The 2026 NDIS graduate intake has closed, but you can still prepare now: this short, practical guide shows what the program offers, who can apply, the exact steps to lodge a strong application, and pay figures for 2026. Keep this page handy while you prepare your application.

Quick reference

- Program length: 12 months (NDIA Graduate Program integrated with the APS Graduate Development Program).

- Applications: 2026 intake applications have closed; subscribe for updates at https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/careers/graduate-program or follow the NDIA careers page at https://careers.ndis.gov.au.

- Outcome on completion: appointment to APS5 classification and access to APS training through the APS Academy.

- Employer superannuation guarantee: 12.0% from 1 July 2025 (applies to 2026 pay).

- Typical application components: online form, curriculum vitae, academic transcript, behavioural selection responses, referees, online assessments or interviews, pre-employment checks (identity, right to work, police check).

Prerequisites

To be competitive for the NDIS 2026 graduate program you should meet the usual APS graduate standards and NDIA expectations. That generally means:

  • A completed bachelors or postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline (actuarial, allied health, behavioural science, psychology, business, policy, IT, data, comms and similar are well regarded).
  • Recent graduate status, most APS graduate programs target people who finished study within the past few years.
  • Australian citizenship or lawful work rights in Australia; many APS roles require citizenship or permanent residency.
  • Ability to meet pre-employment checks, including an Australian Federal Police check and identity verification.
  • Tax file number (TFN) and bank details for payroll. For tax and Centrelink interactions use Services Australia at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au.

Step-by-step: how to apply for the NDIS 2026 graduate program

Right now, follow these numbered steps when the intake opens. They reflect the full process from preparation to start.

  1. Sign up for updates. Go to the NDIA graduate page (https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/careers/graduate-program) and subscribe to receive notifications. The NDIA posts application windows and candidate information there.
  2. Watch deadlines. The 2026 intake has closed. Future intakes usually have a defined application window, be ready with documents before it opens. Late applications are rarely accepted.
  3. Create your online account. When applications open, apply via the NDIA careers portal (https://careers.ndis.gov.au or the NDIA careers link on the graduate page). Set up your login, fill in personal details and save drafts as you go.
  4. Prepare supporting documents. You will typically upload:
    • An up-to-date CV (2-3 pages) with relevant experience and clear dates.
    • Academic transcript showing completion date and grade levels.
    • Referee contact details (academic and professional referees). Provide current email and phone.
    • Evidence of any disability, language skills or lived experience relevant to the NDIS (if you wish to disclose).
  5. Answer selection criteria. The application will include behavioural or situational questions based on APS capability frameworks. Use the STAR method. Situation, Task, Action, Result. Be specific: name dates, roles and outcomes.
  6. Complete online assessments. Many APS graduate intakes include online psychometric or cognitive tests and written tasks run by third-party providers. Allow at least 48-72 hours for invitations and complete them promptly.
  7. Attend interviews or assessment centres. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a panel interview or assessment centre. Expect behavioural, technical and scenario-based questions. The NDIS values inclusive practice and person-centred thinking, show how you apply those principles.
  8. Offer and pre-employment checks. If offered a place, you’ll go through identity verification, an Australian Federal Police check, right-to-work checks and referee checks. You’ll also provide TFN and super fund details for payroll, note that employer super guarantee is 12.0% from 1 July 2025.
  9. Onboarding and start. The graduate program runs for 12 months and integrates the APS Graduate Development Program delivered by the APS Academy. Expect rotational placements across NDIA business areas, formal APS training, mentoring and performance reviews. Successful graduates are typically promoted to APS5 on completion.

Costs, pay and money matters (2026 figures)

Basically, there’s no application fee to apply for NDIA graduate roles. Key pay-related figures to keep in mind for 2026:

  • Graduate salaries are paid on APS scales. The NDIA promotes successful graduates to APS5 at the end of the program. APS classification pay bands determine exact salary. APS pay rates are set by the Remuneration Tribunal and published annually.
  • Employer superannuation guarantee is 12.0% from 1 July 2025, so your super contributions in 2026 will be at that rate unless legislation changes.
  • Allow for ordinary deductions: PAYG withholding (tax), super and any salary-sacrifice arrangements you set up with payroll.
  • If you need income support while applying, Services Australia is the contact point for Centrelink and Medicare matters, https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au.

- Tailor every behavioural example to the APS capability framework. Say what you did, how you did it, and what changed because of your action.

- Show impact and civic purpose. NDIA hires for purpose, explain how your work or study aligns with supporting people with disability.

Mastheads

- Use numbers where possible. ‘Delivered a 20% time saving’ reads better than ‘improved process’. But don’t invent figures.

- Declare lived experience or language skills if relevant. The NDIS values diverse perspectives.

- Get a referee who can speak to your work ethic and adaptability. Tell them to expect contact.

- Practice online assessments under timed conditions. These tests screen many applicants, performance matters.

- Attend NDIA information sessions or webinars and follow NDIA’s LinkedIn and careers pages for updates and tips.

- Generic applications: copying the same CV and answers from another job wastes an opportunity. Tailor your submission.

- Weak examples: vague answers like ‘I worked on a team’ won’t pass capability-based screening. Use the STAR structure and give outcomes.

- Missing documents: incomplete uploads or absent transcripts often mean your application won’t progress.

- Ignoring instructions: if the job ad asks for word limits or specific attachments, follow them exactly.

- Late responses to assessment invitations: these windows are short. If you miss an assessment invitation, you usually forfeit the chance.

If the NDIA graduate program isn’t running or you’re not successful, Look at these options:

  • APS Graduate Development Program placements in other agencies. Many departments run parallel schemes that also move graduates to APS5 levels after completion.
  • State government graduate programs (NSW, Vic, Qld), similar structure but focus on state services.
  • Large private-sector graduate programs in health, consulting, IT and data, often pay more up-front but offer different career paths.
  • Contract or short-term roles inside the NDIA or disability services, these give direct experience and can lead to permanent roles.

Compared with many private graduate schemes, NDIA offers a strong public-service training pathway, rotations across functions, and a clear APS promotion route. The trade-off can be slower pay growth than some private employers, but strong long-term stability and public impact.

- NDIA Graduate Program information and subscription: https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/careers/graduate-program

- NDIA careers portal: https://careers.ndis.gov.au

- APS Academy and graduate development details: https://www.apsc.gov.au

- Services Australia (tax, Centrelink, Medicare): https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.

Related Articles

The NDIS 2026 graduate program is a 12-month APS-integrated pathway that leads to appointment at APS5 and hands-on rotations across the NDIA. The 2026 intake has closed; subscribe at the NDIA graduate page to get notified when applications open again. Prepare by polishing written behavioural responses, lining up referees, and practising online assessments. Employer super is 12.0% from 1 July 2025, and pay will follow APS rates for each classification. If you miss this intake, state and federal APS graduate streams and targeted entry roles are useful alternatives.

This article was created with AI assistance.