UQ Embassy Internship Program

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
  • Economic partnerships
  • Free trade agreements
  • Human trafficking
  • Import/export analysis
  • Journalism/tourism marketing
  • Climate change and net zero emission
Winter 2024 Program Information

Participating Embassies may include: Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, U.S. Consulate General (Sydney)Uruguay, and Venezuela.

EmbassyDurationDatesLocationApplication Closing DatesDuties
U.S. Consulate General4 Weeks17 June 2024 -
12 July 2024
Sydney, NSW

Apply now

 

Close 14 April 2024

Responsibilities/tasks may include:

  • Assistance with scheduling and oversight of daily preventative maintenance, which includes coordination with the Consulate facilities team, the building maintenance team, and various contracted vendors, assisting with developing statements of work for minor projects and help coordinate visits for maintenance service contract personnel.
  • Help the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration to connect American exporters with Australian business opportunities through a range of projects and events.
  • Support the Public Affairs Section (PAS) in identifying engagement and outreach opportunities.
Other Participating Embassies4 Weeks

17 June 2024
- 12 July 2024

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Apply now

 

Close 14 April 2024

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. 

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)
  • have an interest in the culture and society, diplomacy, trade, international relations and business of the embassy for which you are applying

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

Apply Here

Applications for Winter 2024 UQ Embassy Internship Program open on 12 February 2024.

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 Short-Term Experiences Funding 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 2024 

Starts: 17 June 2024
Ends: 12 July 2024

 

UQ Application Dates

Applications are now open for winter 2024

Open: 12 February 2024

Close: 14 April 2024

 

Summer 2024/2025

Mid January - early February 2025 (dates will be advised in semester 2)

 

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.

You will also meet some of the 12 students who were Summer 2023/2024 Embassy Interns.

20 March 2024: 1 - 2pm. (In-person or Online)

Register Here

Need more information

Please contact iget@uq.edu.au