Internships support students' transition from study to the workforce. In Australia, internships across industries build practical skills and improve employability outcomes. But why put the time into an internship when you've already got the certification to work in your industry?
For both local and international students, internships bring value to your resume, professional experience, and make you look more attractive as a potential candidate.
This guide explains how internships operate in Australia, what students can expect, and how to approach the process. Thankfully, Premium Graduate knows how to find an internship for many fields!
What is an Internship in Australia?
An internship is a structured, short-to-medium-term work placement designed to provide practical, industry-relevant experience. Unlike casual or part-time jobs, internships focus on learning, skill development, and exposure to professional environments.
In Australia, internships may be:
- Paid or unpaid (depending on structure and legal requirements)
- Part-time or full-time
- Short-term or ongoing
- Completed during or after study
Most internships are aligned with a student’s field of study or career goals and are intended to support employability rather than replace paid employment.
How Do Internships Work?
Internships in Australia generally follow a structured framework. Students are placed within a host organisation and assigned real tasks under supervision, allowing them to apply academic knowledge in a workplace setting.
While each placement is different, most internships include:
- A defined scope of responsibilities
- On-the-job learning and mentoring
- Exposure to workplace systems and processes
- Feedback on performance and professional development
Internships are designed to help students learn how Australian workplaces operate and what is expected in professional roles. You don’t need to play a perfect role. What matters is being open to learning.
Internships for Local Students
For domestic students, internships are often completed:
- As part of a university course or elective unit
- During semester breaks
- After graduation for industry exposure
Local students benefit from internships by building confidence, clarifying career direction, and strengthening resumes with relevant experience. Employers view internships as evidence of initiative and workplace readiness, particularly for graduate and entry-level roles.
Internships also help students identify which roles or industries they do not want to pursue.
Internships for International Students
For international students, internships serve an additional purpose: gaining Australian workplace experience. This experience is highly valued by employers and can significantly improve employability outcomes after graduation.
International students must ensure their internship aligns with visa conditions. In most cases:
- Internships must comply with student visa work limitations
- Placements should be genuine learning experiences
- Unpaid internships must meet legal and educational criteria
Because navigating eligibility and compliance can be complex, structured internship programs are often the safest and most effective option for international students.
What Employers Expect from Interns
Australian employers do not expect interns to arrive fully skilled or experienced. What they do expect is professionalism, reliability, and willingness to learn. Interns could be assessed on:
- Communication and attitude
- Ability to follow instructions
- Time management and accountability
- Openness to feedback
- Cultural and workplace awareness
These behaviours often matter more than technical ability and play a significant role in whether an internship leads to future opportunities.
How long are internships? Internships are structured to include a total of 252 mandatory hours, typically completed over approximately 12 weeks at around three days per week. The specific days and schedule are discussed and agreed upon during the interview process. Host companies are generally flexible and aim to accommodate your availability wherever possible.
Do internships lead to jobs? While not guaranteed, internships significantly improve employment prospects. Many employers use internships as a pathway to graduate roles, casual or part-time employment, or ongoing professional opportunities.
Internships allow employers to assess candidates in real working conditions, reducing hiring risk. For students, this creates an opportunity to demonstrate capability beyond interviews and resumes.
Premium Graduate Placements Supports Internship Success
Premium Graduate Placements works with students and graduates across Australia to secure structured internships aligned with real industry expectations. What sets our internship programs apart?
- Strong employability outcomes, with over 72% of placements progressing into permanent roles
- A network of 6,200+ host companies across Australia
- Access to off-market opportunities not publicly advertised
- Tailored pre-placement preparation, including resume refinement and interview coaching
Placements are designed to support both local and international students.
Learn more by reading our blog: Career Guidance for Engineering Students: Why Internships Matter in Australia?
Want Help Finding a Law Internship in Australia? Call Premium Graduate
An internship is an opportunity to build confidence, develop professional habits, and gain insight into how your chosen industry operates.
Students who gain the most value ask thoughtful questions, seek feedback, take initiative within their scope, and reflect on their experience and learning.
Whether you are a local student or an international graduate, the right internship can shape your career direction and improve your employability in the Australian job market.
If you are looking for structured support, industry-aligned placements, and guidance every step of the way, Premium Graduate Placements:
- Match you with internship opportunities beyond traditional job boards
- Prepare you for the workplace with personalised guidance and support
- Place you within a national network of over 6,200 host organisations
- Support strong post-internship outcomes, with more than 72% of placements leading to ongoing employment
Contact our team today to chat about your career aspirations. We’d love to help you get your dream role by directing you to reliable law internships in Australia.
Our program has resulted in many positive stories after graduation. View the internship board, write to us on info@premiumgraduate.com.au, or speak to us directly by calling 1300 766 810.
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