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Trainee Program

Applications will open end of February 2026

As a Trainee, you will seamlessly integrate your university studies with practical work experience, creating an ideal foundation for your career journey. Benefit from professional and financial support in a full-time, paid role, with 20% of your working time dedicated to your studies to ensure you complete your degree alongside gaining real career experience.

By joining our Trainee program, you'll extend your degree by one year but gain two years of paid work experience. You'll study eight subjects over the two-year program (equivalent to one year of full-time study) before returning to full-time university to complete the eight remaining subjects once the program finishes. After the program, you may be offered a Graduate position to continue their career with us after finishing their degree.

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Work with us

Our Trainee program offers a unique, two-year, full-time paid placement designed to unleash your potential. This program is open to high school students in their final year of study or university students graduating in 2027.

As a trainee, you'll join us full-time (with 20% of your time dedicated to study) while you study part-time. You'll then take a break from full-time work to complete your degree.

Eligibility criteria

Not sure if you're eligible for our Trainee program? Check out these examples of how the trainee program can work for you!

Are you in the first year of a 3-year university degree?

If you're currently planning to graduate from university in 2027 from a 3-year degree:

2025 - Apply to become a trainee
2026- First year of the trainee program – 80% work, 20% study
2027 – Second year of the trainee program – 80% work, 20% study
2028 – Trainee program complete – 100% study
2029 – Opportunity to join the Graduate program

Are you in the second year of a 4-year university degree?

If you're currently planning to graduate from university in 2027 from a 4-year degree:

2025 - Apply to become a trainee
2026- First year of the trainee program – 80% work, 20% study
2027 – Second year of the trainee program – 80% work, 20% study
2028 – Trainee program complete – 100% study
2029 – Opportunity to join the Graduate program

Are you in the third year of a 5-year university degree?

If you're currently planning to graduate from university in 2027 from a 5-year degree:

2025 - Apply to become a trainee
2026- First year of the trainee program – 80% work, 20% study
2027 – Second year of the trainee program – 80% work, 20% study
2028 – Trainee program complete – 100% study
2029 – Opportunity to join the Graduate program

Are you in your final year of high school?

If you're in your final year of high school and are currently planning to complete a 3-year university degree graduating from your degree in 2028:

2025 - Apply to become a trainee
2026 - First year of the trainee program – 80% work, 20% study
2027 – Second year of the trainee program – 80% work, 20% study
2028 – Trainee program complete – 100% study
2029 – Trainee program complete – 100% study
2030 – Opportunity to join the Graduate program

You may have the opportunity to work on a casual basis while completing your degree.

Why join our Trainee program?

Ready to embark on a journey that combines impactful work with transformative learning?

The PwC Trainee program offers a dynamic blend of real-world career experience, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities all while you study. You’ll collaborate with industry leaders who are not only experts in their fields but also deeply passionate about their work. With diverse projects, clients, and practices available, you’ll have the chance to learn and grow across our business areas.

We know one of the hardest parts about university is getting "real world" experience. As a trainee, you get to continue studying and gain hands on experience to give you the perfect headstart after university.

Your growth

You’ll be a part of an two-year development program that sets your future in motion. Our culture champions curiosity and development, powered by impactful coaching and multi-directional feedback to ensure you’re always learning and growing.

Build a community with your peers and make friends that will last a lifetime. With world-class learning and development options, and plenty of opportunities to complete external qualifications, we’ll help you continue to evolve as the word does.

Your impact

As a trainee, you'll help the future by addressing today's challenges with innovative thinking and cutting-edge technology. We focus on bold ideas and staying ahead of market trends, making us the go-to problem solvers for clients.

Our AI-driven tech enhances daily interactions, offering insights and personalized learning to keep you current. Build essential skills and connect with networks to meet changing client needs, ensuring you play a vital role in a rapidly evolving world.

Your perks

From flexible work options to dressing for your day, you’ll enjoy world-class learning to industry-leading mentors without sacrificing what matters to you. Wellness and lifestyle benefits too, yes please!

We want you to succeed, us. And live your best life while you’re doing it.

Application journey

Apply online
Online assessments
Digital interview & team preference
In-person assessment centre
Offer

Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on application dates.

Prepare to apply for our Trainee program by finding where your skills fit and familiarising yourself with how we hire.

All applications will be reviewed and candidates who meet our eligibility criteria will progress to the online assessments stage of the recruitment process.

Please note we only accept one application per person, but you’ll have the chance to select two teams that you’re interested in which most closely aligns with your skills, passions and interests.

Do you need to request reasonable adjustments in relation to a disability (including neurodivergence), illness, or other individual needs? Learn more here.

This is the chance where we get to know you more!

You’ll be required to complete a series of online assessments that measure your behaviours and cognitive skills. You have 48 hours to complete this and shouldn’t take longer than half an hour of your time.

Digital interview:
You’ll be required to complete a digital interview where you’ll be asked two questions to help us understand you a little more. You have 48 hours to complete this and shouldn’t take longer than ten minutes.

Team preference:
Immediately after your digital interview, you'll have the chance to select two team preferences based on the business area you've applied for. Your preference should be based on what teams most closely aligns with your skills, passions and interests. Explore available teams here.

Show us how you work and how your skills align with your preferred team (based on your preference selection from the application process).

Morning Session: Case Study
As a part of a group, you’ll complete a case study assessment mirroring the kind of work you may be doing here.

Afternoon Session: Interview
The last step on your application journey is an individual interview with a senior and junior colleague from the team member you’re interviewing for. This is our chance to learn more about you, and your chance to learn more about your future team.

Congrats - you made it!

When you’re invited to join us, you’ll receive a verbal offer followed by a written offer. That will have all the details on your remuneration, benefits, start date and much more.

Hear from our trainees

Meet Martina

Meet Martina, a Tax trainee at PwC. Learn more about how Martina loves the uniqueness and flexibility of the trainee program

Meet Caitlyn

Meet Caitlyn, an External Audit trainee at PwC. Learn more about how Caitlyn is enjoying the community of like-minded solvers in the trainee program.

Business areas where you can make your impact

By selecting any of the business areas listed below, you can discover the specific teams available in various locations. This interactive feature allows you to easily navigate and find the right teams tailored to your geographic needs.

Accounting, Assurance and Audit

Tax and Legal

FAQs

To be eligible to for our Trainee Program, you will need to meet the below criteria:

For a high school student:

In your last year of high school
planning to enrol in a 3 year bachelors degree to start the following year

For a university student:

have two full-time years of study remaining on your undergraduate degree course, at the commencement of the program, which means you apply in:
- Your first year of a three-year single degree, or,
- Your second year of a four-year double degree, or,
- Your third year of a five-year double degree

You must be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident of Australia.

Unfortunately, only Australian or New Zealand citizens and Australia Permanent Resident holders are eligible to apply to the Trainee program. However, our Graduate and Vacationer programs are open to international students.

Yes! We encourage you to reapply if you were not successful in the previous recruitment cycle.

We’re committed to treating all our job applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, disability, neurodivergence, or any other protected characteristic.  We want you to have every opportunity to thrive in our selection process.

In the application form, you can let us know what adjustments you require during our recruitment process and/or any workplace accommodations you anticipate needing to help you perform your role. 

Once we process your application, we will reach out to discuss your needs and ensure you can perform to the best of your ability.  If you forgot to add it to your application, please reach out to us directly at nationalcampusrecruitment@au.pwc.com.

Our Trainee Program extends your undergradate degree by one year, as it's is a two-year program that combines work and study.

Students will complete one year of study (or equivalent to 8 subjects) across the two years of the Trainee program.

We understand the importance of supporting our Trainees through their undergraduate degrees. We offer Trainees the following support:

20% of employee working hours (7.5 hours per week for full-time employees or the equivalent of 1 working day) are dedicated to university studies
A book allowance of up to $2,000 paid over 4 instalments during the program
Exam leave of up to three additional days per subject per study term

The Trainee Program commences between January and February depending on the business area and location you join.

As a Trainee, you'll embark on a two-year journey of combined work and study with us. You'll join us to work four days a week with a full time salary and your fifth day will be dedicated to your part time studies for two years. During your semester breaks, you'll work five days per week. After the two-year Trainee Program, you’ll return to full-time study and complete your degree.

Meanwhile, the Vacation Program is a full-time seven week program over the summer university break.

Both the Trainee and Vacation Programs offer an opportunity to fast track and secure a spot in our Graduate Program in the same team.

Explore other Early Careers programs

Vacation Program

Elite Athlete Program

Graduate Program

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