Government Graduate Jobs in Victoria (VIC)

Most government graduate jobs in Victoria are offered through departments of the Victorian state government, although some Australian federal government departments have offices in Victoria and recruit locally.

The Victorian Public Service

The Victorian Public Service is made up of about 40 different employers who collectively employ nearly 40,000 employees. About 80% of these employees work for one of the 7 Victorian state government departments:

• Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources
• Department of Education and Training
• Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
• Department of Health and Human Services
• Department of Justice and Regulation
• Department of Premier and Cabinet
• Department of Treasury and Finance

Graduate starting salaries are generally set based on the Victorian Public Service standard classification codes - a graduate can expect approximately $53,000 plus superannuation in their first year. At the end of your first 12 months (usually as part of a rotation program), graduates can expect to be moved to the next salary band, which is above $60,000. Working hours are usually 38 hours per week, with most roles offering flexible work practices like working from home, and flexible start and finish times. Another perk of a graduate role in the Victorian Public Service is study leave, which usually becomes available after your first 12 months (depending on the role).

Federal government jobs in Victoria

Although some Australian federal government departments like the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Federal Police, and the Department of Human Services that have offices in Victoria, most Federal Government graduate programs are based in Canberra. Keep an eye on job postings in the GradAustralia jobs portal or the APS website for any graduate opportunities in Victoria, or alternatively apply for a graduate program in Canberra where there is the potential to transfer to Victoria at the completion of the program.

Applying for  Government Graduate Jobs in Victoria

Applications for all 7 of the Victorian Public Service Departments as well as 6 other Victorian government agencies can be made centrally via the VPS Graduate Recruitment and Development Scheme (GRADS) portal. The GRADS program allows new graduates to enter a 12-month generalist development program, and take part in placements across various Victorian government departments. Graduates can also enter specific streams depending on their background and interest (e.g. legal, business and technology, accounting and finance, education, and economics streams). Applications are open in March/April each year and typically 80-100 roles are recruited annually.