Gain exposure to the working environment of an International Embassy
The University of Queensland coordinates an internship program with a number of international embassies in Canberra and Sydney over the winter and summer breaks. This internship represents a fantastic opportunity if you have an interest in international culture and society, trade, sustainability, diplomacy, international relations and business.
The objective of the internship program is to strengthen relations between The University of Queensland and the Embassy and offer meaningful networking and work experience opportunities for students to gain exposure to the working environment of an Embassy.
UQ students have participated in research, prepared reports and attended events and meetings during their internships across topics that have included:
- Agriculture
- Asia Pacific security
- Biodiversity
- Biotechnology
- Climate change and net zero emission
- Commerce, Trade, Economics, Tourism and Marketing
- Cybersecurity
- Economic partnerships
- Free trade agreements
- Human trafficking
- Import/export analysis
- International Relations
- Journalism
- Political Science and Arts (Culture)
Winter 2025 Program Information
Participating Embassies may include: Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.
| Embassy | Duration | Dates | Location | Application Closing Dates | Duties |
| Participating Embassies | 4 Weeks | 23 June - 18 July 2025 | Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) |
21 April 2025 | May include general office administration, executive support to the Ambassador, project work, research, consular services, translation, event coordination and liaison with other international embassies |
Please note: All Embassy programs are unpaid internships.
The U.S. Embassy (Canberra) and U.S. Consulate General (Sydney) are not participating in the Winter 2025 Round of the Program.
Students must meet the UQ and the Embassy eligibility criteria to apply. To be eligible to participate in an internship, at the time of application, you must:
Eligibility Criteria:
- be actively enrolled in a UQ program and courses
- not due to graduate at the end of the semester of application
- have completed at least six (6) units at UQ in your current UQ program
- have a minimum GPA of 4 and a record of steady academic achievement
- not be undertaking the internship during teaching weeks or periods when an applicant is enrolled in coursework (eg. summer semester)
- be approved by your Faculty/School to undertake the program 'for credit' or alternatively be eligible to participate as unpaid work experience*.
- have an interest in the culture and society, diplomacy, trade, international relations and business of the embassy for which you are applying
* Under the Education (Work Experience) Act 1996 (Qld), students are limited to 30 days of work experience in a calendar year. The Embassy Internship Program typically lasts 4 weeks, which accounts for up to 20 of those 30 days allowed by the Qld state government.
U.S. Embassy/Consulate General Eligibility Criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old at time of application,
- An Australian citizen/Legal Resident (U.S. citizens are not eligible, unless they are a dual citizen),
- Be approved for credit toward your Internship by your UQ Faculty,
- Must be returning to full-time university studies after completion of the Internship.
Important note (U.S. Embassy/Consulate General): Successful interns applying to the U.S. Embassy must pass a security certification by the U.S. Government before starting their internship. The approximate costs for security documents are between $75 - $85 and payable by the student.
Students are required to submit the following documents in their online application.
U.S. Embassy/Consulate General Application Requirements
- US Embassy Application form
- Brief statement (300 words max) to explain why you would like to be considered for the Foreign National Student Intern Program and what you hope to achieve during the program
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- UQ Studies Report
- Proof of your legal residency/right to work in Australia
- Faculty Credit Confirmation
Other Participating Embassies Application Requirements
- UQ Studies Report
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Applications for Winter 2025 UQ Embassy Internship Program open on 21 February 2025.
Please continue to check back to the webpage once applications are open.
Internship
There is no internship fee to participate in this program.
You must be financially able to support yourself in travelling to, living in (including all transport and living expenses) and returning from Canberra or Sydney for the full duration of the program dates.
Please note the following:
- Students must ensure they have sufficient funds for the duration of the internship and should not rely upon this grant to fund their internship expenses
- Students are responsible for arranging all travel bookings, transfers and accommodations for the internship program
- Grant amounts will vary depending on the duration and location of the activity, and the availability of funding.
- Important note (U.S. Embassy/Consulate General): Successful interns applying to the U.S. Embassy must pass a security certification by the U.S. Government before starting their internship. The approximate costs for security documents are between $75 - $85 and payable by the student.
Please refer to the Costs and Funding for Internships page for details.
Some Faculties allow students to receive credit towards their UQ program from internships or other non-study activities.
If you are interested in seeking credit, you must contact your Faculty/School directly for more information regarding the available courses and your eligibility prior to applying to your internship. For more information, see the 'credit for internships' page.
Key Dates
Winter 2025
Starts: 23 June 2025
Ends: 18 July 2025
Summer 2026
Starts: TBC
Ends: TBC
UQ Application Dates
Winter 2025
Opens: 21 February 2025
Closes: 21 April 2025
Applications are now closed for Summer 2025
Congratulations to the 15 successful students who are participating in Summer 2025
Embassy Information Sessions
Students are encouraged to register and attend an information session to receive more details on the Embassy Internship application process, eligibility criteria, etc.
19 March 2025: 12 noon @ Workshop B, Physics Annexe (6), St Lucia
Watch a recorded session from the previous round here.
Need more information
Please contact employability@uq.edu.au