Internship Program

An international student and their trainer standing on a construction site holding plans
Internships play a crucial role in developing your employability and maximising your employment prospects.

CQUniversity’s internship program is a cornerstone of our commitment to preparing international students for successful careers. We’re proud that many of our students have gone on to secure employment with their host organisations after completing their internships.

What Sets Our Program Apart?

  • No extra cost
  • No extension to your course duration
  • No GPA requirement
  • And best of all—we’ll find a suitable internship for you.

Top Achievements

  • Student placements have increased by approximately 50% year on year, reflecting strong demand.
  • Over 1000 international students have secured internships.
  • Internships are found across Brisbane, Melbourne, Rockhampton and Sydney, with new opportunities being emerging in Cairns and regional Queensland.
  • Students gain work experience in government, private sectors and the non-profit sector, with opportunities available in all organisation types from large multi-nationals to small family-owned businesses and innovative start-ups.
  • Host organisations represent diverse industries, including engineering, IT, and hospitality. Our partners include rail technology pioneers, world leaders in data science and research, renowned hotel chains, and international aviation giants.

The growth in enrolments for courses with internships are indicators that students increasingly value real-world experience as part of their studies. It also confirms we’re on the right track in supporting their career goals.

Courses with Internships

In the 2023 International Student Barometer, our students have placed us well above the Australian university average satisfaction rate in their career goal preparation. In the Learning Experience category, some of the aspects they were particularly satisfied with include careers advice, employability and opportunities for work experience. 

  • Working in an organisation in your area of study allows you to build networks in that field that may open doors for you in the future.
  • Gain a competitive edge in the global job market and increase your chances of full-time employment once you graduate.
  • Enhance and develop skills in teamwork, decision-making and communication while having the chance to put your academic knowledge into practice.
  • Experience an understanding of Australian work practices and culture.
  • The internship will give added value to your degree and at no extra cost.
  • The internship is offered over a 10–12 week period. You will not be required to undertake any other units during this period, which means you will be able to concentrate on your internship and get the most from the experience.
  • The duration of your degree is not extended, which means you can still complete your bachelor's degree in three years and your master's degree in two years.
  • The internship is found for you by CQUniversity and our Internship Partners – market leaders in career development programs for international candidates.
  • You will undertake the relevant prerequisite unit, which ensures you have the knowledge to succeed in an Australian working environment.

CQUniversity works with Internships Providers to source internships for eligible students.

Our providers have partnerships with thousands of host companies with opportunities to suit every discipline.

Previous host organisations have included:

  • Asahi Australia
  • Australian Grand Prix
  • BHP
  • Bitzer Australia
  • Bombardier Australia
  • Boral
  • Daimler Mercedes Truck & Bus
  • Endeavour Foundation Enterprises
  • Finisar Australia
  • Gold Coast Health
  • Holcim Australia
  • iBuild
  • Komatsu
  • Monash IVF
  • PGH Bricks & Pavers
  • QLD Tafe
  • Racing Victoria
  • Shebah
  • Transdev
  • Tritium
  • Vacupack
  • Wallenius Wilhelmsen
  • Wesley Mission
  • Westkon Precast
  • Winslow Constructors
  • multiple city councils
  • eminent hotel chains
  • and more.

Follow the appropriate Internship Planner for your Course, you must have completed all other units prior to the term of the internship.

  1. Attend one of the 'How to Apply' sessions, conducted by the CQUniversity Internships team.
  2. Interested students need to submit the Student Internship Agreement by week two of the term prior to your internship.
  3. Once applications are received, the CQUniversity will assess your eligibility and allocate eligible students to an Internship Provider. This will be based on location, field of study and personal preference.
  4. Students will receive an email with all the necessary information and will need to submit the required documentation to the Internship Providers.
  5. CQUniversity and the selected Internship Provider will search for companies in your preferred industry from a network of over 3000 organisations.
  6. The Internship Provider will contact an appropriate company, negotiate on your behalf and set up an interview.
  7. The Internship Provider will coach you and host mock interviews to get your interview skills on point.
  8. You must then complete an interview with the selected organisation to be successfully placed. Don't worry, if you don't get it right the first time you are given two more chances to secure a position.
  9. Your internship begins.

During the internship

  1. The Internship Provider will assign you a dedicated Internship Program Supervisor and a workplace mentor who will monitor your training and provide one-on-one guidance and support throughout the course.
  2. During the internship, CQUniversity staff and academics are there to support you. There will be regular check-in points, assessment workshops and assessment pieces, plus evaluation forms that you and your workplace supervisor need to complete.
  3. Once your internship is finished, you will need to complete the final assessment piece and present your final report. In some cases, your workplace mentor/supervisor will be asked to attend.

For more information please email:

School of Business and Law – [email protected]

School of Engineering and Technology – [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

Internship Employment Success
  • Muhammad Ahsan Ahmed standing in front of a office building
    “
    During my internship, it was a great experience working with different minds, which has enhanced my overall skills. I took the best decision ever to study with CQU and secured a job from my internship.

    Muhammad Ahsan Ahmed

    Master of Management for Engineers | Pakistan

Why Choose an Internship?

Internships for International Students

Frequently Asked Questions

During the first term of study, students will be contacted via email to inform them of the Internships Program.

This email encourages interested students to contact the Course Advice team to develop a modified study plan that includes the internship. At the beginning of the term, prior to the internship term, students will be invited to apply for the internship via an email with a Student Internship Agreement form. This form must be completed and submitted by week two of the term prior to the internship term.

If a student has not received one of these emails or has been granted advanced standing, therefore altering their study plan, they should contact the Internship team to discuss the application process via [email protected].

Students undertake the internship in the final term of their program as per schedules listed in the document ‘Internship scheduling’.

Students generally undertake the internship in the final term of study, with the exception of Master of Engineering (CV82) students. Please contact the Course Advice Team or access the correct study plan via the following Course Planners.

Yes, in most cases you will need to study in Term 3; however, if you have been granted advanced standing, you should discuss this with the Course Advice team.

For CV82 Master of Engineering, if the student has reduced study load or previous failed units, the student may require to undertake the internship unit in Term 3.

Yes, in most cases you can. However, if you are enrolled in a postgraduate Business program you must have at least two electives (12 credit points) available to undertake the internship.

You should keep this in mind when applying for credit/advanced standing and discuss your options with the Academic Pathways team and the Course Advice team

The are no extra fees to undertake the internship, you will pay the normal fee for a 12 credit point unit.

Note: the internship in School of Business and Law is taken in place of two 6 credit point elective units and in ICT and Project Management courses it replaces the 12 credit point capstone unit.

No, the internships are unpaid.

Students will attend the workplace typical office hours, Monday to Thursday for a ten/twelve-week period. Fridays will be devoted to completing the academic assessments and attending assessment workshops required by the various internship units.

The internships units for Business, Information Technology, Information Systems and Project Management require students to have successfully completed all other units on the first attempt. If you have experienced a fail, you are no longer eligible.

CV82 Master of Engineering students need to achieve 36 credit points and pass a compulsory unit – ENEG 20001 (Australian Engineering Practice).

It is recommended students interested in the internship program follow the appropriate internship pathway course planner including term 3 study.

The internship must be undertaken on its own in the final term of study, failing to follow the appropriate planner risks non eligibility in the internship program.

Yes you are, as long as you are still able to complete the course as listed in the course schedule within the period of your visa.