Graduate Career Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to sit an entry test?
Applicants for AusAID's Graduate Program are not required to sit an entry test. There is however an interview process which may include specific testing against the selection criteria and work sample testing. For example, you may be required to give an oral presentation to test your oral communication skills or undertake a written test to allow the Selection Committee to assess your written communication skills.
What if I graduated some years ago?
Having completed your studies some years ago is not an impediment to joining AusAID's Graduate Program, so long as you have attained at least a three-year bachelor degree. If however you have been in the workforce for a period of time, you may wish to consider joining AusAID at a more senior level via the regular Careers process.
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Can I apply if I'm not an Australian citizen?
No. The duties of all positions in AusAID require employees to have a Government security clearance, which can only be obtained by Australian citizens. All applicants for AusAID's Graduate Program must be eligible for a security clearance.
What if I have a mixed academic record?
AusAID selects applicants for the Graduate Program based upon the specified selection criteria. The likelihood of your gaining a place in the Graduate Program is dependent upon your suitability to meet those criteria relative to other applicants. If you have a mixed academic record you will need to convince AusAID of the strength of your claims through your application, and in particular through your statement addressing the selection criteria, in order to be shortlisted for interview.
What is the purpose of the selection criteria?
The selection criteria are based upon the skills and qualities required to successfully participate in the Graduate Program. It is against these criteria that the Selection Committee will assess applicants to determine whether they are suitable to participate in the Graduate Program.
Will I be advised if I'm not shortlisted for interview?
No. Due to the numbers of applications received, AusAID is unable to contact those applicants not shortlisted for interview. Please visit the Graduate section of our website as when shortlisting has occurred, it will be noted on the site. Those who will be interviewed will be contacted by phone or email.
What if my degree is in a field that does not appear immediately relevant to AusAID's work?
There are some fields which are clearly relevant to AusAID's work such as economics, development economics, international relations/political studies, Asian and Pacific studies. However, you will not be precluded from AusAID's Graduate Program on the basis of your field of study if you specialised in another field. The key to being successful in your application to join AusAID's Graduate Program is to demonstrate that you have the skills/knowledge specified in the selection criteria.
Are there any age limits?
No. Your age is not relevant to whether you are eligible for the Graduate Program. So long as you have at least a three-year bachelor degree you are eligible. However, if you have extensive work experience, you may wish to join AusAID at a more senior level via the regular Careers process.
When can I work overseas?
AusAID has over 150 staff deployed in more than 30 countries at the APS 5 level and above. The majority of these positions are filled through an internal competitive selection process. Employees do not have to have worked in the Agency for a qualifying period of time before becoming eligible for posting or deployment overseas, but as AusAID's postings/deployments start at the APS 5 level, you must be at this classification before being eligible for consideration. However, many positions in the Agency, regardless of level, require short-term travel overseas.
If I obtained my qualification overseas, will it be recognised?
If your degree is from an overseas university it must be recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR). Please note that it is your responsibility to gain recognition through NOOSR at your own cost. NOOSR can be contacted on 1800 020 086 or visit their website http://aei.dest.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Default.htm [external link]
How many graduates will you be taking this year?
On average, AusAID receives approximately 800 applications for the program, of which a minimum of 50 are interviewed. We anticipate filling approximately 20 positions through this year's program. However, the final number will not be determined until the selection process has been completed.
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