Internship Program

Gain hands-on experience and professional skills for a career in international affairs.

The Perth USAsia Centre runs a prestigious and
high-quality Internship Program for university students and recent graduates with experience in, or a passion for: international relations; communications; economics; business and trade; Asian studies; and/or international law.

From Ideas to Impact: Your Internship Journey Starts Here

The program offers valuable work experience in a fast-paced environment devoted to public policy research and analysis, stakeholder engagement, communications, events and digital media. 

Work With Experts, Contribute to Strategy

Interns work alongside leading policy experts, researchers and communications professionals, and assist the Centre with executing its strategic objectives.

Semester 1

23 Feb – 22 May
1 Day/Week 12 Weeks
Applications
Open: 1 December 2025Close: 5pm Friday 23 January 2026
Interviews Held
In Person/Online Week of Monday 2 February 2026

Semester 2

20 Jul – 16 Oct
1 Day/Week 12 Weeks
Applications
Open: 1 April 2026Close: 5pm Friday 19 June 2026
Interviews Held
In Person/Online Week of Monday 29 June 2026

    Eligibility

    The Internship Program is available to students currently enrolled at a tertiary institution, as well as university graduates, for up to one year after course completion.

    Internships are completed at the Perth USAsia Centre office, located at The University of Western Australia.

    Successful applicants must be available for the required number of days per week in line with their chosen intake period. Interns may also be asked to assist with Centre activities outside of normal business hours (9am to 5pm) from time to time. The Internship Program is principally not-for-credit, however, interns may receive academic credit where appropriate administrative arrangements are in place.

    Upon satisfactory completion, interns will receive a professional reference and a letter of recommendation.

    Applications

    Eligible students and graduates can apply for an internship by submitting the required materials to internship@perthusasia.edu.au during the application period.

    Required:
    1. Resume/CV
    2. Statement Addressing the Selection Criteria – as outlined in Think Tank Internship position description.

    Optional: Sample of Written Work

    Helpful information on addressing selection criteria can be found here.

    Is the Internship Program paid?

    No. Internships are undertaken on a voluntary basis for work experience and/or academic credit.

    How will my application be assessed?

    Applicants are principally assessed on their Statement addressing the Selection Criteria. Helpful information on addressing selection criteria can be found here.

    In addition to academic study – Skills and experience gained in addition to academic study are also valued.

    What time commitment is required of interns?

    Interns must be available for the required number of days per week, in line with their chosen intake period, and may be asked to assist with Centre activities outside of normal business hours (9am-5pm) from time to time.

    Specific day/s per week will be negotiated prior to commencement and flexible work options can be arranged.

    Interns will gain the equivalent of approximately 12 days of experience over the course of the program.

    Can I receive academic credit for my internship?

    Yes. Although the Internship Program is principally not-for-credit, interns may receive credit where appropriate administrative arrangements are in place.

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