees
Government & Public Service
The Graduate Development Program offers an opportunity to work in a department that supports economic growth and job creation for all Australians.
Pros and cons of working at Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Pros
Every team I've been a part of have been very friendly - there is a culture of wanting to care and support each other, especially new people.
Working at DISR is a unique opportunity to learn how government functions in a practical and meaningful manner, engaging with stakeholders and getting real world experience.
There is a lot of focus on trying to produce really good science and research in Australia.
The areas of the Department do genuinely value and appreciate grads - I've found them to be welcoming, helpful, understanding, and kind.
The diversity of portfolios in the department allows me to have a look a variety of areas that Government can look over. Colleagues are friendly and supportive in my self-development journey.
Cons
Currently hugely under resourced, with people moving in and out of teams. Workloads are higher and people are more stressed at the moment, meaning there's been a drop in the quality of work.
Lack of communication, particularly in the graduate program.
Training can sometimes be late, unapplicable to work or provide little value.
Pay and lack of guidance.
The division I'm working in doesn't feel like it is a part of the department, so I often feel like there is a whole social connection missing between the technical work of the laboratory and the corporate office.