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How to Become A Diplomat

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What is a Diplomat

A diplomat is the official voice of Australia in other countries. They build the ties that keep Australia safe, connected, and respected abroad. Most diplomats work for DFAT at embassies and high commissions around the globe. This career takes you to new countries and puts you at the centre of world events.

The job is varied and fast-paced. One day you might be writing a briefing for the Foreign Minister. The next you could be at a trade event, or helping an Australian citizen in trouble overseas. No two postings are the same, and diplomats rotate to a new country every two to three years.

To start, you need an Australian bachelor’s degree and citizenship. Studying international relations, politics, law, or a language gives you a great base. The main entry route is DFAT’s competitive graduate program, open to graduates from any discipline. A second language and overseas experience will give your application a real boost.

The career rewards curious, adaptable people who love working across cultures. Pay starts at around $75,000 for entry-level roles and rises to $165,000 for senior diplomats (DFAT Enterprise Agreement, 2024). It is a tough career to break into, but a deeply rewarding one.

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Career Outlook for Diplomat

Australia’s diplomatic service is growing to meet the needs of a changing world. DFAT employs diplomats across more than 100 posts in over 70 countries (DFAT, 2024). Most entry-level diplomats join in their mid to late 20s via the graduate program. Roles are full-time and ongoing, with regular overseas postings every two to three years.

Demand for diplomats is expected to stay steady. Australia’s trade ties in the Indo-Pacific and work in global forums drive this ongoing need. Digital tools and cyber security have added new skill needs to the role (DFAT, 2024). Diplomats who can work across climate, trade, and security areas are in high demand.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Diplomat

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies or a Related Field

Enrol in a bachelor’s degree at an Australian university. Good options include a Bachelor of International Studies, a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations), or a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). These are AQF Level 7 degrees and take 3 to 4 years full-time. DFAT’s graduate program is open to graduates from any field.

Step 2: Study a Second Language

Skill in a language other than English gives you a clear edge in DFAT’s hiring process. Key languages for Australian diplomacy include Mandarin, Indonesian, Arabic, Japanese, and French. Most universities offer language study as a major or minor. Aim for at least an intermediate level before you apply, and keep studying throughout your career.

Step 3: Build Relevant Work Experience

Gain experience in government, public policy, global bodies, or non-government groups (NGOs). Apply for internships at DFAT, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), or overseas bodies. Volunteering with multicultural groups or working abroad also helps your application. Aim for at least one to two years of relevant experience before applying.

Step 4: Apply to the DFAT Graduate Program

The DFAT Graduate Program is the main entry point for a career as a diplomat in Australia. Applications open each year and require Australian citizenship and a completed bachelor’s degree. Check the DFAT website for the current dates and eligibility rules. Graduate entrants start at APS 4 level, earning around $75,000 a year (DFAT Enterprise Agreement, 2024).

Step 5: Complete DFAT’s Induction and Training Program

After joining DFAT, new graduates complete a structured training program in Canberra. This covers protocol, report writing, foreign policy, and consular duties. Training takes about 12 months and combines class work with rotations across DFAT divisions. New officers then receive their first overseas post, typically in the Indo-Pacific region.

Step 6: Advance Through APS Career Levels to Senior Diplomatic Roles

After your first posting, your career follows the APS pay level system. Officers move from APS 4 to 6, then to Executive Level 1 (EL1) and EL2. From there, you can reach Senior Executive Service (SES) roles and beyond. SES roles include Head of Mission posts such as Ambassador or High Commissioner.

What does a Diplomat do?

Diplomats have busy, varied days. You could be writing a policy brief in the morning and at a foreign minister’s dinner in the evening. Core tasks include drafting reports, joining talks, and running cultural events. Diplomats also help Australians in trouble overseas and take part in global forums on trade, security, and climate.

Tasks

Being a diplomat means taking on a different challenge every day. Here are some of the key tasks that come with the role.

  • Represent Australia at international meetings, conferences, and official events
  • Draft reports and briefings on political and social developments in the host country
  • Negotiate agreements on trade, security, and bilateral cooperation
  • Advise the Australian Government on foreign policy and international affairs
  • Provide consular services to Australians living, working, or travelling overseas
  • Organise and run cultural events and public diplomacy programs
  • Build relationships with foreign government officials, business leaders, and community groups
  • Manage embassy or consulate operations and staff
  • Handle crisis situations, including emergencies involving Australian nationals
  • Engage in multilateral forums such as the United Nations and ASEAN

Skills for Success

Diplomacy is about people as much as it is about politics. You need strong communication skills to write sharp reports and give confident speeches. Connecting with people from all walks of life is just as important. Active listening and empathy go a long way when you are working across cultural divides.

Negotiation skills are vital. Diplomats find common ground, defuse tensions, and push for outcomes that serve Australia’s interests. Being adaptable and resilient helps too, since postings can take you to challenging environments far from home. A second language is a major plus, and a curious, open mindset will serve you well throughout your career.

Skills & Attributes

  • Negotiation and conflict resolution
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Cultural awareness and sensitivity
  • Analytical and critical thinking
  • Second language proficiency
  • Emotional intelligence and resilience
  • Knowledge of international law and foreign policy
  • Public speaking and presentation
  • Report writing and policy analysis
  • Relationship-building and networking
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Strategic planning and foresight
  • Ethical judgement and integrity
  • Crisis management and problem-solving
  • Team leadership and collaboration

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for a diplomat in Australia is around $105,000 (DFAT Enterprise Agreement, 2024). This figure is based on Australian Public Service (APS) classification scales. Entry-level APS 4 officers earn around $75,000 a year. Senior diplomats at Executive Level 2 (EL2) can earn up to $165,000.

min $75 K

max $165 K

av $105 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson
Laura Atkinson

Explore career guides by Laura Atkinson. Practical how-to-become advice on qualifications, skills, salary and job outlook across Australia.