The Academy

Diplomatic Academy main image - business people walking away from DFAT's RG Casey Building

Who we are

The Diplomatic Academy is a specialist learning hub for Government officials working to advance Australia’s interests internationally.

We build diplomatic and international engagement tradecraft capability. Our training covers geographic literacy, languages, negotiation and advocacy skills, global governance architecture, bilateral and multilateral agreements, foreign policy, security and trade diplomacy, with a strong focus on the Indo-Pacific region. 

Our Academy is a centre of excellence for sharing best practice in modern diplomacy. We leverage the real-world experience of expert diplomats and APS staff to develop and deliver high quality, engaging and targeted learning experiences.

The Diplomatic Academy is a key partner in the Australian Public Service (APS) learning ecosystem, building specialised diplomatic capability across Government.

We also engage with foreign ministries to share diplomatic tradecraft expertise. We are always looking for opportunities to collaborate with domestic and international stakeholders. Contact us if you are interested in getting in touch.

Our purpose

The Diplomatic Academy is a key partner in the APS learning ecosystem, building specialised diplomatic capability across Government.

We:

  • build capacity to ensure Australian officials are equipped to represent Australia, promote our interests and prosecute our priorities in international settings
  • train and upskill Australia’s diplomats of the future
  • build language capability to help our officials effectively engage with the world
  • provide specialised training to ensure our officials are prepared for the living and working conditions when they are posted internationally, and are able to operate effectively
  • share modern diplomatic tradecraft expertise with foreign ministries and diplomatic training institutions in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world.

Our faculties

The Diplomatic Academy offers an annual curriculum of professional skills development across nine faculties, each led by Senior Executive Service (SES) officers. Further information on the faculties and Faculty Heads is available at Our Faculties. 

Who do we train?

The Academy is a resource for Australian Government officials working to advance Australian interests internationally.

We support DFAT staff in Australia and overseas (including locally engaged staff), as well as other APS and state or territory government staff who work in international settings.

The Academy is also building links with foreign ministries and diplomatic training institutions in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world.

Image - Central circle with 'Our Audience' heading, surrounded by circles for each audience group

Where can you find us?

 The Academy is located at 44 Sydney Avenue, Forrest, Canberra, Australia.

Photo of the front of 44 Sydney Avenue, Forrest, with cars driving past

44 Sydney Avenue, Forrest, Canberra