Who should apply?

Graduates must have completed an undergraduate or post graduate degree through an Australian University. Preferred disciplines of study include accounting, business, commerce, law, economics, finance, marketing, procurement, social policy, supply chain/logistics and related disciplines. A Certificate IV or Diploma in Procurement and Contracting will be accepted for the procurement career pathway. We will consider any application in line with our business needs at the time of application.

To be eligible for the program, you must submit a completed application and:

  • be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a VISA with acceptable work conditions from the commencement date of your employment
  • have completed an undergraduate or post graduate Australian University qualification, and you will have completed the qualification before your commencement date in a graduate role
  • be willing to undergo a relevant criminal history check and receive clearance to meet the required entry standards.

You must not have received a Targeted Voluntary Separation Package from the South Australian public sector within the last 12 months.

How to apply

Graduate roles will be posted on iworkfor.sa.gov.au (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site), and may also be posted on the South Australian Department of Treasury and Finance LinkedIn page (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site).

Opportunities will also be posted on the various South Australian university Career Hub pages.

When to apply

Applications for our graduate program for 2025 mid-year and February 2026 intakes are currently closed.

Enquiries regarding current intakes can be made by emailing dtfgraduates@sa.gov.au.

Recruitment process

Image outlining the Graduate Program application process which includes: STAGE 1 – ONLINE APPLICATION Kickstart your journey with the South Australian Government! Your first step is to showcase your passion and motivation through a compelling cover letter no more than 2 pages. This is your chance to stand out! You’ll also need to upload your resume (including three referees), academic transcript, pre-employment declaration form, and visa details including any relevant working conditions (if applicable). STAGE 2 – APPLICATION SCREENING We’re on the lookout for the best and brightest! Our team will review all applications to ensure they meet the essential criteria for the graduate position. STAGE 3 – ASSESSMENT CENTRE Get ready to shine! If you pass the initial screening, you’ll be invited to our dynamic assessment centre. Here, you’ll participate in a variety of engaging exercises designed to evaluate your skills, competencies, and fit for the role. STAGE 4 – INTERVIEWS Show us what you’ve got! Candidates who excel in the assessment centre will be invited to formal interviews. This is your opportunity to showcase your skills and personality to the hiring team and learn more about the role and department. Reference checks will also be conducted during this stage. STAGE 5 – MATCHING AND OFFERS Your future awaits! If you’re successful in the interview stage, you’ll be placed in a merit pool. We’ll match you with a career pathway that aligns with your preferences and/or skills. Once matched, we’ll reach out to discuss your interest in specific opportunities. You’ll remain in the pool for 12 months, and we may contact you anytime if suitable vacancies arise.

Tips to help with your application

When applying for a role as a graduate, it’s important to highlight key employability skills that demonstrate your readiness and suitability for the role. Here are some essential skills  to consider:

  • time management and organisation
  • written and verbal communication skills
  • teamwork
  • problem solving skills
  • research, data analysis, literacy and numeracy
  • analytical thinking and the ability to apply knowledge
  • technical skills and academic experience
  • cultural fit with the department
  • motivation, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

You will need to create an account for iworkfor.sa.gov.au (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site)    to complete an online application, which will also allow you to save and return to complete your application.  If you are uploading documents, remember to submit them in PDF format.

Your application will require:

A cover letter

Cover letters are an opportunity for you to introduce yourself, sell your skills and provide supporting evidence. It is also a key opportunity to convey your enthusiasm and interest for a role, to capture the interest of the person reading it. The letter should cover the role statement requirements and be kept to no more than two pages. It should clearly indicate why you should be considered for the role.

Your resume

A resume is a tool that you use to demonstrate you can do the job. It is also used to progress you to the interview stage. It should be presented in a clear, concise and professional manner and should detail your skills, attributes, experience and qualifications relevant to for the position. Your resume should range from two to four pages long (maximum). Remember to include the contact details of three referees.

Academic transcript

You can retrieve a copy of your official academic transcript by submitting a request via your university or learning institute. We will accept an unofficial transcript pending receipt of the official transcript or if you have yet to complete your degree.

Pre-Employment Declaration

To be eligible to receive an offer of employment within the South Australian public sector, you must complete a Pre-Employment Declaration form as attached to the advert on IWorkforSA. Please answer all questions in this form fully and truthfully.

VISA details (if applicable)

If you are on a current work permit or Visa – please provide a copy of any work permits or Visa details.

The recruitment process can take a while as there are several steps to be followed. Please be patient with us while we process your application, noting best practice is to wait for us to contact you.

The department will advise all successful and unsuccessful applicants of the recruitment outcome.