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Student and entry level programs

Shape the future with us

Your curiosity, open-mindedness and enthusiasm will help build the world we all imagine.

Discover how at EY we can build a better working world together.

Here, you’ll have the tools, learning, flexibility and diverse and inclusive culture to have a truly exceptional experience. From undergraduate opportunities to graduate programs, we want you to have an opportunity to make a real contribution.

Whether you’re interested in a vacationer role that provides hands-on experience in various projects or pursuing a graduate position that allows you to tackle real-world challenges, we have a culture where you can develop your skills alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry.

Ready to apply?

Early career opportunities

Which program are you interested in?

You're ambitious. You've studied hard and you want to put your knowledge and skills to the test. If you've recently graduated, or are about to, become a graduate and set yourself up for a world of opportunities.

Where do you start if you want to change the world? You start right here. Join us full-time as a graduate and we’ll help you achieve your career goals with continuous support, learning and experiences. We’ll propel you forward so you can start to build the future you want immediately. You’ll enjoy early responsibility, expand your network and build your skills. Just imagine the confidence you’ll gain through new experiences with leading clients in different industries. You’ll get to work with experienced professionals who’ll guide you to be your best. After all, we want to help you be the best you can be, because when you shine, we do too.

Graduate Development Program

Our graduate development program has been developed for graduates in all service lines, and is focused on connection and learning.

The program will provide you with the opportunity to network with your peers from other service lines and geographies. Running in parallel to your technical learning, you will develop business and leadership skills to become a successful graduate, and as you grow as a transformative leader.

We provide the experiences, learning and resources. You create the journey.
At our graduate induction you'll meet other new graduates from your office. Your buddy and your counsellor will help you learn your way around the organisation, set your goals and plan your development. You'll be well looked after with ongoing learning and the chance to enjoy some great benefits.

Want to avoid competing with thousands of other students in your final year and secure a graduate position early on? Become a Vacationer and put yourself well ahead of your peers.

You want an internship that’s more than a line on a resume. You want an experience, a challenge and a launchpad for lifelong relationships and career growth. You can find that here.

Throughout the program, you’ll hit the ground running with dedicated on-the-job training, coaching and technology onboarding. You’ll work alongside EY professionals on real clients – right now. You’ll get the opportunity to be immersed in EY culture, network with EY people, and experience the transformative work done for EY clients. Plus, the best bit is, if you impress us we’ll offer you a permanent position after you graduate.

*Winter Vacationer Programs are only offered in select locations and select service lines.
Preparation

You'll need some basic skills to be successful in your Vacationer Program, so you'll undertake induction. We'll equip you with the essentials and help you rapidly develop your capabilities through a series of exercises – including talks and team-building sessions. You'll then be ready for business, handling tasks similar to those we give to our first-year graduates.

Teaming

As part of a team, you'll benefit from the knowledge and experience of established professionals. You'll also gain exposure to a variety of clients and industry sectors. This will give you an insight into the business and a good understanding of life at EY.

Meeting leadership

As well as client work, you'll have the opportunity to meet and perhaps shadow one of our senior team members. This will give you an idea of where your ambitions can take you. We're looking to recruit future leaders through our Vacationer Program, so this is an opportunity to show us what you're made of.

Feedback

You want your Vacationer Program to be a valuable and challenging experience. So do we, which is why we appoint a counsellor to provide regular feedback and guidance. Your counsellor will be your main point of contact during your time with us and will be responsible for helping you develop professionally and personally.

Relationships

You'll make plenty of contacts and connections during your Vacationer Program. To help cement these relationships, we recommend you get involved in the many opportunities and events on offer. You might also choose to become an ambassador for EY upon your return to university
When it comes to understanding what an organisation is really like, nothing compares to working there.

We offer a co‑operative program in Sydney and Melbourne, delivered through selected universities. During your placement, you’ll work with our teams and clients, access EY learning resources, and gain experience like that of a first‑year graduate.

Completing a co‑operative placement means you’ll graduate with practical, real‑world experience and a strong understanding of professional services. In some cases, students may be considered for a full‑time role with us following graduation.
You’ll join us for 9-12 months, working on real client engagements and participating in structured learning and development. You’ll be supported by a buddy to help you settle in and a counsellor to guide your development throughout the placement. You’ll take on meaningful responsibilities and build skills that will set you up for your final year of study and beyond.

To be eligible for the Sydney and Melbourne co‑operative program, you are required to be:

In your penultimate year of study and willing to defer your studies for 2027 to undertake the full-time placement
Or required to complete a one-year placement with an employer prior to your final year of university studies
An Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian permanent resident. International students are not eligible to apply for the Sydney and Melbourne co-operative program

The co‑operative program is delivered through selected universities. As availability varies by degree and institution, we encourage you to speak with your university to learn whether the EY co‑operative program is offered as part of your course and how to apply. Applications are submitted through your university and not though EY.
As an EY Cadet, you’ll accelerate your development as you combine work with study to get the best of both worlds. You will study part-time whilst working full-time in our Brisbane external audit team with additional benefits including study leave.

From day one, you’ll be immersed in our audit practice, applying what you learn at university to real business challenges and developing insights that set you apart. By the time you graduate, you’ll be steps ahead of your peers, with meaningful experience, strong networks and a solid foundation for your career at EY.

The Cadet Program is currently offered in Brisbane.
To be eligible for our Brisbane Cadet Program, you must meet the following criteria:

You are on track to complete your degree in 2027 (with a full-time university subject load)
You are studying or majoring in accounting
You agree to study part-time at university during the Cadetship program
You are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or an Australian permanent resident

If you do not meet the above criteria, you may also be eligible for our Vacationer or Graduate Programs. More information about the Vacationer Program including eligibility can be found here.

Are you looking for some advice on which direction to take your career?

Discover your direction with the EY Career Compass Program. This Program experience is designed to give you a first-hand experience of EY, so you can find out as much about us as possible about EY people, culture, how EY teams operate and provide services, and most importantly, how we can help you to build your future. Demonstrate that you’re a high achiever, and you may be invited to interview for the EY Vacationer Program.

Through structured learning sessions delivered across one or two days, you’ll explore career pathways within professional services, learn how to evaluate your options and make informed career decisions, connect and network with EY professionals, and build practical skills to support your future applications.
Are you looking to build confidence, develop practical skills and better understand how to navigate the early stages of your career?

The EY Breaking Down Barriers Program is designed to support women‑identifying university students as they prepare for life beyond study. Through this immersive experience, you’ll gain insight into careers here, hear from inspiring EY professionals and build the skills, confidence and networks to help you take your first steps into the workplace.

Apply for the EY Breaking Down Barriers Program and take the next step in shaping your future.
Through an interactive workshop, you’ll build your personal brand, strengthen your communication and presentation skills, and learn how to network with confidence. You’ll hear from EY women leaders during a panel discussion, take part in practical activities and connect with EY professionals across our business. The program is designed to support you as you work towards your first career milestones and beyond.

As an intern in our Real Estate Transactions and Delivery team, you’ll gain practical experience while you study, working alongside EY professionals who deliver real estate and project management services across a wide range of property types and client sectors. You’ll be involved in real-world projects that span public and private sectors, including infrastructure, housing, healthcare and specialist developments. From early planning and feasibility through to funding, delivery, and redevelopment, you’ll learn how we help clients bring complex property and development ideas to life. Explore more about the team here.

Your key responsibilities

During your internship, you’ll support the Real Estate Transactions and Delivery team by:

Assisting with property valuations across different asset types
Helping to coordinate sales, leasing, and development transactions
Contributing to advisory projects for private and government clients
Supporting funding processes and helping prepare materials for capital raising
Participating in project planning, budgeting, and contract management activities

Eligibility

This role requires you to:

Be currently in your penultimate year or final year of your degree program.
Hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship or be an Australian permanent resident. International students should refer to our International Student criteria at ey.com/au/careers/apply to ascertain their eligibility before applying.
Be completing a property related discipline with a view to Associate Membership with the Australian Property Institute.

Visit how to join us to see the opportunities on offer in your preferred location(s) and apply.
We offer a co‑operative program in Sydney and Melbourne, delivered through selected universities. During your placement, you’ll work with our teams and clients, access EY learning resources, and gain experience like to that of a first‑year graduate.

Completing a co‑operative placement means you’ll graduate with practical, real‑world experience and a strong understanding of professional services. In some cases, students may be considered for a full‑time role with us following graduation.
You’ll join us for 9-12 months, working on real client engagements and participating in structured learning and development. You’ll be supported by a buddy to help you settle in and a counsellor to guide your development throughout the placement. You’ll take on meaningful responsibilities and build skills that will set you up for your final year of study and beyond.

To be eligible for the Sydney and Melbourne co‑operative program, you are required to be:

In your penultimate year of study and willing to defer your studies for 2027 to undertake the full-time placement OR
Required to complete a one-year placement with an employer prior to your final year of university studies
An Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian permanent resident. International students are not eligible to apply for the Sydney and Melbourne co-operative program

The co‑operative program is delivered through selected universities. As availability varies by degree and institution, we encourage you to speak with your university to learn whether the EY co‑operative program is offered as part of your course and how to apply. Applications are submitted through your university and not through our website.

University isn't the only pathway to a successful career.

EY's new Sydney-based School Leaver Program offers students the opportunity to join EY in a full-time paid role straight after Year 12 while working towards becoming a qualified Chartered Accountant.

In the program, you'll gain hands-on experience, contribute to meaningful work, learn from experienced professionals and be supported by people who are genuinely invested in helping you grow and succeed. You'll also build practical skills and work towards a globally recognised qualification that can open doors throughout your career, all while getting paid to work and learn.
You'll join EY in a permanent full-time role within Assurance and gain hands-on experience while completing the Chartered Accountants ANZ CA Fundamentals and CA Foundations pathways. Once completed, you'll continue your journey towards becoming a qualified Chartered Accountant through the CA Program.

Throughout the program, you'll learn on the job, work alongside experienced professionals and build the skills, knowledge and experience needed for a successful career.

You can apply for the EY High School Leaver Program if you're completing Year 12 in 2026, or have completed Year 12 within the last 18 months.

To be eligible, you'll also need to:

Have studied Mathematics or Accounting
Be interested in building a career in accounting and professional services
Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or an Australian permanent resident
Be available to join our Sydney office in a full-time role in early 2027

Applications open Monday 31 August and will close on Sunday 27 September.

Register your interest here to be among the first to receive updates about the program.

Want to learn more? Join one of our online information sessions to hear more about the program and ask any questions you may have. Students, parents, teachers and careers advisors are all welcome.

Wednesday 2 September | 1:00pm - 1:30pm

OR

Thursday 3 September | 7:00pm - 7:30pm

Register for a webinar here.

If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out to sydney.graduate.recruitment@au.ey.com.

To be eligible for our student programs, candidates are required to be an Australian Citizen, New Zealand Citizen, or an Australian Permanent Resident. If you do not meet this requirement and are interested in joining our Graduate Program, we encourage you to submit an Expression of Interest via our main application form. Expressions of Interest will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted by our Early Careers team.

Upon submitting an Expression of Interest, you will need to demonstrate the following:

Ability to obtain permanent residency or transition to another relevant visa type before the expiry of your current visa.
Legal right to work in Australia until permanent residency is granted.
Currently in the final year of your degree program or have graduated within the last 24 months at the time of your application.
Completion of an English language test in the last 24 months, achieving at least a ‘Proficient’ level of English as defined by the Department of Home Affairs (unless exempt).

Please note: EY will not sponsor students or graduates for residency purposes. Successful candidates who are not permanent residents when offered a graduate position will need to independently apply for and obtain permanent residency.

Due to client requirements:

We only accept applications from Australian citizens for our Core Consulting service line in all locations.
We only accept applications from Australian citizens for all service lines in our Canberra office (with the exception of Audit).

We encourage international students who do not meet our criteria to consider opportunities with one of our offices in Asia Pacific or around the globe.

Unfortunately, we do not offer work experience placements to high school or university students. Instead we encourage you to consider the wide range of available student programs we currently offer using the tabs above. Each program has been tailored to your needs based on your current year of study.

Which business area interests you?

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Assurance

Inspire the confidence and trust that help a complex world to work.

Explore more

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Consulting

Transform businesses through the power of people, technology and innovation.

Explore more

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Careers in EY-Parthenon: Strategy, Transactions, Corporate Finance

Help businesses reimagine ecosystems, reshape portfolios and reinvent themselves.

Explore more

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Tax

Provide fresh perspectives that help drive strategy and support clients in making better-informed business decisions.

Explore more

Explore all early career opportunities

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Our Awards

From learning and development to inclusiveness, we believe we have a special culture at EY. But don’t take our word for it.

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Acknowledgement of Country

Ernst & Young, Australia (EY Australia) acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and their cultures, and to Elders both past and present.

In respect of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, please be aware that this website may contain images of people who have passed away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before applying for an EY early careers opportunity, check the eligibility requirements for the program and allow enough time to complete each stage of the application process. EY considers a range of experiences and skills when reviewing applications, including academic achievement, extracurricular activities and work experience.

The recruitment process may vary by role or program, but can include:

Online application – Submit your application and CV and confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for the program.
Motivation survey – Eligible candidates may be asked to complete a survey about their interests and motivation for applying to the EY organisation.
Online assessment or job simulation – Depending on the role or program, candidates may be asked to complete an online assessment or job simulation.
Interview or recruitment day – Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview or recruitment day. This can include motivational and behavioural questions with EY leaders, as well as a group activity or case study.
Outcome – Application timelines vary by program and location but it’s wise to apply early. The recruitment process can take approximately four to six weeks.

EY receives a high volume of applications for its early careers programs, with screening and assessment conducted at each stage.
The Graduate and Vacationer Programs combine practical work experience with training, coaching, networking and support from EY colleagues and leaders.

Graduate Program

Graduates join EY as full-time permanent employees. The program combines on-the-job experience with technical and professional skills training, with opportunities to undertake further qualifications. Graduates are supported by their managers, buddies and graduate ambassadors. They can expect to connect with peers across service lines and network with EY leaders and other technical professionals.

Vacationer Program

Vacationers gain practical experience working with EY teams and contributing to client work. Depending on the role, work can include collecting and analysing data, preparing presentations and participating in meetings. Vacationers receive training and coaching from their teams. They are also given opportunities to connect with other vacationers, build their professional networks and explore potential next steps within the organisation.
At EY, graduates develop a combination of technical, business and professional skills through practical experience, formal training, coaching and further learning opportunities.

Depending on your role, you will develop skills relevant to your area, alongside broader capabilities, including communication, problem-solving, critical thinking and working effectively with clients and teams.

Skills are built through regular feedback and coaching, classroom and virtual learning, EY Badges and further study, which may include Master’s Degrees and qualifications from external learning organisations like Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand and CPA Australia.

EY graduates also participate in a 12-month Oceania Cross Service Line training program that builds core business skills. Learning includes bite-size content, virtual workshops and immersive in-person training experiences.

As your career develops, you can take advantage of opportunities to move across roles, teams and service lines to broaden your experience.
We look for well-rounded candidates with strong communication, analytical and interpersonal skills. We value people who can collaborate effectively with others, approach problems thoughtfully and communicate clearly. We also preference candidates who are enthusiastic, curious and motivated to learn and develop.
EY recruits graduates from a wide range of degree subjects – not just accounting or commerce. Subjects include human resources, information systems, information technology, computer science, engineering, law, science, environmental studies, actuarial studies, economics, finance, mathematics, arts and psychology.

Different skills and perspectives are valuable across our diverse client work, so opportunities may be available to graduates from other degree disciplines too.
Eligibility for EY student programs depends on your residency status, stage of study and the program you are applying for.

To be eligible, you must be an Australian Citizen, New Zealand Citizen, or an Australian or New Zealand Permanent Resident.

Program-specific eligibility requirements include:

Graduate Program – You must be in the final year of your degree or have graduated within 24 months of the application date.
Vacationer Program – You must be in the penultimate year of your degree.
Other programs – Eligibility varies by program. Check the relevant job advertisement for specific requirements.

Candidates who do not meet the citizenship or permanent residency requirements are not eligible through the standard application process. However, those interested in the EY Graduate Program can submit an Expression of Interest through the main application form. Expressions of Interest are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the EY Early Careers team.
When choosing an EY team or service line, consider the type of work that interests you, the skills you want to develop and how your degree, experience and strengths might align with different opportunities.

Explore our business areas to understand what each team does, the types of projects they work on and the study backgrounds that may be relevant. Some opportunities are open to students from a wide range of degree disciplines, so you don’t necessarily need to have studied a subject directly related to the role.

Your first role doesn’t have to define your whole career. Once you join EY, you will develop your skills, explore different areas and learn more about where your interests and strengths could take you.
EY offers several early careers programs for students and graduates at different stages of their studies and career:

EY Career Compass Program – A career discovery program that helps students explore different career opportunities at EY and understand which roles and business areas may align with their interests and studies.
EY Vacationer Program – A work experience program that gives students the opportunity to work with EY teams, gain practical experience and develop professional skills and networks. Vacationers may also be considered for a full-time position with EY after graduation.
EY Graduate Program – A full-time program for graduates that combines practical work experience with ongoing training, development and support as you begin your career at EY.

EY refers to the global organisation, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.

Insights

Highlights

Services

Spotlight

Industries

Case studies

Careers

Spotlight

About us

Top news

Student and entry level programs

Which program are you interested in?

Graduate Development Program

Preparation

Teaming

Meeting leadership

Feedback

Relationships

Which business area interests you?

Assurance

Consulting

Careers in EY-Parthenon: Strategy, Transactions, Corporate Finance

Tax

Explore all early career opportunities

Our Awards

In respect of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, please be aware that this website may contain images of people who have passed away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Insights

Highlights

Services

Spotlight

Industries

Case studies

Careers

Spotlight

About us

Top news

Student and entry level programs

Which program are you interested in?

Graduate Program

Vacationer Program

Sydney and Melbourne co-operative program

Cadet Program

Career Compass Program

Breaking Down Barriers Program

Real Estate Transactions and Delivery Internship Program

Sydney and Melbourne co-operative program

School Leaver Program

Which business area interests you?

Assurance

Consulting

Careers in EY-Parthenon: Strategy, Transactions, Corporate Finance

Tax

Explore all early career opportunities

Our Awards

In respect of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, please be aware that this website may contain images of people who have passed away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before I apply?

How is the Graduate and Vacationer Program structured?

What skills will I develop?

What is EY looking for in candidates?

Which degree subjects do we ​recruit from?​

Who can apply for a student program?

How do I find out which early careers programs are open?

How do I choose between the different teams and service lines when applying to EY?

What student programs can I apply to?