International Internships
Why choose an international internship?
Gain global work experience
Enhance your resume and set yourself apart in the job market by demonstrating diverse global experience.
Build cultural awareness
Immerse yourself in a new culture, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and understand global perspectives.
Access unique learning opportunities
Experience diverse practices and environments, expanding your knowledge of your chosen field.
What is an international internship?
An international internship is a three-week program abroad. You intern with a global company, sourced and assigned by the University, enabling you to gain valuable cross-cultural experience while earning credit towards your degree. Internships are available in various disciplines.
Please note: Faculty sourced international internships are only available during the Summer intake, with the next intake scheduled for Summer 2025/26. Students who secure their own international internship may apply for a self-sourced internship in any intake.
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For Summer 2025, international internships will take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Mumbai, India.
These locations will give students you the opportunity to learn about economically important markets in the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries are vital in creating trade and investment opportunities for Australian businesses.
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When you apply for an international internship, you are applying to the program itself rather than to a specific project or client. The University will then match you with a carefully selected organisation, chosen for its commitment to mentoring interns and supporting successful projects. Our clients are leading organisations, who will actively engage with you through regular meetings.
Our matching process is designed to align your strengths and interests with internship needs. We consider factors such as your study area and availability to ensure a suitable fit between you and the project.
In Vietnam, most placements will focus on marketing and human resources within technology, software, and digital innovation companies such as Rikkeisoft, SmartOSC, BambuUP, Trustana, AirX Carbon, ITBee Solution, and FPT.
In India, students will primarily be matched to marketing and finance internships with firms including Pitchfork Partners, Tata, Prime, and Torus. -
In addition to the standard subject fee for the Commerce Internship subject, there is an additional location-based program fee. This covers:
- Your accommodation (twin share) during the three week in-country program
- The University of Melbourne's standard travel insurance (registration required)
The program fee for the 2025 program is currently being finalised and will be confirmed here ahead of offers being sent. We anticipate the India program fee will be approximately $2500 and Vietnam program fee to be between $1200 - $2000. Please note, this is just a guide and the final fee may differ.
You are also responsible for arranging and covering additional costs including, but not limited to, airfares, in-country transport, and meals.
What funding is available?
If you are an *eligible student, you will receive a $3000 AUD New Colombo Plan (NCP) Mobility grant to help cover costs. To qualify for NCP funding, you must:
- be an Australian citizen
- not hold current or previous citizenship or permanent residency in the country where your internship is based
- be between 18 and 28* years of age at the commencement of the mobility program (*Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students do not need to be aged between 18 and 28.)
- not have received an NCP scholarship before, and
- not be an employee of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) branch that administers the NCP.
Key Dates: Summer 2025/26
- Monday 11 August 2025
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9:00am
International internship applications open
- Wednesday 20 August
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12:00 - 1:00pm
Information session. Watch recording.
- Sunday 31 August
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11:59pm
International internship applications close
- 23 November - 13 December
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International internship in-country period
How do I apply?
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Ensure your study plan has room for a level 2 general elective before submitting your application. If you need more information or guidance, please seek course advice from STOP 1.
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As part of your application, you will need to upload a current resume. To ensure your resume is competitive, attend the Develop an Effective Application webinar.
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- Access SONIA and click 'University Sign In' to log in using your University of Melbourne student credentials.
- Click on the Placements tab to search for the CMCE20001 International Internship placement group.
- Note: A placement group will only appear when applications are open.
- Click on the + Join button to access the application form.
- Click on the Forms tab and select the application form CMCE20001 International Internship Application Form.
- Complete all fields and click Submit. Please note that incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
Important: Do not leave the placement group after submitting your application.
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We will evaluate your eligibility and suitability for clients' projects. You will receive an email with the outcome and next steps after your application has been reviewed.
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If you are successful, you will receive an email confirming your permission to enrol. It will provide instructions on the next steps, including how to complete your enrolment in the subject.
Important: You cannot add this subject to your Study Plan as 'Planned' or 'Enrolled'. Your enrolment will be processed after you complete the acceptance process.
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Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page!
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