How to get Internships in Australia?

Australian internships are golden opportunities for students to gain real-world experience, boost their CVs, and open pathways for jobs. Internships will help you gain experience, network, and improve employability.

This guide will guide you through all you need on internship types, visa processes, best places, application tips, and more.

Study in Australia from Nepal

Types of Internships in Australia

You can explore various kinds of internships in Australia, such as:

• Paid Internships - Many companies offer paid internships in Australia. They are highly sought-after and competitive. Getting paid internships should be your priority, as they provide practical, hands-on experience and also provide payment that makes them ideal for international students.
• Unpaid Internships - Unpaid internships are also provided by companies across Australia. It is most common in nonprofit organizations, education, and early-stage start-ups. They don’t pay you but can offer academic credit and practical and hands-on experience. If you do unpaid internships, be sure that they have clear learning objectives, proper supervision, and academic value.
• Remote Internships - Remote internships have become popular since the COVID pandemic. It has flexibility and global access to opportunities. Mainly, IT companies, marketing agencies, and digital marketing firms provide these internship opportunities. These will allow you to work from home, develop remote collaboration skills, and work on real projects.

How to Find an Internship in Australia

While studying in Australia is a big opportunity for international students. Students get to explore community, academics, and career opportunities. Finding the right internship in Australia takes a mix of online research, leveraging university support, and building professional connections. Here are some of the most effective ways to secure an internship:

1. Search in Online Job Portals

Websites like Seek, GradConnection, Indeed, and LinkedIn regularly post internship opportunities. These platforms let you filter by location, industry, and role, making it easier to find relevant openings.

2. University Career Services

Most universities in Australia have strong industry ties. They often provide resume reviews, interview preparation, and direct internship placements with partner organizations. Visiting your university’s career services should be one of your first steps.

3. Networking

Networking is key in Australia’s job market. Connecting with alumni, industry groups, and professional associations can open hidden opportunities. Attend career fairs, industry meetups, and networking events to get noticed by employers.

4. Company Websites

Many Australian companies post internship openings directly on their official career pages. If there’s a specific organization you want to work with, regularly check their website and apply directly.

5. Recruitment Agencies

Specialized recruitment agencies often help students and graduates find internships. Some agencies in Australia focus on internship placements for international students as well.

6. Government Programs

The Australian government supports students and graduates through various initiatives. Programs like Australian Internships and GradAustralia connect candidates with internship opportunities across industries.

7. Professional Associations

Joining industry-specific associations (like Engineers Australia, CPA Australia, or ACS for IT professionals) often gives access to exclusive internship listings, mentorship programs, and industry events.

8. Volunteering and Part-Time Work

Sometimes, starting with volunteer roles or part-time jobs in your field can lead to internship offers. Employers value hands-on experience, and volunteering is a good way to demonstrate your skills.

9. Social Media & Online Communities

Follow companies on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, where they often announce internship programs. You can also join student forums and online communities where internship opportunities are shared.

10. Internship Placement Providers

Several private organizations in Australia help international students find internships by matching them with companies. Though some may charge a fee, they provide structured internship programs with training and support.

Who can apply for internships in Australia?

Any student who is enrolled in an Australian institution or has a valid student visa can apply for internships. But international students should follow legal guidelines, which are tied to their visa types. The visa rules for internships in Australia for International Students:

• Students with a student visa (Subclass 500) are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions. They can work for an unlimited time during official breaks.
• If your internship is a mandatory part of your course, you can do unlimited internship hours. It won’t be bound by the work hour limit. But it must be endorsed and documented by your university.
• If your internship is not part of your course, then the 48-hour-per-fourth-night limit will apply during the term.
• If you have a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), then you are allowed to work full-time in Australia for 2 to 4 years, depending on your qualification. You can continue your internships or find a full-time job after graduation.

Emerging Trends in Internships in Australia

The way companies used to provide internships in Australia has changed a lot in the last few years. Here, we will see the top trends in 2025:

• Remote and hybrid internships are on the rise as they have become a long-term strategy for many companies. With flexible work arrangements, they have access to broader talent. Students can also have an improved work-life balance.
• Many companies are collaborating with Universities to provide Intern programs. Corporate-academic partnerships have grown. These internships are more aligned with the academic curriculum, and employers also do on-campus recruitment.
• Companies don’t just look at your GPA or technical skills; they are starting to value soft skills and the attitude of the candidate. Soft skills are often checked during interviews or assessments. Skills like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and cultural fit play a huge role in getting selected.

Top Cities Offering Internships in Australia for International Students

1. Sydney - It is the economic hub of the country. It is home to the headquarters of major banks, multinational companies, and law firms. Students in Sydney can find high-paying opportunities in finance, IT, law, and startups.
2. Melbourne - It is the country's hub for arts and culture. You can find many opportunities in media, marketing, literature, and design. It is also popular for medical, research, biotech, and education. It is a magnet for creativity and talent.
3. Brisbane - It is the tech hub of the country. You can find a large number of tech startups and companies. Internships in software development, marketing, and health sciences are available here. The city is affordable and good for professional growth.
4. Perth - It is the country's mining and energy hub. You can find engineering, environmental science, and natural resource-related internships here. It is often overlooked by international students, but it has great sectors.

Tips to Apply for an Internship in Australia for International Students

We will note the tips to create the perfect resume and cover letter. Additionally, we will also note down the common mistakes that you can avoid to land an internship.

• Keep your CV 1-2 pages max. Only include information that adds value.
• Include a brief career objective and personal summary.
• Always highlight the skills required for the job and projects you have completed.
• It's always better to use Australian English while writing your cover letter.
• You do not want typos and grammar errors; they can make you appear unprofessional.
• Avoid writing generic cover letters and using fully generated AI cover letters.
• Separate your soft skills and technical skills.
• Use a professional template and font.
• List your most recent experiences first, then go backward.

Conclusion

Internships are a great way to start your professional career. You can get hands-on experience, grow your network, and build your dream career. It doesn’t matter if you’re an international student or a local; you can find many opportunities in different industries, cities, and work environments.

With the knowledge of good CVs, visa rules, and where to search and network, you can find great internships that will match your career goals. You shouldn’t always chase paid internships, as unpaid internships can also offer you long-term value in your career. At AusStudies we help prepare good CVs and guide you through internships and provide you with the knowledge required to get proper internships. Students can apply for various trainings to enroll in internships. 

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