Internship step-by-step guide

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) internships are short-term experiences (generally 100–160 hours) completed for credit towards your degree.

Find an internship

Explore our current opportunities here.

Find an internship

Attend an info session

We offer sessions to guide you in the internship application process.

Book a session

Sign up for intern alert

Our monthly newsletter contains current internship opportunities.

Internship step-by-step guide

If you’ve already secured an internship, you only need to complete Steps 1 and 3 to register it with our team. All other students should work through Steps 1, 2 and 3 below.

Step 1 – Prepare

Course Advice. Request a new course map from Student Central to ensure you have space in your course for a WIL unit and understand the best timing for your internship. See the WIL Unit Options section below for information on available WIL units.
Complete the Pre-Internship Program (compulsory requirement). This program provides essential information, tips, and resources to help you prepare for, secure, and complete your internship. Access it via Cloud Deakin and refer to our Help sheet for assistance.
Information Session. Attend an internship information session or career workshop to learn strategies for securing an internship.
Prepare your application. Prepare your baseline resume and cover letter that you can later tailor to each organisation. Utilise DeakinTALENT resources and services to craft a standout application.
Complete the Respectful and Inclusive pre-placement module. This module informs you of your rights to a respectful and inclusive workplace experience, and guides you on seeking advice and support.

Step 2 – Secure

Securing an internship is a similar process to finding a job. It’s an opportunity to develop skills that will benefit your future career, but it can take some time. Be patient, organised, and persistent with this step – hard work in this stage is crucial for success.

Visit How to secure an internship for help with strategising, planning and putting your best foot forward to secure an internship, including application and interview tips.

Remember, you can also utilise what you have learnt in the Pre-Internship Program (details in Step 1 above) during this stage. Refer back to this program at any stage of the process.

Step 3 – Register

Complete the ArtsEd Internship Registration Form. Make sure all sections are filled out correctly by you and your host organisation supervisor. Submit your forms at least two weeks before starting your internship and no later than the trimester deadline (below). For overseas internships, please submit your forms at least four weeks prior to your internship start date, and no later than the trimester deadline.
Submit your completed form to InPlace. Use the 'Arts Internships' link on InPlace. For help with your submission, refer to our Help sheet.

Important notes on the process:

After submission, your internship will be reviewed for academic credit.
If approved, you will be given access to enrol in your WIL unit and you will be covered under Deakin insurance.
Do not start any internship activities until you have completed these requirements and received your Internship Confirmation email.
Incomplete forms cannot be approved. Please ensure all details you submit are complete to prevent delay.
For placements outside Australia, the ArtsEd WIL team will assist you in meeting Deakin's risk management requirements.
If being asked to pay a deposit for an internship program, check with the WIL team first. Do not pay for a program that is not already approved for credit. We cannot guarantee approval and we wouldn't want you spending money on a non-refundable deposit for a program that cannot be approved for credit.

Registration deadlines

Please submit your completed Internship Registration Form via InPlace by the deadlines below. Remember to secure your internship well in advance of these dates.

Trimester 1 2025

Last day to submit is Sunday 9 March 2025.

Trimester 2 2025

Last day to submit a registration form is Thursday 24 July 2025.

Information for International students

International students undertaking an internship have additional requirements they must meet due to their visa's in place. Please review the following important information regarding undertaking an internship as a visa holder:

Student visa holders are limited to 48 hours of work per fortnight. If you are undertaking an internship as an elective, then your internship hours will need to contribute to this 48 hour week maximum. If you are undertaking an internship in a course where it is either core or as part of a 'stream' (aka the employability sequence), then your internship hours are not counted towards your 48 hour week limit. In this instance, you can undertake your internship hours and your 48 hours of week per fortnight together.
Try to avoid undertaking an internship unit in your final trimester of study. This can cause issues with your CoE, and therefore is not advised. Planning early and reaching out for support from the WIL team is encouraged. If you have left it to the last minute, please connect with the WIL team as soon as possible so that we can support you with ensuring your internship dates meets your CoE timeline and enrolment requirements.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above, please don't hesitate to reach out to the WIL team directly. We'll be happy to support you in understanding and adhering to these requirements.

WIL unit options

All internships must be registered for academic credit through a WIL unit. WIL units vary based on the type, level, and discipline of your internship. Like other units, WIL units have prerequisites, contact hour requirements, and assessments.

Explore our WIL units below (with direct links to their Handbook entries). Enrolment is via WIL Team approval only (see the internship process outlined above).

Undergraduate units (level 2 and 3)

AWL203 Expand Your Experience – 1 credit point internship (100–120 hours) suitable for students who wish to complete a level 2 WIL unit.
AWL300 Internship – 1 credit point internship (100 hours) suitable for students who wish to complete a level 3 WIL unit.
AWL301 Enhance Your Experience – 1 credit point internship (100–120 hours) suitable for students who wish to complete a second level 3 WIL unit.
AIS330 International Internship A – 2 credit point internship (20 days minimum) suitable for international studies students. Internships can be undertaken overseas OR with a suitable internationally-oriented organisation in Australia.
AIS331 International Internship B – 4 credit point internship (40 days minimum) suitable for international studies students. Internships are undertaken overseas to gain direct experience of institutional culture and practice in overseas public and private organisations.

Postgraduate units (level 7)

ACC700 Communication and Creative Arts Internship – 1 credit point internship (100–120 hours) suitable for postgraduate communication and creative arts students.
APE700 Internship A – 1 credit point internship (minimum 100 hours, approx. 10–15 days) suitable for postgraduate humanities and social sciences students.
APE701 Internship Capstone – 2 credit point internship (minimum 200 hours, approx. 30–35 days) suitable for postgraduate humanities and social sciences students.

Frequently Asked Questions

We welcome you to read through our Frequently Asked Questions.

If you have a question, contact the Arts and Education WIL Team.

Internship step-by-step guide

Find an internship

Attend an info session

Sign up for intern alert

Internship step-by-step guide

Step 1 – Prepare

Step 2 – Secure

Step 3 – Register

Registration deadlines

Trimester 1 2025

Trimester 2 2025

Information for International students

WIL unit options

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact us