The opportunity to gain work experience while studying is a milestone in any student’s professional journey. It involves identifying your goals, looking at available resources, and making them work for your best interests.
Luckily, international students in Australia can become interns in areas such as IT, education, finance, hospitality, healthcare, and engineering, among others. At Remitly, we’re excited to help you learn more about internship opportunities Down Under and how to find them.
Understanding internships in Australia
There are different types of internships in Australia for students, and understanding what each entails will help you determine the best kind to pursue.
Industry internships
These are the typical internships that companies in various industries offer. Established firms provide organised internship programs for learners in the final few years of study, particularly during summer breaks. On the other hand, smaller companies may offer shorter, less structured programs that are available all year.
Remote or virtual internships
Made popular during the global pandemic, remote internships allow students to nurture skills and talent virtually from anywhere in the world. All you need is a computer or smartphone and a working internet connection.
This type of internship is ideal for those stuck offshore or juggling visa limitations.
Work-integrated learning
This internship is tied to your academic program, often as a mandatory requirement you must fulfil before graduating. Usually, your university coordinates with a host institution where you will work. Learning objectives are laid out, and typically, a supervisor is assigned to keep tabs on your progress.
Paid vs. unpaid internships
In Australia, paid internships are common in demanding fields like IT, finance, healthcare, and engineering. They are usually linked to big institutions such as banks, tech giants, or government departments.
The stipend varies, but it usually ranges from 20-35 AUD/hour. Some might even offer a flat, project-based fee.
On the other hand, unpaid internships are popular in fields like media and the arts. Here, the pay comes in the form of practical experience, portfolio-worthy projects, and networks.
Benefits of combining study and work experience
From professional development to valuable practical skills, studying while working offers a broad range of benefits for students in any field:
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- Enhances comprehension: Combining learning with an internship program boosts your comprehension skills in unexpected ways. Let’s say you study software engineering and simultaneously work on a coding project as an intern. The theory lessons from class will come to life through your practical project—and even upgrade your output.
- Improves time management: Balancing lectures, assignments, and your internship will demand excellent time management skills. This ultimately forces you to become better at planning and organisation, which are valuable skills in both academic or professional settings.
- Hones practical skills: Classroom lessons teach you the basics of your field. However, the real world of work comes with its fair share of pressure, problems that need solving, or deadlines that can’t be postponed. Exposure to these challenges in real life helps sharpen vital professional skills early on in life.
- Financial independence: Some internship programs provide a stipend, allowing you to build a strong financial foundation and develop money management skills early on. Many students also use the extra funds to cover books, tuition, living costs, and other expenses.
Why are internships so important for international students?
There are myriad reasons why internships are beneficial experiences for any student; however, they are particularly essential for international learners trying to launch careers in Australia. Here are just a few reasons why:
- Gain local work experience: Internships offer hands-on experience of the Australian workplace, allowing you to gain first-hand exposure in real-world settings. Local experience is essential for international students as most employers prefer applicants who understand the country’s unique work culture.
- Build local networks: As you navigate the Australian job market, you’ll meet real professionals—a networking goldmine for international students. Those endorsements, references, and insider leads on unadvertised jobs can be invaluable in the future.
- Boost your employability: Internships prove you have proven yourself in an actual work setting, which employers value. These experiences also familiarise you with Australia’s local contexts, such as industry-specific tools that will stand out to potential employers.
- Pathway to permanent residency: International students with local experience gain unique benefits when applying for permanent residency (PR). For example, paid or in-demand internships can earn you points toward visas such as Subclass 485 or other PR pathways.
Legal requirements and visa conditions
International students in Australia must understand the laws allowing them to stay in the country. The Student visa, commonly known as Subclass 500, has a legal framework establishing what you can and can’t do.
This visa allows students to work up to 48 hours every fortnight when a semester is active. But there’s no cap during official breaks—in fact, you can work full-time at this time.
International students must also remain enrolled full-time in an academic institution and program listed in the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). If your course of study includes an internship, you can start working once learning commences.
If you have dependants under your visa, such as children or a spouse, they can also work up to 48 hours every fortnight during the semester and unlimited hours during official breaks.
Learn more about Australian citizenship in our detailed guide.
Steps to secure an internship in Australia
Understanding how to secure an Australian internship is key to enjoying the benefits that come with it. Here are some things you can do to find a suitable internship.
1. Leverage internship platforms and websites
There are various reliable platforms and websites in Australia through which you can land an internship.
GradConnection is a household name for students and graduates in the country. It has many internship programs from prominent companies like Telstra or Deloitte. Sign up for free and immediately gain access to thousands of listings and open roles. You can filter these vacancies by location, industry, and study year.
Another excellent site is Seek, the biggest job board in Australia and one of the trusted platforms students use to land internship programs. Seek provides brand-new listings daily.
2. Utilize university career services and resources
Australian universities are well-equipped to help students find internships quickly and at no extra cost. This service is often provided through dedicated careers offices based in each institution.
Universities partner with industry players to provide direct opportunities to learners. Some even keep internship databases to help students find tailored opportunities that align with unique needs.
Through these services and resources, you can get valuable career advice or internship opportunities customised to match your goals and aspirations.
3. Network with professionals in your field
Networking is essential for career growth in Australia, especially given its prevalent hidden job market. So, start building connections early. Go to workshops, industry talks, or career fairs and interact with people there. You might find your next employer or referral at such forums.
Additionally, join apps like LinkedIn and connect instantly with local professionals in your sector.
Tips for a successful internship experience
An internship is the first chance you’ll get to perform real work related to your future career. So, focus on creating the best experience and set the right attitude for future job opportunities. Use these easy tips to make your internship a success:
Balance academic and internship responsibilities
- Communicate clearly: Ensure your internship supervisor knows you are a student from the beginning. Most understand this and are willing to accommodate your needs to make it a more convenient experience. For example, what do you do when a school deadline coincides with a task at work? Point it out early and work with your supervisor to find the best solution or prevent unnecessary misunderstandings.
- Plan your schedule well: Be aware of your responsibilities and create a schedule that prioritises the most urgent tasks.
- Be flexible but firm: Things may change, compelling you to rethink some of your plans. A work project may grow, or an important assignment might need some sacrifice on your part. Always be ready to tweak your schedule to accommodate all your responsibilities.
Set professional goals and expectations
Having clear goals is crucial if you are to complete an internship program successfully. You don’t want your internship to be an exercise that never adds value to your academic or professional endeavours.
When you know what you want from something, you focus effort until it is realised. Do you want to build practical skills? Or are you after a strong network? It’s best to have a definite goal in mind before enrolling for any internship.
Always set goals and expectations that are clear, applicable, and related to your future ambitions.
Enhance your professional network
Strong networks can open doors to opportunities that would never be heard of. The most competitive internship roles hardly make it to online platforms. Instead, potential employers utilise internal referrals, word of mouth, or industry contacts. A solid professional network will ensure you know about the hottest gigs before they even hit sites like Indeed or Seek.
Strive to build genuine relationships with people who are already working in your field of study. Begin with who you know, like your lecturers, peers, or family.
When you get that internship, be a positive influence in the workplace. Take initiative, build rapport, and be impressive in everything you do to leave a lasting impression
Common challenges and how to overcome them
Australian internships can come with a variety of challenges:
- Managing work and study loads: To start, identify your commitments. Get a paper or digital calendar and plan your study time, lessons, assignment deadlines, and tutorials against your work hours. Prioritise urgent tasks first and follow up with the less urgent ones.
- Cultural and workplace differences: Australia is a vibrant, diverse country, so you will meet people from varying cultures and backgrounds. Dealing with these differences requires patience, an open mind, and a dedication to respecting each other’s quirks.
- Different communication styles: Talk less, listen more, and notice how colleagues in the office interact and communicate. Don’t isolate yourself; rather, join in activities and discussions on matters you’re familiar with without being overconfident.
- Securing internships in competitive fields: The most competitive fields in the country include healthcare, tech, media, engineering, and finance. To find an internship in these sectors, you must be competitive too. Stand out by excelling in your studies, taking up valuable extracurricular activities, or contributing to projects with real-world implications. Completing such an internship successfully will prepare you for some of Australia’s highest-paying jobs.
Knowing what you could face as an international student is key to preparing yourself mentally. It also allows you to come up with solutions beforehand.
Useful websites and platforms for finding internships
Other than the platforms we’ve already mentioned in this article, several other websites can be useful when searching for internship opportunities in Australia:
- Prosple: Find placements that fit with your course.
- Ribit: Best for regional and remote internships, especially in tech and STEM sectors.
- LinkedIn: Ideal for creating an online profile and networking with other professionals.
- Study Australia: Tailored for international students juggling school, work, and life.
- Fair Work Australia: Ensures your internship is legit and explains your rights as an intern.
Launch your successful career
By leveraging your university’s resources, polishing your resume, and building strong networks, you can easily secure an internship in the highly competitive Australian job market.
Some additional resources you can take advantage of include networking boosters such as Eventbrite and Meetup, which connect students to employers. Skill-building tools like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning can also give you an edge.
FAQs
Can international students get an internship in Australia?
Yes, immigrants can apply for different internship opportunities in Australia. However, you must meet the eligibility criteria. The type of visa you hold determines the kind of internship you can get and the amount of time you can spend engaging in work. You can learn about Australian visas and how to apply for them here.
Are internships in Australia paid or unpaid?
Internships in Australia can either be paid or unpaid, depending on the industry or the nature of your work. Internships in established firms or government departments often provide a stipend, as well as those that require a lot of work. On the other hand, internships that form part of your curriculum are generally unpaid but can add extra academic credits.
How can I find an internship in Australia as a student?
You can land an Australian internship as an international student in several ways. Start by using online platforms or approaching your university’s career services department. You can also expand your professional network to access competitive opportunities.
Which industries offer internships for international students?
Generally, any Australian industry can offer paid or unpaid internship opportunities. However, the most competitive include engineering, IT, healthcare, marketing and advertising, media and communications, tourism, hospitality, and non-profit organisations.