Top Internships for International Students in Australia (2024)

Yes, international students can do internships in Australia, but not all internships are open to you. Your visa conditions and the employer's willingness to sponsor or accept your work rights determine your options. This guide lists internships that are genuinely open to international students and explains how to apply successfully.

Can international students do internships in Australia?

Most international students in Australia hold a Student Visa (subclass 500), which allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This means you can take a paid internship as long as you stay within those limits. Unpaid internships are also allowed, but they must meet legal criteria (genuine vocational placement) and not replace a paid role.

However, some internships, especially in government or defence, require Australian citizenship or permanent residency. Always check eligibility before applying.

What to look for in an internship as an international student

• Visa sponsorship: Some internships offer sponsorship for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) after graduation. Look for programs that explicitly state they accept international students.
• Work rights: Ensure the internship hours fit within your visa conditions. If it's paid, your employer must comply with Australian workplace laws.
• Eligibility criteria: Some programs have specific requirements like GPA, year of study, or field of study.
• Location: Consider whether you need relocation and if your visa allows you to work in that state or territory.

Top internships open to international students in Australia

Here are internships that are known to accept international students, based on program descriptions and student experiences. Always confirm current eligibility on the official website.

1. KPMG Australia, Vacationer Program

KPMG's vacation program is open to international students who have the right to work in Australia. You'll work on real client projects in areas like audit, tax, and advisory. Applications open in autumn (March, April) for the summer intake. Check their careers page for specific visa requirements.

2. PwC Australia, Summer Vacation Program

PwC accepts international students with full work rights. The program runs for 4-6 weeks during summer and is a pipeline to graduate roles. They offer roles in consulting, risk, and technology. Apply early, spots fill fast.

3. Deloitte Australia, Vacationer Program

Deloitte's vacation program is open to students in their penultimate year, including internationals. You'll gain hands-on experience in your chosen service line. They have offices in all major cities. Check their website for eligibility and application deadlines.

4. EY Australia, Vacationer Program

EY's program is open to international students with valid work rights. You'll work on client engagements and get mentoring. Applications typically open in July, August. They also offer a separate program for Indigenous students.

5. IBM Australia, Internship Program

IBM offers paid internships for students, including internationals, in technology, consulting, and design roles. You'll work on real projects and have access to training. They require you to be enrolled in a degree and have the right to work in Australia.

6. Microsoft Australia, Internship Program

Microsoft's internships are open to international students studying in Australia. You'll work on software engineering, program management, or marketing. They sponsor visas for outstanding candidates. Check their careers page for current openings.

7. UNSW Global, Internship Programs

UNSW Global offers internships to international students at UNSW, but also partners with companies to provide placements. Some are credit-bearing. Check their website for options in your field.

8. Internships via university career hubs

Many Australian universities have dedicated career services that list internships open to international students. For example, the University of Melbourne's Careers Online and Monash's Career Gateway have filters for visa status. Use these resources, they often have exclusive postings.

How to apply for internships as an international student

1. Start early: Applications open 6-8 months before the internship starts. For summer (Dec, Feb), apply in March, April.
2. Tailor your resume: Highlight your skills and any Australian experience (even part-time work). Use Australian resume formats, no photo, keep it to 2 pages.
3. Cover letter: Address your visa status upfront and explain why you're a good fit. Show you understand the work rights.
4. Prepare for interviews: Many companies use video interviews and assessment centres. Practice common behavioural questions.
5. Use your university's career services: They can review your resume, do mock interviews, and connect you with employers.

Common challenges and how to overcome them

• Visa restrictions: Some employers assume international students have limited availability. Emphasise your work rights and flexibility.
• Language barriers: If English isn't your first language, practice your interview responses and consider joining a language exchange.
• Competition: International students face stiff competition. Apply to a range of programs, including smaller firms and startups.

What about unpaid internships?

Unpaid internships are legal in Australia if they are a genuine vocational placement (part of your course) or if the intern is not performing productive work. However, many unpaid internships are exploitative. As an international student, you have the same rights as domestic students, if you're doing productive work, you should be paid at least the national minimum wage. Check the Fair Work Ombudsman website for details.

Final tips

• Check your visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Use Stride to filter internships by your visa status and eligibility, it's built for international students like you.
• Network: Join professional associations and attend career fairs. Many internships are filled through referrals.

FAQ

Can international students do internships in Australia? Yes, if you hold a valid student visa with work rights, you can do paid internships up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during breaks. Some internships require PR or citizenship, so always check eligibility.

Do I need a separate work visa for an internship? No, your student visa allows you to work. However, if the internship is after your course ends, you may need a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) or another work visa.

Are internships in Australia paid? Many are paid, especially in large companies. Unpaid internships are legal only if they meet specific criteria under the Fair Work Act. Always check your rights.

How many hours can I work on a student visa? You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your course and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This applies to internships as well.

What if an employer asks for Australian citizenship? Some internships, especially in government or defence, require citizenship. Look for programs that explicitly welcome international students.

Can I get sponsorship after an internship? Yes, some employers sponsor high-performing interns for a graduate visa or employer-sponsored visa. Discuss your long-term plans with your manager.

Where can I find internships that accept international students? Use your university's career portal, job boards like GradAustralia, and platforms like Stride that filter by eligibility. Also check company websites for their vacation programs.

When should I apply for internships? For summer internships (Dec, Feb), applications open in March, April. For winter internships (June, July), applications open in October, November. Apply early, many close within a month.