By APS Academy
We're pleased to launch the APS Academy 2026–27 course calendar, providing a clear and practical view of learning opportunities available across the year to support capability development across the APS. The calendar is designed to help individuals, teams and agencies plan ahead and make the most of the Academy's national learning offerings.
Whether you're looking to build your own capability, support your team's development, or coordinate learning across an agency, the calendar brings together offerings across key APS capability areas. These include Working in Government, Implementation and Services, Strategy, Policy and Evaluation, Leadership and Management, Engagement and Partnerships and Integrity.
Supporting capability uplift priorities
This comprehensive calendar directly supports the Australian Government's commitment to strengthening APS capability. As outlined by the Capability and Workforce Committee, building a skilled, adaptable and high-performing public service remains a key priority for our workforce. The Committee's focus on developing contemporary capabilities – from digital fluency to strategic thinking, and from leadership excellence to effective stakeholder engagement – is reflected throughout the Academy's course offerings.
By planning your learning journey now, you're not only investing in your own professional growth but also contributing to the broader capability uplift that strengthens our collective ability to serve the Australian public effectively.
Flexibility to suit your needs
One of the standout features of the 2026–27 calendar is the flexibility in how courses are delivered. Many courses are offered through multiple formats throughout the year – face-to-face, virtual, or both – making it easier than ever to participate regardless of your location or work arrangements. Virtual offerings are available every month of the year, ensuring accessibility for colleagues across metropolitan and regional Australia.
For example, if you're looking to enhance your communication skills, the Essential Writing for APS 5–6 Levels course runs monthly with both face-to-face and virtual options. Leadership programs such as Leadership Edge or Management Edge and Working Effectively at the EL1 Level and Working Effectively at the EL2 Level are offered regularly throughout the year, with multiple delivery formats to choose from.
A course for every career stage
The calendar recognises that capability development looks different at every career stage. Foundation courses like APS Unlocked and Presentation Skills provide essential grounding for those new to the Service, while practitioner-level offerings such as Strategic Thinking and Leading Successful Projects build deeper expertise. Lead-level courses, including Appearing Before Parliamentary Committees, support senior officers tackling complex responsibilities.
Those managing teams will find valuable offerings like Building and Leading High Performing Teams, Managing Remote and Hybrid Teams, and Coaching and Developing Others – are all designed to strengthen management capability in contemporary work environments. With courses like Conflict Resolution for Managers and Leading Change, the calendar equips managers to navigate challenges with confidence.
For policy professionals, the calendar includes targeted courses from Delivering Great Policy – Foundations through to Crafting Quality New Policy Proposals and Producing a Quality Cabinet Submission, supporting quality policy development at all levels.
Start planning now
The value of this calendar lies in its ability to help you plan strategically. Rather than fitting learning around your schedule at the last minute, you can map out a year of professional development that aligns with your performance goals, team priorities and career aspirations.
We encourage you to review the full calendar with your manager during performance discussions, use it to inform team capability planning, and coordinate learning opportunities with colleagues who might benefit from attending together.
Take action
Visit the APS Academy website to explore the complete 2026–27 course calendar. You'll find detailed information about each course, delivery options and how to enrol.
Investing in your professional development is one of the most important things you can do for your career and for the APS. With this new calendar, planning that investment has never been easier. We look forward to supporting your learning journey throughout 2026–27.