Internships for international students
Australian work experience helps you get a job after you graduate. Internships and placements are a good way in, as long as they follow workplace and visa rules.
On this page
Internships give you real workplace experience, references and contacts in your field. For international students there are two main types: placements that are a required part of your course, and internships you arrange yourself. The rules are different for each.
Types of internships
- Course placements (work-integrated learning): a required, assessed part of your course, such as clinical placements in nursing.
- Professional Year internships: part of the Professional Year in accounting, ICT and engineering.
- Self-arranged internships: paid or unpaid roles you find with an employer.
Rules to know
Under Australian workplace law, unpaid internships are generally only lawful if they are a required part of an education course, or if there is no real employment relationship and the arrangement mainly benefits you rather than the business. If you are doing productive work, you are usually an employee and must be paid at least the minimum wage. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains these rules.
Good to know: work that is a registered, required part of your course does not count towards your Student visa work limit. Other paid or unpaid work does, so keep within 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session.
How to find an internship
- Ask your provider's careers service about placements and partner employers.
- Prepare an Australian-style resume that is short and focuses on achievements.
- Network: professional associations, events and LinkedIn.
- Apply early and practise interviews.
How Immi Solution helps
We explain how an internship fits your visa conditions and career plans, and how options such as the Professional Year can add both experience and points. We cannot guarantee a job or internship.
Questions people ask
Can international students do unpaid internships in Australia?
Only in limited situations, such as when it is a required part of your course. If you are doing productive work for a business, you are usually entitled to be paid.
Does an internship count towards my 48 hours a fortnight?
Work that is a registered, required part of your course does not count. Other work, paid or unpaid, does count towards your limit while your course is in session.
Can an internship help me get permanent residence?
Indirectly. Australian work experience can help with employment and some points, but internships do not guarantee any visa.
Official sources
We check this page against the official information below and last reviewed it on 14 November 2026. Rules, fees and processing times change, so confirm the current position before you apply.
