Graduate Development Program (GDP)

Last updated:

1 October 2024

We offer our graduates a variety of work placements, a formal study program, extracurricular activities and job security throughout the graduate program and beyond.

About the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) exists to meet the Nation’s commitment to care for our veteran and defence service community—the men and women who have served Australia in times of war and conflict as well as peacetime. We do this through programs of care, compensation, commemoration, income support and Defence support services. Our aim is to ensure enhanced self-sufficiency, quality of life, financial wellbeing and community recognition for those we support.

DVA is both a policy and service delivery agency and we have strong relationships with Australian ex-service organisations, the Department of Defence, the international veteran community and international veterans’ administrations.

We are dedicated and committed to attracting and recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and encourage applications from people with disability, people that identify as LGBTQIA+ and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. RecruitAbility applies to vacancies advertised in DVA. Read more about our diverse and inclusive workforce.

View more information on how we help the veteran community and our work.

You will find a copy of our latest annual report here.

About the GDP

The program runs for 11 months, from February to December each year, and aims to give you exposure to the broad range of important work we do and give you a head start into a successful career within the Australian Public Service. The DVA Graduate Development Program is offered in all major capital cities provided that minimum participant numbers in any given location are met. Relocation assistance is provided if required.

You will work in multi-disciplinary or specialised teams to deliver on a wide range of topics. This includes policy, program, coordination and strategy-based work. This work makes a real difference to our clients.

If you are innovative, flexible, and motivated to work in a challenging and rewarding team environment, DVA is the place for you. There are no age restrictions and DVA encourages candidates to reapply if they have been unsuccessful in the past.

What the GDP includes

Our program includes:

a tailored induction where you will have exclusive access to hear from senior leaders
three business area placements. Each rotation is matched to your skills, interests and career plans. These placements are designed to give you an overview of departmental functions and activities, as well as opportunities to contribute to the work of the department and to develop professional networks. For example, there may be opportunities to be involved in ANZAC Day commemorations. As DVA works closely with other entities, such as the Australian War Memorial, opportunities may arise for you to attend a number of conferences and anniversaries of significant military events
supervisors that possess the leadership skills and knowledge required to support you throughout your graduate year (and beyond)
a ‘buddy’ who has been through our program who will help you to transition into working life, navigate the department and working environment, and, if applicable, adjust to life in a new location
opportunities to shadow senior executive and visit front line service delivery offices. This will help you gain a holistic understanding of our business
participation in client forums so you gain firsthand experience of our clients’ backgrounds and needs
access to both formal and informal learning and development opportunities throughout the graduate year
participation in and the opportunity to organise social club activities where appropriate.
DVA offers its employees generous study assistance and study leave should you desire to further your education after the GDP year.

Pay and Conditions

The DVA Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027 (EA) sets out the entitlements for DVA employees.

DVA graduates will be engaged at the APS3/Graduate APS classification and paid at the first pay point of the APS4 classification.

Once a graduate has successfully completed the graduate program, you will automatically be advanced and salary progressed to the top pay point of the APS4 classification.

DVA offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

allowance for relocation to take part in the GDP, if required. This may include travel for you and your dependants, temporary accommodation, removal of your belongings, bond assistance, and transport of your vehicle. Arrangements will be made on an individual basis.
flexible working hours and conditions to help you balance work and personal life
generous superannuation provisions
ongoing development and training opportunities
a healthy lifestyle allowance
four weeks' annual leave per year
- Graduates are able to take leave during the graduate year. Leave arrangements must be negotiated with your direct supervisor during each placement. However, it is recommended that you do not take long periods of leave as this may interfere with your ability to get the most out of the program
access to studies assistance program (after the graduate year).

Applying for the GDP

A lead Australian Government agency manages the recruitment for each stream. This means you only have to go through the application and selection process once to be considered by a range of Australian Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

We employ graduates in many of the occupational streams offered by the Australian Government Graduate Program.

To find out more information about each stream and to sign up for relevant notifications visit:

Or find out more about the Australian Government Graduate Program at the APSC Graduate Portal.

Graduate stories

See the following for past DVA graduates' experiences of the Graduate Program.

Jessica - 2023 Graduate

"The DVA Graduate Program was a fantastic way to start my career in the Public Service. Rotating through various areas of the Department helped build a solid understanding of what DVA does and how every area works together to support and commemorate veterans. As grads we were really supported to make the most of every opportunity and develop the skills and connections that will help us in years to come. The best part was being in our grad cohort – together we shared experiences, challenges and most importantly, laughs!"

Ria - 2023 Graduate

"The grad experience is monumental to one’s APS journey and allows for learning opportunities like no other. I especially enjoyed connecting with colleagues from various business areas and walks of life."

Alex - 2022 Graduate

"I am so grateful to DVA for introducing me to such passionate and supportive individuals. These are networks which I will carry with me for the rest of my professional career."

Laura - 2022 Graduate

"During my time in the graduate program with DVA, I found not just a job, but real professional growth. I rotated through diverse roles—from Strategic Communications, the Ministerial Correspondence Unit and the Royal Commission Taskforce—and gained invaluable insights into various facets of the department. Beyond the amazing career development opportunities, the program also gave me lifelong connections with fellow DVA graduates, forming a tight-knit cohort of good friends. Joining the DVA graduate program, was the best decision of my life!"

Kristienne - 2021 Graduate

"An incredible opportunity that encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and try many new experiences. It enabled me to build up my network and empowered me to find an area within the Department that compliments my strengths, as well as challenge me daily."

Kyriin - 2020 Graduate

"The best part about our graduate program is the networking opportunities. Whether it be through your rotations, involvement with the social club or through your APSC training, there are opportunities to meet a variety of APS professionals and learn all about how DVA supports veterans!"

Nancy - 2020 Graduate

"I started earlier so I could get a quick taste of the DVA community which I felt was beneficial for me to adapt to the working environment. I always made sure I asked a lot of questions whenever I did my rotations and got to really understand exactly what each section did and how it contributed to the veteran community."

Amy - 2019 Graduate

"In a space of a year I have grown personally and professionally, having worked with passionate and engaging people across the department on real matters within the veteran community."

Louie - 2019 Graduate

"DVA is the perfect place to further your skills, engage in meaningful work and improve the lives of those who have served our country and their families."

After the GDP

Once you complete the program, we will offer you a permanent ongoing position with DVA. Further development opportunities include applying for:

short-term opportunities
promotions into other positions within DVA
positions at any of the state or territory offices around Australia.