The U.S. Commercial Service seeks hard-working, responsible interns, preferably at the graduate student level.

Are internships only available during the U.S. summer?

No, internships are available to U.S. students all year round either:

• on a full- time basis, 40 hours per week for a minimum of six weeks as part of your degree program or during the U.S. summer
• on a part-time basis for a minimum total of 240 hours while studying in Australia - this can also be a combination of full-time and part-time.

Will I be paid?

No. Federal regulations prohibit financial compensation. Upon completion of the internship, an official letter of recommendation can be provided and many universities will award academic credit for your work.

Can I work while in Australia?

The Business Short Stay Visa does not permit applicants to work in Australia. Additionally, when applying for your visa, you may need to provide proof of having sufficient funds to support yourself while in Australia.

Note: this will differ for students planning to study in Australia.  Your visa will be arranged in conjunction with your University and will fall under different regulations.

How much money will I need?

Past interns have indicated you would need approximately US$400 a week. About 3/4 goes into rent/utilities and food.  Sydney and Melbourne can be expensive, especially when it comes to dining out, this may be a good oportunity to advance those culinary skills!

Will I have insurance?

Unfortunately, no federal government insurance can be provided and no federal government liability is assumed.

I qualify and would love to intern in Australia - How do I apply?

• A cover letter addressing why you want to be an intern, your future goals, what you have to offer the Foreign Commercial Service, and how you hope to benefit from the internship, addressing your correspondence to Mr. David Murphy, Senior Commercial Officer;
• Copy of up-to-date resume. The resume should include your past academic and work experience, computer skills, career goals, citizenship, and student status;
• A sample of your writing ability;
• Exact months that you will be available. The minimum requirement is 6 weeks, this can either be full time or part time.

What do succesful applicants need to do next?

Once your application has been accepted, you will need to submit a range of paperwork. The forms, available below, must be forwarded to our intern coordinator who will clear your application with the Regional Office of Security at Post before forwarding to Washington.  NOTE: you must receive favorable security clearances before you can commence your internship and also be in posession of a valid Australian visa. It is recommended that you have these documents in place prior to departing the USA.

Please submit all of the below listed forms (these forms can be downloaded from this page). The forms must not be dated any earlier than 120 days prior to the proposed commencement of the internship:

• Copy of completed and signed Volunteer Service Agreement;
• Completed and signed Credit Report Release Statement;
• Copy of U.S. passport (pages with picture and personal information);
• Completed and signed Form SF-85P and
• For male applicants only, the Selective Service Registration
• Exception: The SBU Security package and Fingerprint Charts also form part of your paperwork requirements and will be forwarded separately.

How long does the application process take?

Applications can take up to two months to process and cannot be dated/submitted any earlier than 4 months (120 days) prior to your proposed commencement date.

Please ensure you have enough time before submitting your application.