Internships in bachelor degrees
Upgrade your bachelor degree with real industry experience through a Swinburne internship.
Your internship at Swinburne
Internships at bachelor degree level are an opportunity to apply what you have learnt in a professional setting related to your chosen field.
You have two options for completion:
- part-time over one semester (1-2 days per week up to approximately 140 hours total), or
- intensive mode over the 6-week Summer Term.
You’ll earn credit towards your degree and participate in regular online learning activities while you’re working.
Not sure if you are eligible? Check your eligibility
On this page:
Your eligibility
You may be eligible to do an internship as part of your Swinburne bachelor degree if you:
- have completed a minimum of 12 units (150 credit points) in your degree
- have an elective unit free in your study plan
- have a weighted course average of 60% or higher
Your internship may also be subject to an interview with one of our industry partners.
Not eligible? Find out about other opportunities to upgrade your degree TBC
Are you an international student?
An internship does not increase the duration of your course and is covered on your study visa. All you need is one free elective unit.
Unless the internship is a mandatory requirement of your degree, the hours you work as part of your internship will count towards your visa’s work hour limits.
For help with understanding how and when to apply, contact the international student support team.
Frequently asked questions
Professional Internships Semester 2, 2024
- Monday 6 May 2024: Position descriptions made available to all eligible students
- Monday 5 August 2024: Last day to confirm Professional Internships
- Monday 15 July - Monday 12 August 2024: Internship commencement dates
- Friday 25 October 2024: Internships end by this date.
Summer Term 2025
- Monday 14 October 2024: Project descriptions made available to all eligible students
- Monday 16 December 2024: Last day to confirm Pofessional Internships
- Monday 6 January - Monday 13 January 2025: Internship commencement dates – students begin their internship with host organisation
- Friday 14 February 2025: Internships end by this date (last day of semester/term).
Internship dates change annually. If you miss the application deadline, consider the next intake. Remember you will need at least three units remaining in your degree after completing your placement.
You can register for an internship at any time. Securing an internship is a competitive process and will rely on the quality of your résumé, cover letter, academic record, interview and sometimes a portfolio.
Each organisation will have a slightly different screening process that may involve interviews, group assessments and other tasks.
We’re here to help though – follow these steps:
Step 1: Register
You can register your interest online as soon as you’re ready. Your eligibility will be confirmed within 3 days.
Step 2: Create a resume and cover letter
If you’re eligible, you’ll receive an email with resources to help you create a professional résumé and cover letter.
Step 3: Apply
Once your résumé has been finalised, you will get access to view and apply for relevant internship opportunities.
Note: You’re able to self-source your own internship, as long as it is relevant to your course of study and the industry partner fits within our guidelines.
Internships are an opportunity to apply what you’re learning at Swinburne in a professional setting.
While you’re ‘on the job’, you will:
- work on projects with real-world impact
- experience day-to-day work in a highly regarded organisation
- learn directly from experienced industry professionals
- build skills and capabilities employers want
- grow your professional networks
- gain an impressive addition to your résumé
Internships are usually unpaid.
You’ll be charged one standard unit tuition fee for the Professional Internship unit, depending on your unit study area.
Unlike a placement, internships can be full- or part-time and are completed in a single semester or an intensive Summer Term.
Not sure which option is right for you? We can help.
While on a placement, you’re considered a full-time student of Swinburne and can access all of our support services.
As well as your academic and industry supervisors, you can also reach out to these services for further support: Student HQ, AccessAbility Services and Student Placement team at profplacements@swinburne.edu.au.
Employers: Looking to employ a Swinburne student?
Get access to the next generation of talent before hit the grad market. Our students bring fresh perspectives to workplaces along with leading industry knowledge that can help your team reach its goals.
While they learn, you’ll have the chance to mentor future talent and revel in the enthusiasm of a student with limitless ambition.
Student internship stories
-
Information Technology
Mohammad's internship story
Orange Business Services
Mohammad's internship gave him insight into project coordination within a global organisation.
-
Law
Katrina's internship story
Coroners Court of Victoria
Katrina's internship gave her a good understanding of what her future job life might be like.
-
Information Technology
Shoaib's internship story
Media Links Australia
Shoaib's internship was the first step towards his career in Australia.
More industry experience opportunities
-
Overseas internships
Provided in collaboration with our global partners, our overseas internships offer you the chance to venture into sought-after global industries with hands-on experience that’ll help you stand out from the rest.
-
Virtual overseas programs
Our virtual overseas programs are an accessible and sustainable way to get competitive global working experience from the comfort of your home.
-
Placements
Give your degree an industry upgrade with a paid, full-time placement. Over 6 or 12 months, you’ll gain the next gen experience, insight and knowledge employers want.
-
Accreditation placements
Immerse yourself in your chosen profession with hands-on experience and practical learning in a work environment.
