Tips to secure an internship in Australia as an international student

Internships allow students to gain practical work experience, learn new skills and apply their learning from university in a live workplace environment. They also help in building a professional network, improving language skills and learning about different work cultures and exchanges.

We’ve broken out what you need to know about paid and online internships in Australia and share a few tips to help improve your employability to secure an internship.

Some internships can come with restrictions

As an international student, you should familiarise yourself with the Australian visa requirements and restrictions, such as the number of work hours allowed per week, minimum wage mandates and tax obligations.

The Australian Federal Government recently announced an increase to the working hour cap for international students, from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight commencing from 1 July 2023. This means students will have the opportunity to take on more paid work while studying in Australia.

International higher education graduates with eligible qualifications will also be granted an extra two years of post-study work rights. In order to earn money from working in Australia, you will need to obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) and lodge an annual tax return with the Australian Tax Office (ATO).

Online internships allow for flexibility

Online internships allow international students to participate from anywhere in the world. This allows for flexibility and convenience for students, so they can work around their study schedules, in addition to using digital tools to communicate with team members.

Online internships are available in a variety of fields, and many companies offer virtual internships specifically designed for international students to gain practical work experience and develop useful skills to take into their future careers.

Tips to secure an internship

Whether you’re applying for an internship in-person or online, it is crucial to prepare a resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile, in addition to brushing up on your interview skills.

• Your resume should highlight your education, relevant coursework, work experience, language skills and any practical skills that are applicable to the internship you are applying for.
• Your cover letter should be personalised to the company and highlight specific interests and skills you can bring to the role.
• Your LinkedIn profile should always be up-to-date and include a professional and current profile picture. Use your profile to showcase your achievements and skills, and make sure to include relevant keywords that apply to your internship.

Prepare for your interview by researching the company in question and find information about their values and culture and what makes them different. Always come prepared with questions, no matter big or small, to show your interest and that you’ve you’re your research.

How Torrens University can help you secure an internship

At Torrens University, each student is assigned a Success Coach for the duration of their studies. They are a qualified industry professional in your relevant field of study, who will enhance your professional credibility and share insights with you on how to develop your career. You can set up individual meetings with your Success Coach who will run you through your resume and share tips on how to succeed during the interview process.

Anshul’s internship experience in Australia

Anshul Sethi from India shares his experience undertaking an internship while studying, stating, “my various internships in marketing have given me the chance to obtain real-life work experience. I’m continually working to build invaluable skills and experience in my chosen field.”

Follow our tips from preparing your resume and cover letter, to interview best practices to increase your chance of landing a paid internship as an international student in your desired field.