Work experience and internships

Your pathway to future employment

An internship is a great experience for international student to understand Australian workplace and build important connections in your future industry.

Some courses may require you to complete a work experience placement to earn course credits. Check with your educational institution for more details.

What is an internship in Australia?

An internship is a type of supervised work placement. It's designed for students or recent graduates to gain professional skills and experience in their future industry.

In Australia, internships are usually completed over a set number of days during a fixed time period, such as two days a week for three months. But it will vary for each internship and workplace.

In some cases, full-time internships may also be offered over summer or winter study breaks.

Internship notebook and stationary

Where you can look for internships

1. Start from your education institution

You can start by asking your education institution for advice. They can point you in the right direction and give you some information about where other students in your course have interned before.

Your lecturers and course coordinators may even have connections with local organisations that run internship programs.

2. Get online and look for internship advertisements

You can find them on websites like GradConnection, LinkedIn, SEEK, and Indeed.

3. Contact the organisation directly

You can do this by visiting the employment section of their website and sending an email with an expression of interest, your cover letter and resume to the relevant staff member.

4. Internship and graduate job fairs

Keep an eye out for any internship and graduate job fairs that may be taking place at your educational institution and around New South Wales.

Networking at events like this is a great way to secure an internship at a local company.

Students using a computer

NSW Government Virtual Internship

If you want a challenging and varied career with the opportunity to help deliver better outcomes for the people of NSW, then join our virtual internship program.

You will build real skills and gain some insight into some of the work our graduates do.

Check out the program here


Work Integrated Learning opportunity

Study NSW is looking for students to take part in a Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) program with their institutions and the NSW Government.

The student volunteers are responsible for greeting arriving students and providing them with assistance and information.

We want you to be a part of it.

Learn more