APS Graduate Program vs DFAT Graduate: which career suits you?
DFAT runs its own graduate program for policy and consular careers, with an aim of overseas postings later; the AGGP streams place graduates across many agencies. Both value strong writing and analysis, and both test fit with the APS Values. DFAT roles carry security-clearance requirements and the expectation of mobility. If you specifically want diplomacy and international policy, apply to DFAT; apply to the AGGP streams as well to widen your chances.
APS Graduate Program vs DFAT Graduate at a glance
| APS Graduate Program | DFAT Graduate | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Australian Government Graduate Program (APS Graduate) | DFAT Graduate Program (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Policy and Corporate streams) |
| Questions | Generalist Stream: online aptitude tests, then an assessed written pitch, then a one-way online video interview. Agency programs vary (Health: online personality and cognitive assessment, video interview, virtual assessment centre). Question counts are not published | Online behavioural and/or psychometric assessments (there may be more than one); DFAT does not publish question numbers or content. Video interview answers of up to three minutes each |
| Time | Not published for the aptitude tests. The Generalist Stream says the assessment stage runs for about two months; DFAT's one-way video interview allows up to 3 minutes per answer | Not published for the online assessments. Video interview responses up to 3 minutes each. Selection runs about April to July |
| Passing score | No published pass mark. Each stage is a hurdle: you must perform well to progress, and suitable candidates are placed in a merit pool and matched to agencies (the ATO says its pool is not ranked) | No published pass mark. Candidates are ranked at each stage; suitable candidates enter a merit pool after the assessment centre and referee checks, and offers depend on obtaining an NV2 security clearance |
| Format | Unsupervised online tests and recorded video answers, so use a quiet room and a reliable connection. Agencies such as DFAT state that AI tools may not be used during the interview or any assessment; your pitch must be your own work | AI tools must not be used during the interview or any assessment task. Written application answers must be your own; DFAT asks you to reference any AI or outside help used, and knowingly false statements can disqualify you and affect your security clearance suitability |
| Cost | No fee to apply or to sit any assessment | No fee. If you are overseas during security vetting you must return to Australia for the security interview at your own expense |
| Languages | English | English (foreign languages are valued but not required) |
| Where | Online application through the AGGP portal on APSJobs or the agency's own careers site; online aptitude or psychometric tests and a one-way video interview taken at home; agency programs may add a virtual assessment centre with a group activity and behavioural interview | Online application on DFAT's careers portal, online behavioural and/or psychometric assessment, a one-way recorded video interview, an assessment centre (interview, group activity and written test), referee checks online, then a merit pool and NV2 security clearance |
| Level | Australian Public Service | Australian Public Service |
What each exam covers
APS Graduate Program
- The Job and Eligibility
- Aptitude Tests: Verbal and Numerical Reasoning
- Aptitude Tests: Abstract Reasoning and Problem Solving
- The Written Pitch
- Security Clearance and Pre-employment Checks
- Video Interview, Assessment Centre and APS Values
- Application Strategy and Timeline
- The Graduate Year and Beyond
DFAT Graduate
- The Job and Eligibility
- Online Psychometric Reasoning
- Behavioural Assessment and the Video Interview
- The Written Test
- Security Clearance (Negative Vetting Level 2)
- Assessment Centre: Interview and Group Activity
- Application Strategy and Timeline
- The Graduate Program and Overseas Postings
Which should you take?
DFAT runs its own graduate program for policy and consular careers, with an aim of overseas postings later; the AGGP streams place graduates across many agencies. Both value strong writing and analysis, and both test fit with the APS Values. DFAT roles carry security-clearance requirements and the expectation of mobility. If you specifically want diplomacy and international policy, apply to DFAT; apply to the AGGP streams as well to widen your chances.
Try both, free
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FAQ
What is the difference between APS Graduate Program and DFAT Graduate?
DFAT runs its own graduate program for policy and consular careers, with an aim of overseas postings later; the AGGP streams place graduates across many agencies. Both value strong writing and analysis, and both test fit with the APS Values. DFAT roles carry security-clearance requirements and the expectation of mobility. If you specifically want diplomacy and international policy, apply to DFAT; apply to the AGGP streams as well to widen your chances.
Which is harder, APS Graduate Program or DFAT Graduate?
APS Graduate Program: generalist stream: online aptitude tests, then an assessed written pitch, then a one-way online video interview. agency programs vary (health: online personality and cognitive assessment, video interview, virtual assessment centre). question counts are not published in not published for the aptitude tests. the generalist stream says the assessment stage runs for about two months; dfat's one-way video interview allows up to 3 minutes per answer. DFAT Graduate: online behavioural and/or psychometric assessments (there may be more than one); dfat does not publish question numbers or content. video interview answers of up to three minutes each in not published for the online assessments. video interview responses up to 3 minutes each. selection runs about april to july. The longer exam covers more ground, but the harder one is the one further from your daily work. Take both free practice tests to see where you stand.
Can I hold both APS Graduate Program and DFAT Graduate?
You can usually apply to more than one agency at the same time, and many candidates do. You can only work in one full-time role at once, though, and each agency runs its own tests, checks and merit list, so plan your preparation around the test you'll sit first.
How do I prepare for APS Graduate Program and DFAT Graduate?
Start with the free practice test for each, then study by topic. Premium is per exam (A$89 a month each), so most people start with the exam they'll sit first and add the second when they're ready.
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Exam details are summarized from the recruiting agency's published information as of November 2026. Confirm with the recruiting agency before you book. AusGovCareer is an independent career-prep service, not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.