Host an intern

• Communication
• Media
• Film and Television
• Design
• Creative Arts
• International Studies
• Humanities
• Languages

Please note that Teaching placements are managed by the vocational placements team.

• Accounting and Finance
• Information Systems
• Business Analytics
• Marketing
• Management and Human Resources
• Law

• Public Health and Health Promotion
• Health Sciences
• Psychology
• Exercise and Nutrition Sciences

Please note clinical placements (i.e. Nursing, Medicine, Social Work, Optometry, Medical Imaging) are managed by the clinical placement teams.

• Information Technology (IT)
• Engineering
• Architecture
• Construction Management
• Environmental Sciences

Internships undertaken for course credit do not need to be paid. However, the student must be enrolled in a WIL unit and in most instances will be strictly limited to a maximum of 160 hours. If a student works beyond their approved internship hours, you may be liable to pay the student the appropriate wage if an ‘employment relationship’ is found to exist under the Fair Work Act (2009).

Your organisation may also offer paid internships, which we strongly encourage. This will appeal to students who may need to take time away from their paid employment to be able to commit to your organisation.

We encourage organisations to consider their resources (such as supervision, equipment, physical space and project tasks) prior to recruiting multiple interns. The relevant WIL team may be in touch to discuss this with you before conducting any recruitment activities.

Students can complete their internship at an alternative location to the organisation’s main business premises (including working remotely from home). Details of the internship location must be included in the internship agreement documentation for risk management purposes.

Virtual (online/remote) internships are a great option for students who may face barriers accessing in-person opportunities (such as those with caring responsibilities, financial barriers or who are studying online).

Virtual internships provide a valuable opportunity for students to gain industry experience that is an authentic reflection of the online work environment.

Deakin University provides insurance cover for students completing an internship experience approved by Deakin University. Insurance cover is provided under the following policies: General and Products Liability (including liability to Host Employers), Professional Indemnity, Personal Accident and International Travel.

If an employment arrangement exists between your organisation and a student, you will be required to provide WorkCover insurance to the student. Visit Insurance for students on placements or work experience to learn more.

Once you have chosen a student to complete an internship at your organisation, an internship agreement will need to be completed and signed by both the student and a representative from your organisation. The student will then submit this to Deakin’s placement system for verification before they can officially commence their internship.

Additional documentation may be required in some instances, but the student or relevant WIL team will advise you of this.

For an internship to be approved by Deakin, the student needs to be supervised by a professional in your organisation currently employed in a role related to the student's tasks.

For example, an intern designing graphics and visuals for your organisation would need to be supervised by a professional whose primary role in your organisation is related to graphic design. Part of the internship experience is offering students access to feedback, guidance and mentoring from an experienced member of your team.

If your organisation does not currently have an employee or department in the field related to the tasks the student is undertaking, Deakin won't be able to advertise your position as an internship. However, we can assist you with advertising your position as a paid casual/part-time employment opportunity. Learn more about employing Deakin students.