Graduate Gudai-Darri

Graduates and interns

Explore opportunities

Finding better waysTM to move our people forward 

If you want to drive real change, we have just the place to do it. Our early talent programs, which include graduate and internship opportunities, allow you to shape Rio Tinto from the inside out. We want you to be a part of our team to help take us forward by solving the emerging challenges of our time. At Rio Tinto we believe the best ideas come from bringing people together with different perspectives to work toward a common goal – to create a better tomorrow. 

Locations 

Where we recruit 

We value the unique talents and diverse ideas our graduates and interns bring to our business. We offer opportunities across a range of locations, teams and work environments around the world. Whether you're interested in working at an operational site, a technology hub or a corporate office, there are many pathways to build a meaningful career with Rio Tinto and make an impact from day one.

Because our recruitment activity is tailored to local business needs and often aligned with university calendars in each country, application and start dates vary by location. Use the guide below to see where opportunities are typically available and when recruitment usually takes place. 

Region Countries When to apply Typical start date
Australia and New Zealand Australia, New Zealand March (final year of study) March the following year
Asia China, Mongolia, Singapore Singapore: xx 
Mongolia: July
China: October		 Singapore: July following year
Mongolia: October same year
China: start same year
North America Canada, United States Canada: January, June, September
USA: January, September 		Varies by role and location
South America Argentina
Chile, Columbia, Peru: intern only 		Argentina: July, September
Chile, Colombia, Peru: Intern only opportunities throughout the year 		Argentina: January, September
Africa Guinea, South Africa Guinea: August
South Africa: July 		Guinea: February, March
South Africa: February
Europe and UK France, England: intern only France, England: Intern only opportunities throughout the year

Opportunities may also become available throughout the year based on business needs and occupational requirements. Join our Talent Network and set up job alerts to be notified when opportunities open in your region.

Disciplines 

Where your degree fits 

We welcome graduates from a broad range of disciplines across engineering, technology, science, business and social impact. While opportunities vary by location and year, the disciplines below provide an indication of the types of disciplines we typically recruit. 
  • Engineering and operational
  • Technology
  • Science
  • People, Communities and Communications
  • Business

Examples include:

  • Chemical 
  • Civil and structural 
  • Electrical 
  • Electrical controls 
  • Environmental 
  • Geotechnical 
  • Industrial 
  • Maintenance 
  • Mechatronics 
  • Metallurgy 
  • Mechanical 
  • Mining 
  • Project engineering 
  • Process engineering 
  • Tailings engineering 

Examples include:

  • Automation 
  • Computer science 
  • Cyber security 
  • Data and analytics 
  • Software engineering 

Examples include:

  • Chemistry 
  • Environmental science 
  • Geology 
  • Geoscience 
  • Hydrology 
  • Hydrogeology 
  • Health, safety and environment 

Examples include:

  • Communications 
  • Communities 

Examples include:

  • Business
  • Commercial
  • Legal
  • External Affairs
  • Human Resources (HR)

Program overviews

Graduate program 

If you want to drive real change, we're ready to help you get started. As a graduate at Rio Tinto, you'll step into a permanent role where your ideas, curiosity, and ambition can make a genuine impact. Our 2-year graduate program combines meaningful work, professional development, and a global community of graduates, giving you the support, skills, and experiences to build a career that matters. 

Eligibility  

To be eligible for the graduate program you must: 

  • Be in your final year of study or completed your degree within 2 yrs 
  • Have the right to work in the country where the position is based (citizens, permanent residents, student or postgraduate work visa holders) 
  • Getting started
  • Build your edge
  • Rotations
  • Find better ways
  • What comes next

Step into your role with clarity and support 

Starting a new role is a big step, and we're here to help you make it with confidence. Before you even arrive, you'll have access to support that helps you prepare for the move. Once you join, you'll meet your team, connect with other graduates, and start building an understanding of our business and the role you'll play in it. From day one, you'll contribute to meaningful work with guidance from leaders, colleagues, and our team. 

What you'll experience 

  • Pre-boarding, so your first day doesn't feel so daunting
  • Relocation and support where your role requires it
  • Local onboarding and induction
  • Introductions to your team and support network
  • Connections with other graduates

What you take away 

A confident start, meaningful connections, and a strong foundation for your career. 

Recruitment scams: spot the red flags

Got a message about a Rio Tinto job? Take a moment to make sure it’s genuine.

  • Check the sender: Recruitment emails from us will come from an @riotinto.com address.
  • Never make a payment: We’ll never ask you to pay as part of our recruitment process.
  • Protect your details: Don’t share personal details if something feels off.
  • Check before you click: If a message or link looks unusual, don’t open it.

Not sure if a message is real? Contact us at recruitment.support@riotinto.com to check.

Intern program  

Our 12‑week intern program offers hands‑on experience aligned to your field of study, giving you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned at university in a real‑world environment. You’ll be trusted to take initiative, seek out learning opportunities, and contribute to projects that matter. From day one, you’ll be part of a supportive and inclusive team that encourages learning, collaboration, and growth. Along the way, you’ll build technical capability, develop professional confidence, and gain early exposure to the resources sector, setting you up for what comes next in your career. 

What you can expect: 

  • 12 weeks of hands‑on experience in your chosen discipline 
  • Real projects that allow you to apply your skills and showcase your capability
  • Support from experienced professionals who will coach and encourage you
  • Exposure to the resources industry and how large‑scale operations work in practice  

As a successful intern, you’ll receive early access to apply for graduate program opportunities, giving you a head start in the recruitment process and the chance to continue your career journey with us. Many of our graduates began their careers as interns, using the program to build networks, develop confidence, and gain clarity on their future direction. 

Eligibility 

To be eligible for the intern program, you must: 

  • Be in your second year to penultimate year of university study
  • Be returning to university after completing the internship

Application process 

How we hire 

Our recruitment process is designed to help us get to know each other. You'll have the opportunity to learn about Rio Tinto, while we learn more about your skills, experiences and potential.

While the process may vary slightly by location, role and recruitment campaign, the guide below outlines what you can typically expect and how to prepare for each stage.

We receive a high volume of applications each year, and the process typically takes around 4 months from the close of applications.

Staying in touch 

Throughout the process, we'll keep you informed and let you know the outcome of your application, whether or not you progress to the next stage. If you're waiting for an update, you can check your application status at any time through your candidate profile. We also recommend keeping an eye on your spam or junk folder, just in case. Any genuine communication from our team will always come from an @riotinto.com email address.

Stage What happens How to prepare
1. Apply
  • Submit your application while the campaign is open.
  • Answer the questions as part of your application and ensure these are correct.
  • Tell us about your studies, your experience, and what draws you to the role.
  • Read the role description properly and check the eligibility requirements for your country.
  • Take the time to go through your application and answer the questions carefully.
  • Draw on any experiences with study, part-time work, projects, volunteering, languages, sports and leadership.
  • Double-check your contact details before you hit submit.
  • If you need an adjustment at any change, just let us know. We care
2. Online assessment
  • You may be invited to complete an online assessment that show us how you approach problems and process information.
  • Do the practice questions first.
  • Read the instructions carefully.
  • Find somewhere quiet, with a stable connection and time you won't be interrupted.
3. Phone screen
  • A conversation about your interests, experience and motivation.
  • It is also your chance to ask us questions.
  • Know why this role interests you.
  • Have 2 or 3 examples ready from university, work or projects.
  • Be curious and prepare questions of your own.
4. Interview
  • A longer conversation with a leader from the team about your strengths, your experience and where you'd like to take your career.
  • Reflect on moments that stretched you: what happened, what you did, what you learned.
  • Be ready to talk about challenges honestly, not just successes.
  • Bring questions about the team and the work.
5. Offer and pre-employment
  • If you are successful you will receive a verbal offer followed by a written one.
  • Once you accept, pre-employment checks begin, which may include medical assessments and background checks, and relocation support where relevant.
  • Checks vary depending on the role and the country.
  • We'll tell you exactly what we need and when, so nothing lands as a surprise.
  • Ask us anything.
6. Getting ready to start
  • We stay in touch between offer and day one, with pre-boarding so you know what your first week looks like.
  • Ask us anything that would make starting easier relocation, timing, adjustments.
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Our award-winning program

Rio Tinto’s graduate program is one of the most highly regarded early talent programs, with consistent recognition from Prosple, SEEK Grad and AAGE.

In 2026, Rio Tinto ranked first in the Mining and Resources Engineering sector on Prosple Australia’s Top 100 Graduate Employers list for its reputation, career progression opportunities and meaningful work. 

The program also ranked among Australia’s top graduate employers and was named a Top Employer for Young People in Canada.

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Western Australia Future Skills programs

Every year we provide hundreds of early career opportunities across Western Australia in communities where we operate – everything from traineeships and apprenticeships through to graduate and intern programs.
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FAQs

Discover what you need to know before you apply, what to expect during recruitment, and more about our programs.

  • Before you apply
  • Recruitment process
  • Our programs

  • Do I need a specific degree?

    We recruit from a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, technology, science, business, communities, HR, Health, Safety and Environment and more. Eligibility requirements vary by role, so check the job description for details.

  • What visa or right-to-work do I need?

    Work rights requirements vary by country and role. Any visa or right-to-work requirements will be outlined in the job advertisement, so we recommend checking the eligibility section carefully before you apply.

  • Can I apply for more than one location?

    Yes. If you're interested in opportunities across multiple locations, you're welcome to apply for those that match your skills, qualifications and eligibility. 

  • When do applications open where I live?

    Recruitment timelines vary around the world and often align with local university calendars. Check the Locations section for typical recruitment windows or sign up for job alerts to be notified when opportunities open in your region. 

  • Do I need to finish my degree before starting?

    You must have successfully completed all required coursework and met the requirements to obtain your degree before commencing the graduate program. You will need to be able to provide evidence that your degree has been conferred.

  • What can make my application stand out? 

    To strengthen your application, be sure to include any relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences that demonstrate your potential contribution to the role. For some positions, holding a manual driver's license may be a requirement. We also encourage you to highlight experiences such as volunteering, participation in sports, leadership activities, community involvement, or any certifications, such as First Aid. These experiences can showcase valuable transferable skills including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Additionally, please include any languages you speak, technical skills, achievements, or unique talents. We value diverse experiences and are interested in learning more about what makes you unique as a candidate.   

  • Can I apply if I graduated more than 2 years ago? 

    Our graduate program is designed for students in their final year of study or those who have graduated within the last 2 years.

  • How long does the recruitment process take from end to end? 

    Timelines vary depending on the role, location and number of applications received. Expect for it to take on average 4 months from the date the applications close. We aim to keep candidates informed throughout the process and will contact you as soon as updates are available. 

  • How do I know a message from Rio Tinto is genuine? 

    All genuine contact from our recruitment team will come from an official Rio Tinto email address (ending in @riotinto.com).

  • What are the assessments like? 

    If selected to progress through the recruitment process, you may be invited to complete an online assessment administered by SHL. The assessment typically takes approximately 30 minutes and includes numerical reasoning and preferred working style evaluations.

  • Can I request an extension for completing my online assessment? 

    Candidates who progress to the assessment stage are typically given between 24-48 hours to complete their online assessment. If you are unable to complete the assessment within the allocated timeframe, please contact the recruitment team as soon as possible. Requests for an extension will be considered on a case-by-case basis and cannot be guaranteed, particularly after the deadline has passed. 

  • Will I be interviewed by a person? 

    Yes. Depending on the role, shortlisted candidates may complete a phone screening with a recruiter before progressing to an interview with a hiring manager or business representative. 

  • Will you accept a late application? 

    We are unable to accept applications submitted after the advertised closing date. We encourage candidates to apply before the deadline to ensure their application can be considered as part of the recruitment process. If you miss the application window, we recommend monitoring our careers site for future opportunities.  

  • When will I hear back on my application? 

    The recruitment process can take some time, as we receive a high volume of applications each year. We aim to keep candidates informed throughout the process and will notify you of the outcome of your application as soon as a decision has been made. While we strive to provide updates in a timely manner, we are unable to provide specific timeframes for each stage of the selection process, as timelines may vary depending on the role, location, and number of applications received.

  • Can I get feedback if I am unsuccessful?

    Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may not always be able to provide individual feedback. We will, however, let you know the outcome of your application. 

  • Can I re-apply?

    Absolutely. If you're unsuccessful this time, we encourage you to apply again for future opportunities that match your eligibility, skills, qualifications and interests. 

  • Can I request an adjustment? 

    Yes. We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process. If you require an adjustment or accommodation at any stage, please let our recruitment team know and we'll work with you to provide appropriate support.

  • Is the graduate role permanent? 

    If you are offered a graduate position, it will be a full-time permanent role. Our graduate program is designed as a structured 2-year development program, providing you with ongoing employment while supporting your professional growth and development. 

  • What is the salary? 

    Salary and benefits vary by role and location. If you progress through the recruitment process, we'll provide more information about remuneration and benefits relevant to your opportunity. 

  • What support is there if I relocate? 

    Rio Tinto provides relocation support to assist with your move. Graduates will receive a relocation package, and the company will work closely with you throughout the process to help ensure a smooth transition to your new location. 

  • Will I rotate, and can I choose?

    Rotations vary depending on the role, location, and product group. Each business area manages its rotations locally to provide graduates with experiences that best support their development and business needs. 

  • Can I do the graduate program part time?

    Our graduate program is a full-time program, and participants are required to work on a full-time basis throughout its duration.

  • Can I pause the graduate program? 

    Requests to pause the program are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking individual circumstances into account. 

  • Can I fast track the graduate program if I have some experience? 

    All graduates complete the full program to ensure they gain a consistent and comprehensive development experience.

  • Where do graduates go afterwards? 

    Upon completion of the 2-year program, you can expect a promotion to a higher banded role or transfer to another role, in the same team or another position. This transition might also take place slightly later, depending on the circumstances.

  • Can interns get graduate roles? 

    Yes. While successful completion of an internship does not guarantee a graduate offer, it provides a valuable pathway into the graduate program and an opportunity to be considered for conversion into a graduate position. Graduate offers may be made based on internship performance, business requirements and available opportunities.