Be part of something bigger from day one at the Australian Signals Directorate.
Our entry-level programs give school leavers, tertiary students and graduates opportunities to start their career at ASD.
Work experience programs for Year 11 and 12 students are also available.
We provide a practical and dynamic learning experience where you will engage with areas including information and communications technology (ICT), cyber security, intelligence and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
You must be an Australian citizen to be eligible for our entry-level programs. Previous work experience is not required.
Begin your career doing meaningful work with real-world impact through our Graduate Program.
Our Graduate Program is for people who have completed a degree (recognised in Australia) within the past 5 years. You can apply in your final year of study.
You’ll be supported to learn, develop and challenge yourself in an innovative working environment.
You’ll be part of our diverse team of technical specialists, corporate professionals and intelligence analysts, working together to overcome challenges in support of Australia’s national interests.
Diversity powers our mission. To achieve our goals, we require people with solid integrity and a mix of skills, passion, adaptability, resilience, curiosity and creativity.
What you will do
You will work full-time on a range of tasks to contribute to Australia’s national security and make a difference.
As part of your graduate journey, you will complete 3 4-month rotations in different areas across the agency that will develop your skills and allow you to explore different areas of interest.
We are particularly looking for graduates interested in careers in:
- Cryptology
- Cyber security
- Data
- Engineering and Technical
- Information and Communications Technology
- Intelligence and Analysis
- Language Capability
- Legal
- Psychology
- Security
- Strategic and International Policy
We are also recruiting graduates interested in the following areas:
- Accounting and Finance
- Administration and Customer Service
- Auditing, Assurance and Fraud Control
- Human Resources
- Information and Knowledge Management
- Infrastructure
- Logistics
- Media and Communication
- Procurement and Contracting
- Project and Program Management
You will start the program at an ASD Level 4 (equivalent to APS 4), plus a 4% service allowance and 15.4% superannuation.
On successful completion of our ASD Graduate program, you'll advance to an ongoing ASD Level 4 position at a higher salary.
How to apply
Applications for the 2026 ASD Graduate Program have now closed.
Applications for the 2027 ASD Graduate Program will open in early 2026.
Eligibility
You must:
- be an Australian citizen
- have completed a minimum Bachelor degree within 5 years prior to commencing the program
- be prepared to undergo a comprehensive security assessment.
What the experience is like
“My graduate experience at ASD has been fantastic. A highlight so far was being offered the opportunity to become a subject matter expert on an intelligence issue and then lead a conversation with overseas intelligence partners. While I had the support of my team, being offered the responsibility and ownership of an overseas engagement was an experience I had not anticipated I would encounter so early in my journey.” – Isaiah, Intelligence
“I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to network and gain broad visibility of the organisation, and work in a variety of different teams. Everyone at ASD is very supportive of graduates, and always looks to support their skill development and corporate knowledge.” – Omar, Administration and Customer Service
“I have learnt things I never thought I would. I have developed so many new skills and made life-long friends and connections. I love knowing that my work is so meaningful and that I am contributing to something so much bigger.” – Channing, Intelligence
Begin your career learning skills no one else can teach through our Cadetship Program.
Our Cadetship Program is for university students who have completed their first year (full-time equivalent), and will have a minimum of 12 months of study remaining when starting the program.
You will be able to put your studies and skills into practice while you are at university, helping you start your career.
We will work with you to create a work schedule that supports your university studies and completion of the program.
What you will do
Cadets work part-time for a minimum of 2 days a week. The remainder of your time will be dedicated to finishing your university study.
You will work on projects that support Australia’s national security while being mentored by leading experts in their field. You will also undertake specialised training to improve your skills and get real-world experience you won’t get at university.
Your degree doesn’t define your career at ASD. We accept cadets from almost every discipline, with opportunities in areas including:
- Accounting and Finance
- Administration and Customer Service
- Auditing, Assurance and Fraud Control
- Cryptology
- Cyber security
- Data
- Engineering and Technical
- Human Resources
- Information and Communications Technology
- Information and Knowledge Management
- Infrastructure
- Intelligence and Analysis
- Language Capability
- Legal
- Logistics
- Media and Communication
- Procurement and Contracting
- Project and Program Management
- Psychology
- Security
- Strategic and International Policy
You will start the program at an ASD Level 3 (equivalent to APS 3), plus a 4% service allowance and 15.4% superannuation.
As well as being paid for your work, you will receive an academic allowance of $800 per subject (capped at four subjects per semester). This allowance is paid at the end of each semester upon successfully completing your subjects.
Upon completion of our Cadetship Program, you will be progressed into an ongoing full-time ASD Level 4 position.
How to apply
Applications for the 2026 ASD Cadetship Program have now closed.
Applications for the 2027 ASD Cadetship Program will open in early 2026.
Eligibility
You must:
- be an Australian citizen
- be studying an Australian recognised degree
- be prepared to undergo a comprehensive security assessment.
What the experience is like
“The ASD Cadetship Program has been a fantastic experience. It has been particularly helpful to get some practical experience to match some of the things I have covered in university. The experiences in the learning and development days organised by the APSC have been good as well and given valuable knowledge that I will be able to take forward in my career.” – Anton, Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
“I always sat in university lectures wondering how the concepts and theory I was learning could be applied practically. This cadetship has allowed me to apply that knowledge in a real-world setting, while simultaneously strengthening my studies with skills learned at work. Working part-time and studying full-time at university can be challenging, but I am able to work my hours around my university timetable and I always have support from my mentors, supervisor and fellow cadets. So my time in the cadetship is spent doing what I enjoy and with minimum stress.” – Anita, Engineering and Technical
Start a new career in a workplace that supports you to learn, develop and challenge yourself through our Apprenticeship Program.
Our Apprenticeship Program is for people looking to start a new career, whether you’re a school leaver, currently studying at TAFE, or changing your career.
You will benefit from a unique blend of practical experience, training and support in a collaborative environment with a focus on real-world problem solving.
Diversity powers our mission. Whether you’re a school leaver or looking for a career change, we encourage you to apply if you’re interested in a career where you’ll help keep Australia secure.
What you will do
Apprentices work 3 to 4 days per week, with the rest of your time dedicated to completing a Certificate IV over an 18-month period. ASD will pay for your studies, and you will be granted paid study time.
You will put your new skills to use as you learn in an innovative and dynamic working environment on a range of tasks that support Australia’s national security.
We are looking for Apprentices who are interested in careers in areas including:
- Cyber security
- Data
- Engineering and Technical
- Information and Communications Technology
- Language Capability
- Project and Program Management
You will start the program at an ASD Level 2 (equivalent to APS 2), plus a 4% service allowance and 15.4% superannuation.
Upon completion of our Apprenticeship Program, you will be progressed into an ongoing full-time ASD Level 3 position.
How to apply
Applications for the 2026 ASD Apprenticeship Program have now closed.
Applications for the 2027 ASD Apprenticeship Program will open in early 2026.
Eligibility
You must:
- be an Australian citizen
- have a Year 12 certificate or equivalent by the time you commence the program
- be prepared to undergo a comprehensive security assessment.
What the experience is like
“The ASD Apprenticeship Program has been a highly rewarding experience. I have built meaningful, long-lasting relationships with my fellow cohort members, and the combination of hands-on work and study has significantly expanded my skills. It’s also given me a clearer direction for where I want to take my career.” – Taylor, Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
“The ASD Apprenticeship Program has been an incredible start to working in the ICT industry. I joined ASD right after high school with little experience in IT, but the skills I have gained over the past 18 months as an apprentice are invaluable. I have had the chance to develop hands-on skills that I can immediately apply to my job and real world situations. Additionally, I have attended various courses and training activities that have enhanced my abilities in multiple areas. Through the Apprenticeship Program, I have met many people with diverse backgrounds and skill sets, which I can carry forward throughout my career. Working on real projects and solving problems has been something I have truly enjoyed and I am excited about my future with the agency.” – Sofia, Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
The ASD work experience program is for Year 11–12 students. The program focuses on students who are considering further studies in a STEM-related field.
The week-long program offers you an opportunity to extend your knowledge and skills through practical challenges. Scenarios could include:
- identifying security intrusions on a computer system
- learning how to identify email compromises
- learning to monitor network traffic to detect exploits
- learning how to conduct forensic examinations of hard drives
- learning about web application vulnerabilities
- learning modern encryption methods
- learning about different types of encryption and how they protect data
- using open-source software to recover keys and encrypt and decrypt data
- learning about geospatial analysis and how to use geospatial tools for imagery analysis
- engineering hardware and software solutions for security problems
- robotics programming using Arduinos
- construction of Arduino electrical circuits.
Students who enjoy discovering how technology works are considered favourably over those who use technology.
All placements are in Canberra. Students from interstate are encouraged to apply. Interstate students will receive assistance with travel (transportation) costs. Interstate students are responsible for their own accommodation.
Upcoming work experience program dates:
Session 1: 7 April 2025 – 11 April 2025
Session 2: 30 June 2025 – 4 July 2025
Session 3: 7 July 2025 – 11 July 2025
Session 4: 29 September 2025 - 3 October 2025
- Applications closed
To apply please visit Defence Work Experience once applications open.
What the experience is like
“The program was excellent. It gave me the opportunity to experience working at ASD in real time. The challenges and tasks set were based on real life operations and really fostered my interest in cyber security. The staff and ASD mentors were fantastic. To be selected for the placement was a huge honour and I would encourage any students keen on working in this field to look into the program.” – Fletcher, Queensland
“The ASD Cyber Security and Robotics Work Experience Program has given me the insight of how people work in ASD on a daily basis and in real time. The skills, activities and the mentors supporting us are extraordinary and had lots of fun in both cyber security and robotics, giving us a pathway to take if interested. Although some of the experiences are challenging, it gave me the ability to think critically and make decisions. The peers are both enjoyable to hang out with and also great buddies to get the work done as a team together, giving each other the helping hand where needed. It was an honour to have a placement here and I highly recommend for people who have even the slightest interest of cyber security, robotics or even technology to consider taking this program!” – Albert, ACT
“If you’re even slightly considering a career in cyber security, I would highly recommend doing this program. It was an unforgettable and amazing experience that helped me learn more about ASD and how vital their work is in protecting our nation.” – Parakh, NSW
The CyberEXP platform concluded at the end of March 2025.
Test your problem-solving skills with unique puzzles and challenges designed by ASD staff.
The GPN is an extra-curricular program run by girls for girls. It inspires and supports girls interested in computers and technology. It is designed for girls in Year 6–12 of all programming abilities. Dedicated women from university, industry and government specialising in software development and cyber run each session. Find out about a GPN node near you.
Find out about a GPN node near you.