ATO Graduate Program

Why choose us

We know graduates bring skills, expertise and insights that drive innovation. That's why we invest in our award-winning graduate program.

Join us and build a career that makes a difference to the lives of all Australians. Be part of a team that:

• combats crime and fraud
• creates and delivers programs to support the community
• protects the data of millions of people.

We're proudly recognised as a top 100 graduate employer, ranking 13th by Prosple and 22nd by the Australian Financial Review (AFR). We also ranked fourth in the top 10 Government Employers and second for the AFR's Most Popular Government Graduate Program.

 

Career opportunities

At the ATO, your degree is just the beginning. Explore the diverse roles on offer with opportunities across accounting, law, business, finance, economics, data, IT, design, human resources and marketing and communications. Our graduate program is designed to help you start strong and keep growing. With clear pathways for development and progression, you'll get the experience and support to shape a career that evolves with you.

Training and development

Unlock your potential – You'll receive mentorship and on-the-job training to build your skills and networks.

Work with experts – You'll receive regular training provided by qualified facilitators to build your knowledge and apply it to your work.

Ongoing learning – After the program, you can continue learning with more training opportunities. If you're eligible, you can apply for our Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for financial help with tuition fees.

Work-life balance

Your wellbeing matters – Enjoy a healthy work life balance with excellent salary, leave and conditions. Benefit from healthy working hours, flexible work opportunities, generous leave provisions and wellbeing initiatives.

Build connections – Enjoy social events and networking opportunities to make friends and expand your network.

Salary and super

Competitive salary – Start with a graduate salary of $75,431 plus 15.4% super.

Promotion and pay rise – After completing the program you'll be promoted to an APS4 officer. This means your salary increases to $84,028 plus 15.4% super. As an APS4 officer, you can earn up to $91,199 plus 15.4% super. You can also apply for other roles and promotions.

Located across Australia

We have offices in almost every state and territory, including regional areas. Our program includes many graduate streams and locations, so you might find an office near you.

Hear from our graduates

If you like building cutting edge systems, shaping policies, or solving problems creatively, our graduate program is for you. Don't just take our word for it, hear from our graduatesExternal Link.

Graduate streams

We have hundreds of graduate positions available each year, across 6 streams.

Data

For graduates of data, statistics, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. You'll work with cutting-edge analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to turn big data into smarter decisions.

Data graduate stream

Design

For graduates of design, visual communication, behavioural sciences, business and systems analysis or research. You’ll create, compose and execute user-focused services and systems through human-centred design.

Design graduate stream

Human resources

For graduates of human resources (HR) or psychology. Working in our HR team, you’ll shape a workplace that supports growth and wellbeing.

Human resources graduate stream

Information technology

For graduates of information technology (IT), computer science, cyber security or data science and more. You’ll have the opportunity to build and secure one of Australia's largest IT infrastructures.

Information technology graduate stream

Marketing and communication

For graduates of marketing, communications, market research or public relations. You’ll work alongside industry professionals to deliver creative communications that connect with the community.

Marketing and communication graduate stream

Taxation and law

For graduates of law, finance, accounting, commerce, economics or business. You'll help shape Australia's tax and super systems to make a difference to the community we serve.

Taxation and law graduate stream

Job rotations

During the program, you'll complete 2 rotations across different business areas to develop your knowledge, capabilities and business networks. As part of a team, you'll turn big ideas into real solutions as you deliver meaningful work that helps the community. You'll learn about your first business area rotation during your induction.

You'll also get hands-on experience in our frontline operations in a short, once-off placement. Get first-hand understanding of what we do, while helping Australians with their tax and super. You may assist taxpayers via the contact centre, myGov or our online chat function. This unique experience gives you insights to innovate and influence decision making in your work.

Who can apply

You can apply for our graduate program if you are an Australian citizen and either:

• completed your university degree within the last 5 years (1 January 2022 to 31 December 2026)
• are in your final year of study.

To work at the ATO, all candidates must successfully complete pre-engagement integrity checks (PEIC) before starting. These checks include verifying your background and residency history.

If you have lived outside Australia for more than 2 years and 6 months in the past 5 years, we will not be able to complete these checks to the standard required. This means you will not be cleared for work, and your application may not proceed. Some roles require additional security checks once the PEIC has been completed.

We recommend reviewing your residency history before applying to ensure you meet this requirement.

Before you start our program, you'll also need to provide evidence you have successfully completed your qualification (bachelor degree or higher). If your institution participates in My eQualsExternal Link, you need to provide this using My eQuals.

Haven't finished your degree? No worries – our University Partnership Employment Program could be for you.

When to apply

Applications for the 2027 ATO Graduate Program open 2 March 2026 and close 9 April 2026.

Recognition of overseas qualifications

If you have international qualifications, you'll need to provide a statement verifying your qualifications.

You can verify your qualifications with the Department of EducationExternal Link.

If you have questions about your eligibility, email EntryLevelPrograms@ato.gov.au

Our ideal candidate

We're looking for people who are:

• innovative and dynamic – adaptable and flexible while working towards a united goal
• problem solvers – brilliant brains that suggest new ways of doing things
• curious and courageous – enthusiastic and ready to deliver Australian Government initiatives
• resilient – see ideas through to the end
• digitally savvy – use technology to deliver change
• good communicators – help tell the story in many ways
• committed – treat taxpayers with integrity and empathy.

Learn more about what we are looking for and the ATO Graduate Program recruitment process.

Inclusion and diversity

We're committed to inclusion and diversity in our workplace. Some positions will be filled using the following affirmative measures:

• affirmative measure – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
• affirmative measure – disability.