Internships are popular in Australia, particularly in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Doing an internship is an effective way to gain valuable work experience, build professional connections, and learn more about how Australian businesses and organizations operate. If you are considering an internship in Australia, this article explains some of the key considerations, including visa information, how to find an internship, and what to expect.
Why pursue an internship in Australia?
Internships can get a bad rap, as they do have the potential to be exploitative. However, they are also an excellent way for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in their field of study and build their skills and knowledge. In Australia, a range of organizations offer internships across different industries, including business, healthcare, and technology.
An excellent way to find internships in Australia is to use online tools such as , although many companies allow you to apply directly without using an intermediary. Internships in Australia can vary in terms of length, structure, and remuneration.ÌýSome internships may be unpaid and completed as part of a university course or program, while others may be paid and offered as a way for an organization to evaluate a potential longer-term employee.
Conditions for doing an internship in Australia
With both businesses and employees recognizing the value of internships, numerous opportunities exist for potential interns in Australia.ÌýIt is essential to note that internships can be paid or unpaid, so ensure you have sufficient funds to support yourself if you accept an unpaid internship. And be aware that even paid internships are unlikely to pay handsomely. It's more about gaining experience that will benefit you in the long run. So, when researching internship opportunities, it's essential to weigh the wages against the experience it will provide and not assess an internship in the same way you would a standard paid employment offer.
When it comes to actually finding an internship, it will be much easier if you are already in the country. Most visas for Australia apply to paid employment, rather than internships or work placements. However, if you are on a , for example, you would be well-placed to find an internship. And as internships can sometimes lead to job offers, this can be very beneficial for those who wish to stay in Australia after their Working Holiday visa has expired. If you are in Australia on a Student Visa (subclass 500), it will be very easy to secure a work placement or internship through your education provider.
Finding an internship in Australia
Internships in Australia are often advertised online through job and career websites such as Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý. By searching in your preferred city for an 'internship' or 'placement', you should be able to find opportunities within your desired area of expertise. Internships, even unpaid ones, can be highly competitive, so ensure your CV is up to date before submitting your application.
°Õ³ó±ðÌýAustralian style of CV may be slightly different than the style in your home country, so it is worth doing research online or asking a local friend to help you make edits. In addition to your CV, internships may also require a cover letter or application form, as well as a telephone, Zoom, or in-person interview. Internship interviews can be a good way to practice your interview skills in preparation for the Australian job market. Being prepared will ensure the best outcome, which includes thoroughly reviewing the company's background and website.
Also, ask yourself why you are interested in the position and how your skills and qualifications would benefit the company, as these questions may be asked of you during an interview. If you need help crafting a professional cover letter or CV, career websites and recruitment agency blogs offer great tips and advice for preparing applications and getting interview-ready.
Good to know:
If a company or business is not advertising internships, but you are genuinely interested in working with them, it is always worth contacting them to inquire about potential internship opportunities. You could also express your interest in being considered for future openings. Being proactive and reaching out to a potential employer may lead to various opportunities, and the worst that can happen is that they don't respond.
Potential visas for interns in Australia
Working Holiday visa
If you are considering coming to Australia to undertake an internship, you may wish to apply for a Working Holiday Visa. This visa allows young people between the ages of 18 and 30 (or 35 in some cases) to visit Australia for 12 months to travel the country and work while in the country. You can work as an intern if you hold this visa. It is straightforward to apply online, and there are two different visa types for passport holders from various countries. For more information on the Working Holiday Maker Program, visit the .
Student visa
If you are studying in Australia, an internship or work placement might be part of your course.
Internships are typically unpaid, but if you find an opportunity for a paid internship, it could be included as part of your work hours allocation. Individuals on the are allowed to work up to 48 hours during the school term and unlimited work hours during the semester break. Your educational institution will be a great resource for helping you secure an internship, allowing you to gain skills and experience in your chosen field of study.
Other visas that may allow internships in Australia
If you are in Australia on a , it is generally possible to undertake an internship while you are in the country. This visa allows international students to live, study, and work after completing their degree or vocational education course. This is one of the more expensive visas, costing AUD 2,300 (USD 1,634), which allows you to stay in Australia for between 18 months and five years, depending on your study and your home country. You are generally required to be under the age of 35, and you must be in Australia to be eligible to apply for this visa.
Another potential option is the . This is a temporary visa for up to two years, which enables you to complete work-based training or a professional development program. This type of visa enables you to gain professional experience in an Australian workplace and costs AUD 430 (USD 281). Visit the for more information about the visa and its associated conditions.
The is for those who have been nominated by an approved sponsor to work in a specific occupation under a bilateral agreement, such as the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement. This visa might be suitable for internships in specific industries covered by such agreements. This visa costs AUD 375 (USD 245).
And the could also be an option, allowing individuals to come to Australia to undertake specific types of work on a short-term basis. Special Program applicants can remain in Australia for up to 12 months and can participate in activities such as youth exchange, cultural enrichment, or community programs, 'gap year school volunteering', or as school language assistants. This type of visa costs AUD 430 (USD 281).
Common industries for internships in Australia
Internships are an excellent way to gain hands-on experience and establish a professional network in your chosen field. If you are undertaking studies, there are no guarantees that a job awaits you at the end, so it is important to try and set yourself up with the greatest possible chance of gaining employment. Some of the best opportunities for internships in Australia are in industries experiencing skills shortages, such as healthcare engineering, business and finance, and IT.
Things to know before doing an internship in Australia
Although internships can provide amazing opportunities and furnish you with experience and skills, they are also positions that can be exploitative, especially when they are unpaid. There are a few things you should be aware of when applying for an internship in Australia to ensure you are getting a fair deal.
- Ensure you understand the terms of the internship, including its duration, hours, compensation (if applicable), and responsibilities.
- Research the company or organization to ensure that they have a good reputation and that they treat their interns fairly (this is why entering an internship through a respected university is a good idea).
- Be wary of unpaid internships or internships that require you to pay a fee to participate. Internships should not cost you money to join.
- Don't be afraid to negotiate the terms of the internship, including the duration, hours, and compensation, if they are not clearly defined or if you feel that they are not fair.
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