Internships and placements

internship image

For students who have internship or placement requirements as a compulsory component to their degree, opportunities may exist for those placements to be undertaken overseas. For other Degree programs, internships remain a valuable experience in not only gaining hands-on work experience but also increasing your employability in a global context.

All students considering undertaking an overseas internship or placement should research and select an experience that suits their needs and interest. Students with compulsory internships/placements as part of their degree should also speak with their Faculty regarding academic requirements before applying.

In order to be eligible to participate in an internship or placement you must:

  • Be currently enrolled in an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Coursework degree at the University of Newcastle
  • GPA requirements may exist for various Faculties/ providers.

Before you apply, please note:

  • Students who wish to apply for the OS-HELP Loan, please note your internship/placement MUST count directly towards the completion of your degree.

All internships and placements are different and it is up to you to determine the full cost of your placement or internship. To assist in these costs you may be eligible for:

OS-Help loan
If your internship or placement is a compulsory aspect of your degree, you may be eligible for OS-Help - a loan added onto your HECS/HELP loan for eligible Australian students. To find out more, please click here.

Global Traveller Grant for Short Term Experiences
A grant from the University of Newcastle to its students undertaking a short term experience. For eligibility and application information please click here.

Centrelink
If you are currently receiving Centrelink and going on an overseas experience, you may be eligible to continue receiving your payments while overseas. For more information please click here.

Please follow the below steps in order to apply for an internship / placement:

1. Check your eligibility (please see ‘Am I Eligible?’ section)

2. Research available opportunities. When looking at placements/internships, ensure the dates do not interfere with semester dates at the University of Newcastle.

3. Contact your Faculty to discuss academic requirements and where required, seek approval to undertake the experience as part of your degree.

4. Complete application procedures as per information from the internship/placement provider.

5. Complete the  Pre-Departure Tutorial to determine any health risks or travel warnings to your chosen location.

Please note students who do not complete the pre-departure requirements may not be eligible to be covered by the University of Newcastle Travel Insurance.

The Pre-Departure Tutorial is a compulsory part of your overseas experience, and will guide you through the process of undertaking an overseas experience as well as examine the health risks and travel warnings to your selected country. You will also need to ensure you fulfil all the University’s pre-departure requirements.

Please note students who do not complete the pre-departure requirements may not be eligible to be covered by the University of Newcastle Travel Insurance.

Placements

HUMA2001 enables students to undertake a global experience while gaining credit towards their degree. It allows students to add an international dimension to their profile and put the skills and knowledge they have acquired in their studies to the test in an overseas setting!

Experiences can include international study tours, virtual and physical internships, in-country language programs, international short courses, summer schools, and volunteering for international NGOs or community projects. Check the Global Experience Portal for opportunities available

What are my options?

You can plan your own experience or choose from a great range of University approved organisations advertised on the Global Experience Portal.

The global experience should be equivalent to 80-100 hours of full-time study.

If you are unable to leave the country, there is also the option to undertake a global virtual Internship.

Enrolling in the Summer term allows you to undertake a global experience at any point between October and March, while the Winter Term covers the period from April to September.

Sounds amazing! Am I eligible?

It is recommended that you have completed, or are currently completing, at least 80 units of study. You also need sufficient elective space in your program. Please check your completed and current enrolment against your relevant program plan, located in your program handbook.

How do I apply?

To register your interest, first complete the HUMA2001 Proposal outlining the overseas opportunity you plan to take. It is recommended this be submitted at least 3 months prior to travel and no more than 6 months to allow you time to organise everything.

Expressions of interest will be accepted up until 1 June for the Winter Term enrolment.

Expressions of interest will be accepted up until 15 November for the Summer Term enrolment.

  • NB: You can expect to receive advice of approval from the Course Coordinator for your nominated overseas opportunity within two (2) weeks of submitting your EOI.

After your Approval

  1. Once your Proposal has been approved, apply directly with your external provider / company / institution to secure your overseas opportunity.
  2. Complete the University Pre Departure Module and apply for financial assistance (see what financial assistance is available to me below).
  3. Once your overseas opportunity is confirmed by the external provider / company / institution enrol in HUMA2001 and prepare to begin your global adventure!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How do I organise my activity?

HUMA2001 is a student-driven course, meaning students gain access to this course via individual initiative. Students are expected to organise their own global opportunity. It is recommended student check out the organisations listed on the on the Global Experience Portal. It is the student's responsibility to provide the Course Coordinator with a written brief of their proposed activity for formal approval, before commencing this course, by submitting the Proposal form.

After formal approval - Students will need to apply directly to the external provider / company / institution and make all necessary arrangements to complete their global experience.

Do I have to pay?

Students will be required to cover the course cost of HUMA2001, a University of Newcastle Tuition Fee (10 units).

Students will also be required to meet all costs incurred for their overseas experience including payment to an overseas provider / company if applicable.

What Financial Assistance is available?

Students may be able to access financial assistance including the OS-HELP Loan and/or Global Traveller Grant:

OS-HELP: is an Australian Government Loan that allows eligible Australian students to access up to $8817 to undertake some of their study overseas. OS-HELP is applied to your HECS debt and standard conditions apply. OS-HELP can be used for a range of expenses such as airfares, accommodation, and any other travel expenses. Not available for Virtual opportunities. Letters to support your OS-HELP application will only be provided after your EOI has been approved.

Global Traveller Grant: available for University of Newcastle students undertaking a short term experience

For more information on HUMA2001, please read the course outline.

Find out more:

Contact the Global Experience Team via email or book an appointment:

When: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1:30pm - 3.30pm
Where:
Over the phone or in person (Callaghan Campus)
Click here to book an appointment

Education

Students in the third year of their Education program can apply to undertake their professional experience (PE) placement outside of Australia.

Organising an international PE placement successfully will take time and careful research and planning.  It is a good idea to start your research and planning at least a year in advance of the PE placement.  It is also always a good idea to consult with your Program Convenor while planning for your international PE placement.

You can organise an international PE placement in one of two ways:

  • Work with a University of Newcastle Partner University to identify an appropriate school
  • Contact a school independently and organise your PE placement.

In the last two years, SoE students have successfully organised placements through partner universities such as Dortmund University (Germany) and the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Arkansas (USA).  Please contact the Global Office for a current list of Partner Universities that may be able to assist you in organising a placement in an English-speaking school. Please note that not all the universities that partner with the University of Newcastle for student exchange are in a position to facilitate appropriate Professional Experience placements for SoE students.

Students have also independently organised their placements in schools in diverse locations including Vietnam, Sweden, New Zealand, Vanuatu, UK, USA and China.

Students should be aware that they are required to meet ALL costs incurred for the international PE placement including but not limited to transport, airfares, accommodation, living costs and travel insurance. For more information on funding support from the federal government and other sources, please contact staff from the Global Office

To start the process:

  • Email the Professional Experience Unit  (PEU) peu@newcastle.edu.au and request to be given access to the SONIA online SoE International Expression of Interest form

Important: Applicants should:
- have a minimum Grade Point Average of 4.75.
- be prepared to attend a pre-approval interview with the Director, Professional Experience Unit. Interview times  will be scheduled by the Professional Experience Unit (PEU)

Applicants seeking international placements at a Partner University should contact The Global office for specific partner university application cut off dates. Some partner universities may require applications to be received prior to the SoE submission deadline. If this is the case, please notify the Professional Experience Unit peu@newcastle.edu.au to ensure your application is processed as soon as possible.

Contact the Professional Experience Unit peu@newcastle.edu.au if you have any further questions and

How will I pay for this experience?

Students may be able to access schemes such as the OS-HELP Loan scheme and Global Traveller Grant.

OS-HELP: is an Australian Government Loan scheme that allows eligible Australian students to access up to $8295 to undertake some of their study overseas. OS-HELP is applied to your HECS debt and standard conditions apply. OS-HELP can be used for a range of expenses such as airfares, accommodation, and any other travel expenses.

Global Traveller Grant: available for University of Newcastle students undertaking an overseas experience. More information can be found here

For more information please contact the Global Office

A 10 unit elective open to all University of Newcastle students

The Newcastle Business School is offering University of Newcastle students from any discipline an opportunity to develop real world skills whilst also gaining exposure to international cultures and lifestyles.

What's involved?

Students will undertake an international work-integrated placement during the University semester break.

  • Students will undertake lectures prior to going abroad about overseas travel and culture, career development and planning, workplace issues including professional standards of conduct, Equity and Diversity and WH&S requirements. This lecture series is held on campus at the University of Newcastle Precinct Campus in Auckland Street, Newcastle.
  • 4 week supervised International work placement
  • Participants will be enrolled in BUSN3500

Why participate?

  • Make yourself stand out from other students competing with you in the job market
  • Receive academic credit
  • Develop an international network of contacts, mentors, and friends
  • Discover a new country and become culturally immersed, working in a foreign environment

Do I need to speak the local language?

No. However before you participate in an overseas experience, it's recommended that you learn as much as possible about the language and culture.

Am I eligible to participate?

  • You must have completed 160 units prior to your experience
  • You must have a free 10 unit elective in your degree. Some Business and Commerce students may be able to use this as one of their directed majors - please check with your program advisor.

What Do I Have to Pay?

Students will be required to cover the course cost of BUSN3500, a University of Newcastle Tuition Fee (10 units).

Students will also be required to meet all costs incurred for their overseas experience including payment to the overseas provider.

What Financial Assistance is available?

Students may be able to access financial assistance including the OS-HELP Loan and/or Global Traveller Grant:

OS-HELP: is an Australian Government Loan  that allows eligible Australian students to access up to $8295 to undertake some of their study overseas. OS-HELP is applied to your HECS debt and standard conditions apply. OS-HELP can be used for a range of expenses such as airfares, accommodation, and any other travel expenses.

How do I organise my  placement?

CRCC Asia is a third party provider who will organise your placement. More information including locations offered, dates and costs can be found on their website

student with people

Students studying at the University of Newcastle have the opportunity to undertake a global experience be it overseas or virtually by enrolling in SCIE3600.

SCIE3600 provides students with the chance to broaden their educational and cultural experience through participation in an organised out-of-country activity, such as an internship, work experience, period of volunteering, College-authorised study tour or workshop from a recognised institute. An international placement allows students to expand the theoretical knowledge and skills developed in their undergraduate program, and apply knowledge and skills in an external and international context.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible to enrol in SCIE3600, students must have successfully completed at least 80 units of study at 1000 level. To check your eligibility, contact your Program Advisor: programadvice@newcastle.edu.au

Note: Students are not permitted to enrol in SCIE3600 in conjunction with a full semester exchange experience.

Admission to this course is based on merit and the number of places available may be restricted. For more information, refer to our student process flowchart.

When is a good time to plan my trip?

An ideal time to undertake your overseas activity is the end of semester 2 in your second year of study (Nov – Feb) or semester break in your third year (July).

Note: An Expression of Interest (EOI) should be submitted at least 3 months prior to travel (see How Do I Apply? below).

How do I organise my activity?

SCIE3600 is a student-driven course, meaning students gain access to this course via individual initiative. Students are expected to organise their own activity as well as travel plans. It is the student's responsibility to provide the Course Coordinator with a written brief of their proposed activity for formal approval, before commencing this course via an online expression of interest form.

Once approved, students will need to apply directly to the overseas provider / company and arrange all travel.

If you do not have an activity in mind, existing university-approved programs are in place and can be found here.

On commencing this course, but before starting the overseas activity, students will need to complete a health and safety and risk induction. Full information on this compulsory component will be available in the course outline provided by the School.

Do I have to pay?

Students will be required to cover the course cost of SCIE3600, a University of Newcastle Tuition Fee (10 units).

Students will also be required to meet all costs incurred for their overseas experience including payment to an overseas provider / company if applicable.

What Financial Assistance is available?

Students may be able to access financial assistance including the OS-HELP Loan and/or Global Traveller Grant:

OS-HELP: is an Australian Government Loan  that allows eligible Australian students to access up to $8295 to undertake some of their study overseas. OS-HELP is applied to your HECS debt and standard conditions apply. OS-HELP can be used for a range of expenses such as airfares, accommodation, and any other travel expenses. Not available for Virtual opportunities.

Examples of Overseas Activities through SCIE3600

  • Rainforest conservation in Madagascar or Peru
  • Sea Turtle and Coastal Conservation in Mexico
  • Development projects in India, Mexico, South Africa or Vietnam
  • Human Rights programs in Argentina, Cambodia, Ghana or Morocco

How do I apply?

To register your interest, complete the brief SCIE3600 International Study Experience Expression of Interest Survey.

Expressions of interest will be accepted up until Friday 1 December 2023 for the Summer Term enrolment.

  • NB: You can expect to receive advice of approval to be enrolled in SCIE3600 within three (3) weeks of submitting your EOI.
  • Letters to support your OS-HELP application will only be provided after your EOI has been approved.

For more information on SCIE3600, please read the course outline.

Find out more:

When: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1:30pm - 3.30pm
Where:
Over the phone or in person (Callaghan Campus)
Click here to book an appointment

SCIE3600 is a great opportunity for students to gain practical experience in their chosen field overseas. It opens up a range of opportunities that you would not be able to experience in the classroom. Besides from gaining work experience and the ability to travel, you will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the culture and society you live, and the intricacies of your chosen work assignment. By completing my internships in the Philippines I have learned about the nature of international development, the dynamics of foreign aid, how policy reform occurs and how these changes are implemented at a local level.

Lisa in Philippines

Lisa Butson, Bachelor of Development Studies