How to apply to the ATO Graduate Program
Applications for the 2027 ATO Graduate Program open 2 March 2026 and close 9 April 2026.
You'll need to complete the online application and provide:
- details of your qualifications (including your current academic transcript as an attachment – maximum 3 MB)
- a statement verifying your qualifications if you have overseas qualifications (as an attachment – maximum 3 MB).
Tips when applying:
- read the candidate information kit in detail
- save your application regularly to ensure you don't lose any data (the page will time out if it's inactive for more than 30 minutes).
For affirmative measures applications:
- select the relevant application form – these will be listed as
- 'Graduate affirmative measure – Indigenous', or
- 'Graduate affirmative measure – Disability'
- for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, you'll need to provide confirmation of your Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage to apply for an affirmative measure position.
How to apply for data and human resources streams
Applications for the data and human resources (HR) stream open 2 March and close 13 April 2026.
Apply for the data streamExternal Link or HR streamExternal Link, via the Australian Government Graduate ProgramExternal Link (AGGP). Don't apply via the ATO.
Once in the AGGP portal, select the ATO and any other preferred government agencies when you submit your application.
After you apply
Once you've submitted your online application for the ATO Graduate Program, either through the AGGP portal or the ATO, you'll receive a notification email confirming we've received your application.
If you don't receive an acknowledgment email, you can check we've received your application by logging into eRecruitmentExternal Link and selecting My profile then View emails.
You can update your personal details at any time by logging into eRecruitment. However, you can't change any other details in your application.
If there are issues with your application, email us at EntryLevelPrograms@ato.gov.au.
Recruitment process
You'll need to perform well in each assessment to progress to the next stage. Stages include:
- application
- online activities
- interview.
You'll receive notification of the outcome of each stage, even if you're not successful.
Timeline
The stages of the recruitment process, include:
- applications open – 2 March 2026
- applications close – 9 April 2026
- application screening – March and April 2026
- online assessment – late April 2026
- assessment centre – May and June 2026
- referee reports – July and August 2026
- merit pool notifications – mid August 2026
- commencement of security checks and offers – September 2026
- program commences – 2 February 2027.
Stage 1: application
Complete the online application, including an academic transcript. Find out how to apply for more detail.
Stage 2: assessment activities
These include:
- online skills assessment
- online assessment centre, including an interview.
Stage 3: preliminary decision
After a referee check, we'll add suitable graduates to a merit pool. The merit pool is not ranked. We'll use the merit pool to fill positions in the program.
If you're unsuccessful, you can get feedback about your assessment centre performance after the selection process has finished.
Stage 4: final checks
Confirm your availability for the graduate program and complete the following checks:
- We'll confirm you're an Australian citizen at the time you submit your application.
- If you're still studying, we'll confirm you're on track to complete your university qualifications by 31 December 2026.
- You'll need to pass our integrity checks.
Some roles within our graduate program need additional security clearances. We'll let you know if this applies to you.
Stage 5: offers
Receive formal offer. This will include your start date.
We anticipate making offers from September 2026.