Students and Graduates Economics and Finance

Make a bigger contribution to the world around you while you build and develop your skills. Our industry-recognised program will launch your career and is a great opportunity for emerging economists and financial analysts looking to make a difference to the lives of all Australians.

With the support and encouragement of colleagues, you’ll do work that is meaningful for you, your career and Australia from day one. You will be given the opportunity to learn and contribute. On any given day, you could be analysing key trends, preparing briefing notes, researching developments in financial markets, or conducting analysis for the monthly monetary policy meeting.

When your next move could change your world, come to a place where talents are challenged, ideas are heard, and achievements are supported. Be more with us.

Our economic and finance program

This is a two-year rotational program. You'll work in a supportive environment with comprehensive training, coaching and development of industry skills. Plus, you'll be working for an organisation making a difference.

Find out more about an Economic and Finance career with the RBA.

Rotations

As a graduate, you will have the opportunity to rotate within these areas: our Economic Group, Financial Markets Group, Payments Policy, Financial Stability, Risk and Compliance, Note Issue.

Graduates in our Economic Group contribute to the analysis of domestic and overseas economic and financial market trends, as well as forecasting, modelling and research relevant to the framing of monetary policy.

Graduates with solid microeconomics and legal backgrounds are highly sought after by Payments Policy, which supports the Payments System Board in its oversight of payments systems in Australia.

Economic and finance graduates placed in Financial Stability will conduct balance sheet analysis and risk assessment and focus on considering and developing policy responses to financial system risks. Financial Stability also values students with diverse backgrounds, including accounting and actuarial studies. Graduates with financial markets experience also support the work of Risk and Compliance by valuing our domestic and foreign asset portfolios and assessing the credit quality of our dealing counterparties.

Many finance graduates are initially employed in Financial Markets Group, which is analytically and operationally involved with financial markets activities. These graduates assist in managing the implementation of our monetary policy setting tool in Market Operations, preparing briefing papers on daily domestic and international market activity, and contributing to the management of a portfolio of fixed-income securities or foreign exchange.

Note Issue produces and issues Australia's banknotes, and graduates with a background in economics, finance, physics, chemistry, materials science, statistics, mathematics or engineering will work on analytical problems. Day-to-day tasks vary and may include monitoring security developments in banknote printing and authentication technologies, developing and maintaining specifications and quality standards for production, developing ideas and production techniques for banknote security features, and analysing the effectiveness of innovative new security features.

Eligibility criteria

  • You are passionate about public policy work and have a desire to learn and succeed.
  • You hold or are completing a degree in economics, econometrics, finance, mathematics, data science, legal and actuarial.
  • Completed honours or a significant research program is desirable.
  • You hold Australian permanent residency or citizenship, or New Zealand citizenship.
  • We are looking for students in their penultimate year or who have graduated within the last 2 years.

When applying for the economic and finance graduate program a cover letter with your application is highly desirable.

Application and selection process

Applications for the 2025 graduate program are now closed. Please drop an email to graduates@rba.gov.au for any queries.

Can't find what you are looking for? View some of the more frequently asked questions and answers about the application and selection process and your eligibility.

Stay connected for graduate and intern program updates.

Embrace life

Life at the RBA

Work-life balance is important to us, and we understand the contribution that staff wellbeing makes to performance. Employees are rewarded with access to flexible work arrangements, as well as health and wellbeing programs.

Selection process

Looking to be more and secure a fantastic role with us? View some of the more frequently asked questions and answers about selection process.

Other opportunities for students and graduates

Information Technology

Graduates with technical and non-technical skills are well-suited to IT roles at the RBA. We offer outstanding opportunities to work hands-on with leading-edge technologies within industry-aligned frameworks.

Payments Settlements

Graduates have a unique opportunity to work in our Payments Settlements Department, which is responsible for operating critical infrastructure that supports the Australian payments system, including the Fast Settlement Service, which provides real-time settlement for payments made using the New Payments Platform.

Summer Intern Program

Our Summer Intern Program is an excellent opportunity for high-achieving students to get first-hand experience working in Australia's central bank. The Program is designed to provide work experience and financial support during the final year of study to students who have the potential to be successful graduates at the RBA.

Search current opportunities at the Bank. Can't find anything suitable now? You can create a job alert and we will send you an e-mail when a position becomes available that matches your search criteria. Or if you are an existing applicant, login here.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from experienced candidates seeking workplace flexibility.