A Swinburne overseas internship will provide you with sought-after industry experience that will help you stand out from the crowd of other graduates when it comes to getting a job. You can even gain academic credit for your overseas internship.

Overseas internships are usually short-term, unpaid opportunities in an area relevant to your studies. Longer-term overseas placement programs (6 - 12 months) are usually paid opportunities.

Swinburne partners with providers who can help you source an overseas internship and arrange visas, accommodation and social activities.   

Want to know more about overseas internships?

Register your interest to attend one of our upcoming information sessions.

Summer 2024/25 internships

Our summer overseas internships (November 2024 - February 2025) are now open for application. For further program details click on the relevant program tile below or register to attend one of our upcoming information sessions.

Note: You can only submit an application for one overseas internship program per application cycle.

  • Berlin street during Berlin film festival

    Berlin Internship

    Immerse yourself in the heart of innovation and creativity as you gain invaluable work experience in a city renowned for its vibrant arts scene and growing start-up culture.

  • Thean Hou temple Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants Available

    Internship Experience in Malaysia

    Experience the vibrant energy of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's dynamic capital, and seize the opportunity to gain invaluable industry experience this summer.

  • View of Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple located in Tokyo

    Internships in Japan

    Discover the vibrant culture and dynamic energy of Tokyo, Japan's bustling metropolis. Experience the perfect blend of tradition and innovation while gaining valuable international work experience.

  • London panoramic with Westminster Bridge and The Houses of Parliament

    Internships in London

    Explore London's vibrant professional landscape with our internship opportunities. Gain hands-on experience in one of the world's leading financial and cultural hubs.

  • Old Hill Street Police Station in Singapore

    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants Available

    Internships in Singapore

    Explore the countless opportunities available in Singapore, a vibrant cosmopolitan city. Immerse yourself in transformative internships that exceed conventional boundaries, providing a dynamic platform for both professional growth and cultural immersion.

  • Internships in Spain

    Explore dynamic internships in Madrid, Spain, offering hands-on experience in various industries. Immerse yourself in Spanish culture while gaining valuable professional skills.

  • Statue of Liberty in New York City

    Internships in USA

    Experience the vibrant American culture and industry with our USA Internships program. From Chicago to New York City and Los Angeles, explore diverse industries, gain hands-on experience, and build connections that will shape your future career. Discover these cities firsthand as you embark on a meaningful internship journey.

  • Skyline with Landmark 81, Ho Chi Minh City

    Internships in Vietnam

    Maximise your semester break by participating in an overseas internship, combining the adventure of living in another country with gaining valuable industry skills through a Vietnam internship.

  • Internships in South Korea

    Transform your semester break into a six-week internship in South Korea, where you'll immerse yourself in hands-on industry experience and gain valuable insights into your field.

  • Sunset over the skyline in Seoul, South Korea.

    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants Available

    Seoul Creative Internships

    Discover the boundless energy and creative pulse of Seoul, South Korea. Immerse yourself in a city where tradition and innovation coalesce seamlessly, offering an inspiring backdrop for your internship experience.

  • Terraced rice field in Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam

    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants available

    Vietnam Health Science Internships

    Gain invaluable work experience in Vietnam's healthcare field through the Vietnam Health Science Internship Program.

Winter 2024 internships

Winter 2024 internships are no longer open for applications.

If you are interested in completing an overseas internship please view our suite of Summer 2024 Internship programs visible in the adjacent tab or register to attend one of our upcoming information sessions.

  • Thean Hou temple Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants available

    Business and Law internships in Malaysia

    Spend your winter gaining valuable industry experience in Malaysia’s dynamic capital, Kuala Lumpur. 

  • Reichstag in Berlin with German flags and blue sky

    Berlin internships

    Creativity, art, business start-ups and nightlife - Berlin internships offer incredible opportunities to experience all this city has to offer.

  • Image of the Cliffs of Moher in Dublin Ireland

    Swinburne Abroad Travel Grants available

    Internships in Dublin

    Experience the thrill of a six-week internship in Dublin, where you can immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture and enhance your professional skills.

  • Image of city skyline of Kuala Lumpur Malaysia at night

    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants available

    Malaysia Innovation in STEM

    Utilise your winter break by gaining valuable industry experience in Malaysia, where cutting-edge advancements meet with a dynamic landscape. 

  • Image of Gardens by the bay in Singapore

    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants available

    Singapore internships

    Discover a world of opportunities in the cosmopolitan city of Singapore, where tradition harmoniously intertwines with cutting-edge innovation. Engage in enriching internships that transcend boundaries.

  • Golden bridge at Ba Na Hills in Danang, Vietnam

    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants available

    Technology, Business & Design internships in Vietnam

    Enjoy the amazing Vietnamese cuisine and landscapes in a growing hub for IT and technology start-ups. 

  • Image of trees and Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok Thailand

    Swinburne Abroad Travel Grants available

    Internships in Thailand

    Spend six-weeks working at a company in Bangkok, Thailand as you gain invaluable hands-on industry experience during your winter break. 

  • Internships in South Korea

    Transform your semester break into a six-week internship in South Korea, where you'll immerse yourself in hands-on industry experience and gain valuable insights into your field.

  • Sunset over the skyline in Seoul, South Korea.

    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants Available

    Seoul Creative Internships

    Discover the boundless energy and creative pulse of Seoul, South Korea. Immerse yourself in a city where tradition and innovation coalesce seamlessly, offering an inspiring backdrop for your internship experience.

Placements

Placements are longer-term overseas programs ranging from 6 - 12 months and are often paid experiences. Explore our overseas placement options below:

  • Close up of a computer board

    Placements in Germany

    Gain real-world, paid experience and equip yourself with valuable skills working with a leading-edge global partner in Germany as part of the Global Research and Industry Program (GRIP).

  • Placements in Malaysia

    Combine the hands-on experience in your field of studies while exploring stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, ancient temples and volcanoes.

Get in the know

  • Live and work in another country and culture
  • Develop independence
  • Build international career networks
  • Add global work experience to your resume
  • Gain academic credit  - it is possible to gain academic credit for an overseas internship. The type of credit you receive will depend on the degree you are studying. Learn more about gaining academic credit from overseas internships.

Specific eligibility requirements depend on the academic unit being utilised, but all students must meet the minimum program eligibility criteria below:

Undergraduate
  • Completed at least 100CP (8 units) or 150 CP (12 units) if you intend to use the international internship unit.
  • Have an average weighted mark of at least 60%, OR if your average is 50–60%, satisfy additional assessment criteria
  • Have available space in your course for the applicable academic unit (domestic students may be able to overload their degree)

Postgraduate
  • Completed at least 25CP at the time of application 
  • Have an average weighted mark of at least 60% (or satisfy additional eligibility criteria if mark is between 50-60%)
  • Have available space in your course for the applicable academic unit (domestic students may be able to overload their degree)

At Swinburne, we partner with internship providers who can help you source an overseas internship. 

With hundreds of industry partners in multiple overseas destinations, we can help find you an internship tailored just for you that includes visas, accommodation, in-country orientation, social and cultural activities and business networking events.  

The internship providers that we partner with have in-country staff to provide 24/7 support. They are experts in all things internships, so you can feel confident that you are getting the best experience and support wherever you decide to do your internship.   

Swinburne may run group internship programs with our internship providers, where we specify the dates, duration and location of an internship, and students will travel together to a destination and undertake internships during the same period. There are also independent internship program options, where you’ll still receive the same full support from our in-country partners and a customised internship role, but you won’t be with other Swinburne students. 

If you have a specific company you would like to work for overseas, or if you do not want an internship package, you can self-source an internship placement. Swinburne Abroad will help you to confirm if it is a suitable internship and if you can receive academic credit for it. You won’t have the assistance of an internship provider to assist with visas, accommodation, in-country support etc. and will need to arrange these things on your own. 

Scholarships

Swinburne Abroad offers scholarships for overseas internship programs. These are advertised on our Fee Help and Scholarships page.

OS-HELP Loans

If you are undertaking an overseas internship for academic credit, you may be eligible for an OS-HELP Loan.

The OS-HELP Loan is an Australian Government scheme for Australian students that provides funding for international study experiences. This loan is added to your HECS debt, which you do not have to repay until your income reaches the minimum repayment threshold.

The maximum loan amounts in 2024 are:

  • $9,504 for destinations in the Asian region
  • $7,921 for destinations in any other region
     

For more information on funding see Fee Help and Scholarships.

You will apply for an OS-HELP Loan as part of your online application.

Research

Decide which group program will suit your studies and career goals.

Determine which academic unit you will use

Every internship is for-credit, and every student will be enrolled in to a unit of study whilst on their internship. The unit you utilize will depend on your course, and the duration of your internship program. Check out the options here.

Apply online

Submit an application online via our online application system. You will select your desired internship program, as well as which academic unit you will utilize.

Receive an offer

If your application is successful, Swinburne Abroad will issue you with an offer to the internship program.

However, this does not guarantee acceptance from the internship provider or a host organisation. We will guide you through the process of applying to a provider and finding an organisation.

Apply to internship provider

Swinburne will guide you on how to apply to your internship provider. The initial application requires basic personal information, the industry sector you would like to intern in, and a copy of your resume.

Note: You must select an industry sector that is the closest match to your Swinburne course in order to receive academic credit for the experience.

Phone interview

Complete a phone interview with your internship provider. They will find out more about you, including your studies, skills, your interests and what you hope to gain from the internship. They will use this information to find a host organisation that is suitable for you and your studies.

Searching for a host organisation

Your internship provider will start the search for your host organisation. You may have Skype interviews with potential companies. Payment schedules differ between providers during this time. If eligible, we will guide you on how to apply for an OS HELP Loans and/or Overseas Internships Scholarships at this stage. 

Note: This part of the application process takes the longest. It is normal to receive final details of your internship up to four weeks from departure. You are not guaranteed a host organisation, but it is highly likely you will be placed in an internship.

Pre-Departure

Host organisation approval
Once you are allocated to a host organisation, Swinburne Abroad needs to conduct checks to confirm that it is a suitable placement for you and meets Swinburne’s academic requirements. An internship agreement will be prepared for signing by all parties.

Pre-departure steps
Once Swinburne has confirmed your host organisation, you can work with your internship provider to arrange all logistics such as flights, visas, accommodation etc. Swinburne offers free travel insurance to students (subject to requirements) which we will assist you with. You will attend a mandatory pre-departure session, and submit required travel documentation to Swinburne Abroad. We will ensure you are enrolled in the correct academic unit.

Post-departure

Depart for your internship
It is time to depart on your internship journey! Your internship provider will give you an in-country orientation and ensure you are settled in and familiar with your new city. They will assist you on your first day of work, and throughout your placement they will organise social, cultural and networking activities for you and other interns.

Complete your academic work
You will be enrolled into an academic unit for the duration of your internship, and you may need to complete assessments before, during and after the internship. It is your responsibility to check what academic work you need to complete and to stay in contact with the relevant academic staff.

Want free travel insurance?

Swinburne offers free travel insurance to students (subject to requirements). You will attend a mandatory pre-departure session and submit required travel documentation to Swinburne Abroad who will ensure you are enrolled in the correct academic unit.

Need help with your overseas internship?

Having trouble with the application process or do you just need a little more information? The friendly team at Swinburne Abroad are here to answer any questions you may have regarding your overseas internship. Call +61 3 9214 5926 or click the button below. 

Contact us