Frequently Asked Questions

What areas do graduates work in?

Positions are determined by strategic need and capability gaps determined each year, and as a result of this we recruit for specific individual roles. Areas in recent years include irrigation, climate change, meat and wool, economics, agribusiness, fisheries, research scientists, energy and technology, soil, veterinarians, chemical standards and invasive plants and animals to name a few.

Do I need a degree to be eligible?

To be eligible for a position in the DPI Science Graduate Program you need to be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or permanent resident of Australia and have completed your undergraduate degree within the last 5 years (2008 to 2012).

Applications are welcomed from graduates completing their undergraduate degree in 2012.

If you have completed your undergraduate degree earlier than 2008 but have completed your PhDs, Masters or Honours degrees, you are still eligible for the program.

Are TAFE certificates acceptable?

No. Positions offered by the Science Graduate Program require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in the field specified in the position description.

Can I complete my degree while I'm working for the Science Graduate Program?

You must have completed, or be in the final semester of, an undergraduate degree to be considered for a full-time graduate position. If you are offered a position, you must submit a certified copy your completed academic transcript before commencing in the program.

Do I need an Australian qualification?

It is not essential that your qualification is from an Australian tertiary institution, but you must be eligible to legally work in Australia.

If your degree is from a university outside Australia, it should be certified to meet the Australian equivalent standard and a certificate of equivalence must be provided with your application. Australian Education International can help assess your qualifications. They may charge a fee for these services. To contact their office, call 1300 363 079.

Do I need to be an Australian citizen?

To be eligible for a position in the Science Graduate Program you need to be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or permanent resident of Australia.

The Science Graduate Program will not sponsor applicants for immigration to Australia or accept applications pending for permanency.

I'm a mature age university graduate. Is that okay?

Yes, your application will be processed and assessed in the same way as all other applicants.

What happens after the two years when the program ends?

All positions are ongoing and you are a full time employee of the department. The position you apply for will be your ongoing position at the end of the two years. You can apply for other positions advertised during or at the end of your two-year program should you desire.

Will the information in my application be used for other purposes?

We respect your privacy and will not use the information you supply us in your application for any other purpose according to the Privacy Act.

You can view our privacy policy, and contact our Privacy Manager on (03) 9637 8571 or email dpiprivacy.enquiries@dpi.vic.gov.au with any queries.

Who do I contact for more information?

Roger Henry, Science Graduate Program
Email: graduate.program@dpi.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 5172 2154