Below is an overview of the application process. For more information, please visit our Jobs website.

The AFP Graduate Program gives you a unique path to a range of challenging and rewarding roles. 

The 12-month program comprises of three rotations through different business areas, providing you with insight into our organisation. At the successful completion of the program, you will have permanent full-time employment with the business area that recruited you.  

The AFP Graduate Program runs annually from February to February, with positions primarily located in Canberra.

Eligibility

Our program is open to Australian citizens who have completed their university degree in the last five years. 
We welcome applications from all eligible Graduates. Preferred subjects can vary every year, depending on our business area needs. A degree in the following subjects will be highly regarded: 

• Information Technology (System Administration, Network Engineering, Computer & Data Science, Programming, Cyber Security, Electronics/Mechatronics) 
• Arts, Humanities and Justice (Criminal Justice, Criminology, International Relations, Language, Security Analysis/ National Security, Intelligence, Counter Terrorism, Policy) 
• Business (Finance, Accounting, Commerce, Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Audit, Project Management, Change management) 
• Legal 
• Media and Communication (Graphic Design/Visual Arts, Communication) 
• Science (Forensic Science) 
• Social Science (Psychology, Social Work, Anthropology) 
• Health Science (Exercise Science, Human Movement, Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy, Nursing) 

The AFP Directions Program is an integrated 12-month employment and development program for First Nations people that runs annually from February. The program provides permanent, full-time employment in a variety of roles such as health and wellbeing, investigations, canines, cyber security, intelligence, corporate support, protection, workforce planning, media and communications.

Your work will influence programs and policies affecting all Australians, including First Nations families and communities. 

Eligibility

The AFP Directions Program is for motivated First Nations people aged 18 years or older at time of applying, seeking to commence a professional career within the AFP.

Support

Program participants are provided with additional support, including:

• Professional networking through access to mentors and senior executives of the AFP
• Ongoing support from the Directions Team, previous Directions trainees and the Mulunggang Indigenous Officer Network (MION).

Salary and benefits

Directions participants begin as an AFP Band 2.1 level.

Salary rates, including annual increases on completion of the programs, are outlined in our Enterprise Agreement.

Benefits include:

• 15.4% superannuation contribution
• 40-hour working week (subject to flexible working requirements upon completion of the Program)
• Six weeks (30 business days) of paid annual leave per year (with options to purchase additional leave, take leave at half pay and/or cash out leave)
• Four mandatory rest days per year
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• 16 weeks of paid maternity leave (after 12 months of service) for each confinement, and an additional 36 weeks of maternity leave without pay
• Paid long service leave after 10 years of continuous Commonwealth service
• Adoption leave and compassionate leave provisions available
• Clear salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement 
• Career advancement and investment in your professional development

We value the different perspectives, approaches, lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective diversity and contributions is what makes us a stronger organisation. Our five networks are key in connecting our communities and supporting an enhanced AFP:

• AFP All-Abilities Network (AAA)
• Pride Network 
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Network (CALD)
• Mallunggang Indigenous Officers Network (MION)
• National Women's Advisory Network (NWAN)

Find out more about our diversity and inclusion.

The AFP strives to foster an inclusive workplace for all AFP women, and we are working hard to increase the number of women in sworn and senior executive roles. We take part in the following initiatives to support our female employees:

National Women's Advisory Network

For more than 10 years, the AFP’s National Women’s Advisory Network (NWAN) provides mentoring and networking opportunities within policing. The Network aims to support, educate and uplift women in the AFP. 

Australasian Council of Women and Policing (ACWAP)

We are proud supporters of ACWAP, and actively work towards improving the opportunities and outcomes for women within policing at a global level. 

Events

Each year the AFP celebrates International Women’s Day and International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. 

The AFP is committed to increasing the representation of First Nations people across the organisation through a range of activities and initiatives.

The First Nations Unit (FNU) 

The FNU is staffed by First Nations employees, who use their unique knowledge and life experiences to provide advice on providing culturally competent policing services to the Australian community. 

Naragunawali Board (the Board) 

The Board is responsible for progressing and maintaining enterprise-wide oversight of the development and implementation of inclusion initiatives relating to First Nations matters at the AFP. 

Malunggang Indigenous Officer Network (MION) 

MION provides an opportunity for First Nations staff to come together, provide support, and share their experiences within the organisation. 

First Nations Events

Each year the AFP celebrates National Reconciliation Week, National Sorry Day and NAIDOC Week. 

The AFP strives to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, reflecting the community in which we serve. We take part in the following initiatives to support our CALD employees:

CALD Network

Our CALD Network supports AFP employees from diverse backgrounds, including language, ethnicity, nationality, dress, traditions, food, societal structures and religion. 

CALD Events

Each year the AFP celebrates Harmony Day to learn and understand how diverse backgrounds belong to and enrich Australia. 

People with disability are valued members of the AFP. We all have a role to play in helping others to reach their full potential and participate in all aspects of community life.

AFP All-Abilities (AAA) Network

The AAA is a network where employees can feel safe to disclose their disability, share knowledge and seek support, providing a safe place to support those with disability and carers. 

Neurodiversity

The AFP Neurodiversity Project aims to identify opportunities that will assist the AFP to recruit and retain highly skilled and innovative neurodivergent staff. 

Hidden Disabilities sunflower program

The AFP has become the first law enforcement agency in Australia to sign up to the Hidden Disabilities sunflower campaign – a discreet way to make an invisible disability, visible. 

All Ability Events

Each year the AFP celebrates International Day of People with Disability to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability, and celebrate their achievements and contributions.  

Pride Network

The AFP’s Pride Network provides support to any AFP members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or questioning), intersex and asexual community. 

Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers (GLLO)

The AFP’s Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer Network (GLLO) provides additional support for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex community.

Pride Events

The AFP participate in pride events and commemorative days in most states and territories. This includes the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) Day and Wear it Purple Day.