The International Student's Internship Guide

No matter how impressive your grades, certificates or extra curricular achievements: experience is one of the most important factors employers look for. 

That’s why a large number of international students decide to undertake an internship during their time down under.  

Below, find out everything you need to know about how to get an internship in Australia from the qualifications and visa requirements needed to become an intern to future career prospects.

Why should I do an internship in Australia?

There are lots of reasons why you should consider an internship during your time in Australia. 

Below, we’ve rounded up just a few of the brilliant advantages to interning.

• You will stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs
  
  
• It’s a chance to gain vital skills and experience that will look impressive on your resume
  
  
• You’ll have an the opportunity to trial different careers before making a decision
  
  
• You’ll get to experience how a business operates on a daily basis
  ​
• You have the chance to gain references that will come in handy when applying for future jobs
  
  
• You can network with industry professionals
  
  
• It will allow you to apply the skills you have learned at college or university to real life scenarios ​

How can international students get an internship in Australia?

Readygrad is one of Australia’s leading internship programs. That’s why, Study Online Australia has partnered with their expert team to promote the incredible work they do.

Readygrad has partner with universities and education providers across the country to help boost student employability through industry placements, workshops and training.

The organisation has teamed up with thousands of industry partners and each internship is designed to suit both the business and the student.

According to Readygrad:

• 97% of Readygrad's interns developed the essential skills needed to help them find work in Australia
   
• 98% of Readygrad's interns improved their networking ability and communication skills during their placement

If you’re looking for an internship in Sydney or Melbourne, the Study Online Australia team will be able to assist with your inquiry.

What kind of internships do Readygrad offer?

Readygrad provides placements across a wide range of industries.

​Below is a list of the specialist areas/career paths on offer:
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• Business/marketing
• Software developers
• Business analysts
• Civil engineering
• Web developers
• Data analysts
• Networkers
• IT Support
• Accounting
• Finance
• HR

How does the internship process work at Readygrad?

Intake is every two weeks and the process of matching a student with a placement consultant usually takes around two to six weeks to complete. Your consultant will work closely with you to understand your career goals, to help you build a resume and develop your interview skills. 

• The team will assist you in preparing for your interviews
  
  
• The team will offer guidance along the way 
  
  
• Interviews will be organised on your behalf until you secure a professional placement in your area of interest
  ​
• You will be supported throughout the preparation process and during your internship as the Readygrad team will check in on your progress and are always on hand if you need help or advice.

What requirements are needed for an internship?

Students can undertake an internship at any stage of their studies though it is preferable if you are studying a BA or Masters in the area of your choice. However, each case is treated differently. 

If you have completed a BA or Masters overseas and are now completing Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a related area, then you will also be considered for an internship. You can find further information on cheap courses on offer in Australia on our website.

What are the benefits to choosing an internship with Readygrad?

Readygrad works hard to find the right internship for you. Unlike other internship programs, the team will hold your hand at every step of the way. 

Below, learn more about the step-by-step internship process:

1. Resume and interview preparation session
   
   
2. Internship Success Toolkit to help you prepare for your internship
   
   
3. Work integrated learning placement of 12 weeks in your nominated profession
   
   
4. Evaluation process with midpoint and exit placement reviews
   
   
5. A dedicated placement consultant to mentor, coach and offer career advice throughout your internship
   
   
6. Voluntary Workers Insurance provided for your placement

What visa do you need to do an internship in Australia?

Most interns undertake internships in Australia on a Student Visa Subclass 500 or a Graduate Visa Subclass 485.

Important: Please always check with Home Affairs and/or with your internship provider to ensure your current/future visa allows you to undertake an internship in Australia. 

Can I do an online internship?

As a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, you can now apply for online internships in Australia. Readygrad offers remote internships, which last up to 12 weeks for 3 to 5 days per week.

Online internships mean students can work from home with regular consultations and meetings taking place over video conference. A mentor will also check in regularly with you and is on hand if you need advice or support.

Image by @wocintechchat

What do I need to get an internship in Australia?

It’s competitive out there. That’s why it’s important to research the companies you are interviewing with.

Below, find a couple of handy tips to consider before applying for your internship:

• Research, research, research. Before applying for an internship, make sure that you have a clear understanding of what the business does, how they operate and what you want from the experience.
  
  
• Sharpen up your resume. You can find handy tips on writing a good resume over on our jobs section.

 

• Technical skills are highly sought after with many organisations looking for graduates with experience in using content management systems, video conferencing software, Photoshop and coding. The level of experience required will depend upon the role and industry so make sure to do some research first. It might be worth brushing up on your skills through online workshops or free trials.

Do you get paid for internships in Australia?

Whether or not you are paid for your internship in Australia will depend upon the individual’s circumstances and the company.

How long is an internship in Australia?

Internships vary in length depending upon the individual’s circumstances but most range from between 4 to 12 weeks. Some courses such as Certificate IV in Social Media require students to undertake a three month internship during their studies. 

If you’re interested in learning more about internships in Australia, contact the team today.

What kind of content would you like to see more of on our student blog? Let us know by email or leave a comment below.

Thank you,

The Study Online Australia team