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An internship in Australia can give you direct access to the Australian job market and build a professional experience that employers value most. For Filipino students, gaining work experience through internships in Australia as a student provides academic credit along with the chance to understand local workplace culture, build valuable networks, and significantly boost employability.
For those looking for career benefits of pursuing internships, tips to find an internship, or details on paid and unpaid internships in Australia for Filipino students, this guide covers everything you need to know. Let us explore why an internship could be your best career move in Australia as an international student.
The benefits of pursuing internships in Australia while studying as an international student surpass what you might learn in a classroom. Here's why Filipino students should do an internship in Australia:
Australia provides several internship opportunities to international students enrolled in various bachelors, masters, doctoral, and diploma courses. The different types of internships in Australia for Filipino students can be understood as follows:
These are part of your degree programme and usually need approval from your university. Ideal for students aiming to earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience. Examples include the CSIRO Vacation Scholarships for science and engineering students, and research internships offered by the University of Melbourne, where students work on supervised academic projects tied to their coursework. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) often offers paid internships, while University of Melbourne research internships, particularly industry-funded ones, may offer a stipend.
These can be taken during semester breaks or after graduation. They give you the flexibility to explore different industries and roles. Popular examples include the Summer Intern Programme by Commonwealth Bank, which focuses on finance, tech, and analytics, and Deloitte Australia鈥檚 Student Internships, which provide structured training and potential graduate placements in consulting, tax, and audit. Both the Summer Intern Programme by Commonwealth Bank and Deloitte Australia's Student Internships are generally paid.
Remote work opportunities that let you gain Australian work experience while managing your study schedule. Notable platforms include GoIntern, which connects students to remote internships in digital marketing, UX, and data analysis, and CareerVillage Virtual Internships, offering project-based remote roles in areas like software development and business strategy. Please note that GoIntern often involves programme fees, and internships are typically unpaid. CareerVillage is a non-profit focused on advice and project-based learning, which is often unpaid.
Several industries actively welcome international students, creating various internship opportunities in Australia for international students. Check out the top industries offering internships in Australia to Filipino Students:
Roles include software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity, which are especially popular among Filipino students in IT courses. While some highly competitive programmes at major banks might have strict citizenship or residency requirements, excellent paid and unpaid opportunities are widely available in dedicated tech companies, startups, and various other corporate sectors that actively recruit international students for practical, hands-on experience.
Opportunities in banking, accounting, and financial planning are widely available, especially in Melbourne and Sydney. Internships such as Deloitte鈥檚 Summer Scholar Programme provide real-world exposure in finance and consulting, often leading to graduate roles.
Digital marketing, content creation, and public relations are in demand, with Filipino students bringing valuable multicultural insights. Many creative agencies and corporate marketing departments offer structured experience in branding and communication strategy.
Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering internships are a strong match for Filipino students with technical backgrounds. Programmes like Rio Tinto鈥檚 Engineering Internship give participants hands-on training in field operations and engineering projects.
Roles in healthcare administration, aged care support, and community services reflect Australia鈥檚 growing demand in the sector. Internships in these areas can provide valuable experience in an essential industry, focusing on non-clinical support and administrative functions.
With a focus on restaurant management, hotel operations, and tour services, this industry thrives in cities like Melbourne and Sydney. Internship organisations run programmes for Accor Hotels, offering placements in hospitality management and guest services at major tourist destinations.
Finding the right internship requires using multiple channels and starting your search early. Here are a few places and tips to find internships in Australia for Filipino students:
Job Portals: Seek, Indeed, and GradConnection are the main platforms where employers post internship positions. Set up job alerts using keywords like "graduate intern" or "student placement". Also, check the 'careers' section of company websites directly, especially for larger organisations you are interested in.
University Career Services: Your institution's career centre offers exclusive partnerships with employers and can help match your skills with available positions. They also host workshops and career events designed to help international students navigate the Australian job market.
LinkedIn Networking: Connect with professionals in your field and join Australian industry groups. Many internships are filled through networking before they're publicly advertised. Do not hesitate to reach out for informational interviews to learn about their career paths and potential opportunities for better preparation for internships in Australia.
Placement Programmes: Some education agents and specialised companies help international students find Australian internship programmes for international students. These services often provide guaranteed placements, visa guidance, and ongoing support throughout your internship.
Start your internship search early 鈥� at least 3-4 months in advance for many opportunities, and even 6-9 months for highly competitive structured programmes (e.g., Summer vacationer programmes often open applications in March-April for a December start).
Additionally, ensure your resume is tailored to Australian standards and reflects your unique strengths and experiences as a Filipino student studying in Australia.
Before applying, Filipino students should ensure they meet these basic eligibility requirements for internships in Australia:
Current Enrolment: You must be enrolled in a recognised Australian educational institution.
English Proficiency: Most employers and internship providers expect strong communication skills in English, often aligning with an upper-intermediate to advanced level (e.g., an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 bands or equivalent).
Insurance and Approvals: As an international student, you are legally required to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your stay in Australia, which provides basic medical and hospital coverage. For academic internships in Australia, your university will typically provide additional public liability and accident insurance during approved placements. Always confirm your specific insurance coverage with your university鈥檚 career services.
Valid Visa with Work Rights: You must hold a current Student Visa (Subclass 500) which permits you to work. Be aware that the Student Visa generally limits you to working up to 48 hours per fortnight when your course is in session. However, compulsory work placements or internships that are a formal, registered part of your course (and are CRICOS registered) may be exempt from this limit. Students undertaking a Master's by Research or Doctoral degree usually have no work hour limit. If you are seeking an internship after graduation, a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) provides full-time work rights.
The requirements differ between academic and independent internships in Australia, so check with your university鈥檚 international student services for specific guidelines that apply to your situation.
Paid internships in Australia for international students are more common in sectors like IT, engineering, and finance, reflecting high demand for specific skills. Organisations like CSIRO, Commonwealth Bank, and Deloitte regularly offer paid roles. Unpaid internships, while still offering significant experience, are often tied directly to academic credit or offered by non-profit organisations and universities, especially in sectors such as education, social services, and research roles where the primary benefit is learning and exposure rather than direct contribution to revenue.
Aspect |
Paid Internships |
Unpaid Internships |
Financial Benefit |
Earn while you learn |
Focus on experience and credit |
Industry Focus |
Technical, finance, engineering |
Non-profit, media, government |
Duration |
Usually longer (6 weeks –6 months) |
Often shorter (4–12 weeks) |
Job Prospects |
Often leads to graduate roles or extended contracts |
Useful for building references and gaining local experience |
Choose based on your financial situation and career goals, remembering that both types can lead to valuable opportunities.
Making the most of your internship in Australia depends on your attitude and how you engage with the experience. Refer to the tips to make the most of your experience for internships in Australia given below:
An internship in Australia provides Filipino students with an unmatched opportunity to gain international work experience, build professional networks, and understand global business practices. The combination of quality education and practical work experience makes you globally competitive and creates pathways to permanent residency or international career opportunities.
Start exploring internships in Australia early, prepare thoroughly, and get one step closer to your dream career in Australia. Register with AECC and have your profile evaluated for top Australian universities.
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