Students and Graduates Payments Settlements

It’s a view not many get to see. When you buy a coffee, pay a bill or send money to a friend, it’s likely the transaction will involve exchanging money between different financial institutions. Those payment obligations (and all other non-cash payments in the economy) will ultimately settle across accounts that financial institutions hold with the RBA and access through RITS, a piece of critical national infrastructure owned and operated by Payments Settlements department. The funds in these accounts, also known as reserves, allow financial institutions to settle obligations between themselves using central bank money, the ultimate risk-free asset. RITS also settles many of these obligations individually in real time, eliminating exposures between financial institutions that could threaten the stability of the financial system if not settled when due.

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Find out more about Payment Settlements at the RBA.

The payments settlements program

Start your RBA career in Payments Settlements and you will:

  • Become a payments expert.
  • Gain unique insights into how the RBA, and central banks more generally, achieve some of their policy objectives through the operation of this critical infrastructure.
  • Work with other areas of the RBA on a diverse range of matters including payments innovation and regulation, liquidity facilities, financial stability and technology.
  • Collaborate with payments industry stakeholders to improve the efficiency and resilience of payment operations.
  • Help the RBA ensure that RITS meets evolving international standards for financial market infrastructures and collaborate with international counterparts on how to do this.
  • Research and analyse payment trends and industry developments that help shape the RBA’s settlement services.
  • Design and help implement new and improved settlement services and technologies.
  • Be supported to develop skills and experience that will help you achieve your career ambition.

In 2025 graduates joining Payments Settlements will commence in our Strategy & Analysis area.

Strategy & Analysis

You will directly contribute to the strategic development and innovation of RITS, ensuring it remains secure, stable, and efficient in the face of a rapidly changing payments landscape. Responsibilities include analysing data to inform business policy and design, collaborating with other departments and external partners to support the Bank’s broader policy objectives, and understanding developments in global payment systems to inform the direction of Australia’s financial infrastructure.

Eligibility criteria

We are looking for graduates who are highly motivated to contribute to the RBA’s public policy objectives and have a desire to learn about this crucial operational role of a central bank and payments systems more generally.

  • You hold or are completing a degree with strong achievement in economics, and/or in another Commerce or STEM field.
  • Completion of a significant research project (e.g., honours or capstone) is desirable.
  • You hold Australian permanent residency or citizenship, or New Zealand citizenship.
  • Including a cover letter with your application is recommended.

Application and selection process

Applications for the 2025 graduate program are now closed. Please drop an email to graduates@rba.gov.au for any queries.

Can't find what you are looking for? View some of the more frequently asked questions and answers about the application and selection process and your eligibility.

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Embrace life

Life at the RBA

Work-life balance is important to us, and we understand the contribution that staff wellbeing makes to performance. Employees are rewarded with access to flexible work arrangements, as well as health and wellbeing programs.

Selection process

Looking to be more and secure a fantastic role with us? View some of the more frequently asked questions and answers about selection process.

Other opportunities for students and graduates

Economics and Finance

Launch your career through our industry-recognised program – a great opportunity for emerging economists and financial analysts interested in making a difference to the lives of all Australians.

Information Technology

Graduates with technical and non-technical skills are well-suited to IT roles at the RBA. We offer outstanding opportunities to work hands-on with leading-edge technologies within industry-aligned frameworks.

Summer Intern Program

Our Summer Intern Program is an excellent opportunity for high-achieving students to get first-hand experience working in Australia's central bank. The Program is designed to provide work experience and financial support during the final year of study to students who have the potential to be successful graduates at the RBA.

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The Reserve Bank of Australia is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from experienced candidates seeking workplace flexibility.