Students and Graduates Graduate Program FAQs

Still have questions about our graduate program? Check out the FAQs below.

What is the application and selection process?

  1. Application

    At this stage we want to understand your experience, interests, and education. You can provide this information by uploading your resume, current academic transcript/s and a cover letter highlighting your suitability and interest in the program by the closing date.

  2. Online assessments and video interview

    Online assessments help us understand you better. You will be invited to complete an online assessment that tests your ability in verbal (video interview), numerical and inductive reasoning.

  3. Written assessment or Assessment Centre and formal interview.

    Depending on the stream you have applied for, we will be in touch to invite you for the following:

    Economics and Finance Stream: Complete an online writing assessment, a topical case study assessment on current economic and finance affairs and a 90-minute formal virtual interview.

    Information Technology Stream: Assessment centre day to complete a series of exercises followed by a formal interview.

  4. Offer

    If successful, you will receive an offer of employment. We anticipate that offers will be made by the end of May 2024 with graduates commencing in early February 2025. Interstate graduates will be supported to relocate.

Will late applications be accepted?

We cannot accept applications after the closing date of the program so it is best to complete your application early.

Am I eligible to apply?

We encourage you to visit the relevant pages and advertising for the stream you are interested in applying for to review the criteria. We also appreciate that our application process is highly competitive and encourage you to re-apply the following year if unsuccessful.

I have submitted my application, what happens next?

Our talent acquisition consultants are reviewing applications throughout the application period and may invite you to complete testing before applications close. We will ensure all applications are reviewed at the close of advertising and aim to have finalised offers for our graduate program by May.

I have been offered an interview but am based in another state. Will I be required to pay to attend the interview?

Congratulations on securing an interview, your Talent Acquisition Consultant will be able to discuss arrangements with you when scheduling.

I've been made an offer, will you help with relocation?

Yes, if successful and you reside interstate, we will provide relocation assistance to help you move to Sydney.

How many graduates will you be hiring this year?

Our intake can vary from year to year, but it is usually around thirty to forty positions.

When does the graduate program commence and how long does it run for?

The graduate program commences in February each year and runs for two years with two rotations. Applications for the 2025 graduate program are now closed. Please drop an email to graduates@rba.gov.au for any queries. Our graduate program allows economic and finance graduates the opportunity to rotate within our Economic Group, Financial Markets Group, Payments Policy, Financial Stability, Risk and Compliance, Note Issue. As an IT graduate you will complete four six-month rotations that could see you working in Cyber Security, Enterprise Architecture, Project Management, Data Technologies, Software Development, Business Analysis, Banking & Currency Systems, Cloud Platform Engineering and Infrastructure, IT Policy and Markets and Network Services.

Can I apply to more than one stream?

Yes, however, we encourage you to read the criteria for each stream and ensure you are eligible before proceeding.

What degrees will you be looking to recruit from?

This will vary dependent upon the program, but we are interested in a variety of degrees including:

  • Economic
  • Econometrics
  • Finance
  • Information Technology
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Legal
  • Actuarial
  • Mathematics
  • Accounting

I am currently on a Student Visa. Am I eligible to apply?

We are not able to provide sponsorship for our graduate program so Australian permanent residency or citizenship is required.

My Professor has told me that I need a perfect GPA as the process is extremely competitive. Is this true? How do I stand out?

No. While the academic achievement of an individual is considered as part of the application, we consider a number of different attributes including communication and problem solving skills, an ability to build relationships and alignment to our values. We also review your professional and volunteer experience and transferable skills that are relevant to the stream you have applied for.

It is important to take the time to complete all aspects of the application and we do expect to see signs that you have done some research prior to applying or attending an interview. We have a range of information available on our website that may assist in finding out more about us.

Can I complete the graduate program from a state office?

No. Our graduate program is based in our Sydney head office.

What training and development will be available?

We offer a range of formal and informal learning opportunities to support employee development, compliment experiential and social learning activities and to support your broader career development.

What benefits are available to me should I be successful?

  • Access to e-learning platforms
  • Flexible working arrangements and hybrid working
  • Discounts through affiliated partners
  • Discounts on health insurance or allowance
  • Wellbeing program with access to discounted health and fitness through affiliated partners
  • Superannuation flexibility options
  • Free 24/7 confidential independent counselling for you and your family through our Employee Assistance Program
  • 4 weeks leave and the opportunity to purchase additional leave

I have a question that isn't answered here, how do I reach you?

You can follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram to get updates about application opening and closing dates and insight into our programs. Or you can email us and one of our recruitment team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Explore

Students and Graduates Programs

When you can undertake meaningful work from day one, in a friendly, supportive, and quality-focused environment, you'll quickly transform university knowledge into a successful career.

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.

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.