Do You Get Paid For An Internship? All You Need To Know

The question "Do you get paid for an internship?" seems to follow everyone who has ever landed one. It is a topic that can spark different opinions and experiences, depending on who you ask. 

This is a situation that can go either way. Some internships offer you money for your time, but some don't. We are here to clear up all the confusion so you know exactly what to expect. 

In this guide, we will look at the factors that make internships paid and the different ways you can get compensated. We will also share strategies for finding the perfect internship that pays you well.

Do you get paid for an internship?

Many internships in Australia do offer payment. This could be a regular salary, a stipend (like a smaller fixed amount), or even reimbursement for your work expenses (travel, meals). These paid opportunities are more common with larger companies or established organisations.

According to Australia’s Fair Work Act, if your internship creates an "employment relationship," you are entitled to be paid. An employment relationship means you are performing duties similar to regular paid employees and contributing to the company's operations, not just observing.

Unpaid internships are more frequent with smaller businesses or non-profit groups. While you wouldn't get a paycheck, you'd still gain valuable experience and build your resume.

7 factors that influence paid internships

Understand these 7 key factors so you can find the internship that is perfect for you and pays you for your hard work.

A. Industry

In-demand fields offer more paid internships – tech, engineering, and certain business areas like finance or consulting. These industries are growing and need fresh talent, so they invest in paid interns. They see interns as potential future hires who can contribute real value to projects. Some of them pay as high as $104/hour.

More traditional fields may have fewer paid options. This could be things like social work, education, or some areas of the arts. These fields rely more on volunteers or unpaid interns.

B. Location

Urban centers like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane have more paid internship opportunities compared to smaller towns or rural areas. 

Cost of living also plays a role. In cities with higher living expenses, companies pay interns more to help offset the financial burden. On the other hand, in regions where the cost of living is lower, unpaid internships are more common because companies assume interns can manage without pay or have other means of support.

But don't discount regional areas. Smaller cities might have a higher ratio of paid internship programs compared to the available student population. Research local companies – you might be surprised by the opportunities.

C. Company size & reputation

Larger, well-established companies have structured internship programs. These programs pay at least minimum wage to cater to intern's academic commitments. The company's reputation can also play a role. Companies known for their positive work culture and commitment to development programs are more likely to offer paid internships.

On the other hand, smaller companies have tighter budgets and may offer unpaid internships. But that is not always the case. Some smaller businesses, especially those in fast-growing industries, prioritise attracting top talent and offer competitive pay to interns.

D. Internship duration

The length of the internship can also influence whether it is paid. Shorter internships, like those lasting a few weeks over summer break, are less likely to be paid compared to semester-long or year-long programs.

Longer internships provide the company with more value from your work. They will invest more time and resources into training you, so they will be more willing to offer compensation.

E. Your qualifications & experience

The stronger your qualifications and experience, the more valuable you are to a company. Factors that companies consider when hiring interns are:

• Academic background
• Intern's formal education program
• Any prior internships or volunteer work

Less relevant experience makes it tougher to land a paid position. But this doesn't mean it is a bad opportunity. Even with a great resume, an unpaid internship can be your starting point. They can help you gain experience and build your network.

F. Company budget & policies

Some companies have set budgets for their internship program, which means paid positions are more likely. These budgets might be based on department or company size. However, if the company is a startup or going through a tight financial period, paid internships will be rare.

G. Competition & demand

Companies in competitive fields with a high demand for internship positions will offer pay to attract top talent. Students have options and getting paid can be a big incentive when choosing an internship.

The flip side is also true. If there is a surplus of applicants for a specific internship and the competition is low, companies will be more likely to stick with hiring an unpaid intern. Still, in-demand skills and experience can increase your bargaining power.

Paid internship compensation types

1. Monetary compensation

As a graduate student in Australia, you will encounter different ways companies compensate you. Here's a breakdown of the most common:

1.1. Hourly wage

Just like a regular job, you will earn a set amount for every hour you work. This is a good option if your internship hours vary weekly.

1.2. Stipend

A stipend is a fixed amount of money you receive for the entire internship, usually paid weekly or monthly. It is not directly tied to the number of hours you work, but it should be enough to cover your basic living expenses during the internship.

1.3. Salary

This is similar to a full-time job. You will receive a fixed amount of money, typically paid fortnightly or monthly. Salaries for internships can differ so be sure to research the average for your field and location.

2. Non-monetary compensation

2.1. Housing assistance

Finding a place to live in Australia, especially in a big city, can be tough. Some companies offer relief by providing housing assistance. This could take a few different forms:

• Subsidised rent to help lower your monthly rent payment.
• Some companies have dorms or apartments specifically for interns.
• You might get relocation assistance to help with the costs of getting settled.

2.2. Transportation support

Commuting can take a big portion out of your budget. Here's how some companies help you get around:

• Free or discounted passes for buses, trains, or trams.
• If you need to drive for work, they might give you a gas card or mileage reimbursement.
• Some companies run shuttles to pick you up and drop you off at work.

2.3. Meals or food provision

Some internships offer meals or food provisions as part of their compensation package. Here’s how it works:

• Some offer free lunch or even breakfast and dinner.
• You can get vouchers you can use at cafeterias or nearby restaurants.
• You can enjoy subsidised meals at a company cafeteria.

2.4. Academic credit

Some universities partner with companies to offer internships providing significant educational benefits. This means you can get valuable work experience while getting credit for your degree. Talk to your program advisor to see if your internship qualifies for academic credit.

2.5. Health benefits

Some companies offer health benefits to interns just like they do for full-time employees. This could include

• Health insurance coverage for doctor visits, prescriptions, and other medical needs.
• Discounts or free access to gyms or fitness centers.
• Some companies offer wellness programs to help you stay healthy and manage stress.

2.6. Professional development opportunities

 

The best internships go beyond daily tasks. Look for companies that offer professional development opportunities to give you a serious edge in the job market after graduation. Here's what it looks like:

• Workshops, seminars, or online courses to help you develop new skills.
• Get paired with an experienced professional who can guide your career development.
• Gain exposure to industry leaders and cutting-edge ideas at conferences.

How can you find paid internships in Australia? 7 proven ways

We all know that internships are a great way to bridge the gap between the educational environment and the professional world. But where do you even start looking for paid internships in Australia? Let’s look at 7 proven ways to find that perfect paid opportunity.

I. Search on job websites

Job boards are a classic for a reason. Websites like Prosple list paid internship opportunities specifically for students and graduates. Set up search filters to target "internships" or "graduate programs" within your field of study. This narrows down the listings and saves you time.

 

Check these websites regularly and set up alerts so you don't miss any new opportunities. Many sites let you receive notifications whenever a new internship relevant to your criteria gets posted.

II. Check with your university's career center

Your university career center is a goldmine of internship resources. They often have close relationships with companies offering paid internships. Make sure to schedule appointments or attend workshops your career center offers to take full advantage of the resources available to you.

 

Many universities also have online platforms listing internship opportunities specifically for their students. They can be helpful as well. You can also talk to your career advisor for personalised guidance and internship search strategies.

III. Use LinkedIn to search for internships

 

If you are not on LinkedIn, it is time to create a profile. Once you are in, use the search bar to find internships. Type in relevant keywords like "paid internship" and your field of study like "paid marketing internship". 

Follow the companies you are interested in. Many companies post internship opportunities directly on their LinkedIn pages. You can also join industry-specific groups on LinkedIn. These groups often share internship postings and career tips.

Another way is to reach out to alumni from your university or professionals in your field. Let them know you are looking for internships and see if they have any leads. 

IV. Look for internships on company websites

Sometimes, the best way to find internship opportunities is by going directly to the source – company websites. Many companies post internship opportunities directly on their websites. It is a straightforward process. 

• Make a list of companies you want to work for. 
• Go to their careers page and see if they have a specific section for internships.
• Apply directly online and don't forget to customise your application to each company you apply to. 
• Make it a habit to check the careers page of your target companies daily. Internship postings can appear at any time. 
• Keep an eye out for company news sections. Sometimes, internship announcements are announced in press releases or blog posts.

V. Attend career fairs & networking events

Universities often host career fairs specifically for graduate students. These events bring companies looking for interns right to your campus. Before attending, research companies that match your field and interests.

Make sure to dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. When you are there, approach company representatives, introduce yourself, and express interest in their internship programs.

 Ask questions and make connections. Sometimes, these face-to-face interactions open doors to exciting internship opportunities.

VI. Follow companies on social media for internship announcements

Many companies regularly post internship announcements on their social media channels, like Facebook and X. Again, identify companies you want to intern with and follow their social media pages. Turn on notifications for their posts to be among the first to know when they are hiring interns.

Actively participate in discussions, share relevant articles, and showcase your expertise. If you see an internship you like but there is no formal application yet, consider a well-crafted DM to the company's HR department expressing your interest. Be polite and keep it concise.

VII. Explore government internship programs

Government agencies at the federal, state, and even local levels often have internship programs for students and recent graduates. Visit the websites of departments that match your field (e.g., Department of Health, Department of Environment). Look for internship sections or "Careers" pages.

Each program has specific criteria. Make sure you meet the requirements before applying. You can also reach out directly to the agency's human resources department to inquire about internship opportunities. 

Government internships come with perks like a stipend or even full-time employment opportunities after you graduate, so they are worth exploring.

Find your dream opportunity with Prosple: Your specialised internship portal

 

Prosple is an online platform for students who are about to graduate or are in their final years. Our focus is on connecting you with top employers around Australia. You can find opportunities, get career guidance, and connect with potential employers and educational institutions.

Here’s a breakdown of the features our platform offers:

a. Extensive Listings

Prosple boasts a large database of graduate jobs and internships across various fields like engineering, IT, and accounting. This allows you to explore a range of opportunities and find something that aligns with your interests and qualifications.

b. Company Recognition

Prosple features positions from reputable companies, including big names like PwC, McKinsey & Company, and Microsoft. This can be a confidence booster for you as securing a paid internship at a well-known organisation can enhance your resume and open doors for future careers.

c. User-friendly platform with advanced matching algorithms

Prosple's platform is designed to be easy. The advanced matching algorithms help you find internships that align with your skills and interests. This can save you time and effort by filtering out irrelevant positions.

d. Filtering options

Prosple offers filtering options that can help you refine your search. You can filter by industry, location, and internship type (e.g., summer internship or full-time internship). This targeted search saves time and ensures you see opportunities relevant to your goals.

e. Set alerts & notifications

Prosple allows you to set up customised alerts for new internship postings that match your interests and criteria. You will receive instant notifications when new internships are posted or your application reaches a new stage. This keeps you in the loop and allows you to respond promptly.

f. Company insights with Day in the Life series

Prosple offers valuable company insights, including company culture, work environment, and employee benefits. Our "Day in the Life" series provides a glimpse of a typical workday at specific companies. This can be incredibly beneficial information about a company to help you decide where to apply.

g. Career-building resources

Prosple understands that landing an internship goes beyond just finding the right opportunity. You will find different resources to help you prepare, like resume and cover letter writing tips, interview questions, and advice on salary negotiation. These resources will help you confidently present yourself to potential employers during the application.

h. Working rights feature

For international students, Prosple’s “Working Rights” feature is a great option. Based on your visa status, it filters out all the internship opportunities that you wouldn't be eligible for. This saves you time and frustration and lets you focus on applying for the positions according to your work authorisation.

i. Top 100 Employers List

Prosple's list of the Top 100 Graduate Employers is a beneficial resource. This list highlights companies known for their excellent graduate program. It can be a great starting point for your internship search, focusing on companies with a strong track record of supporting young professionals.

Conclusion

So do you get paid for an internship? Yes, you do, but it ultimately depends on several factors we discussed. There are great opportunities in both paid and unpaid internships. It all depends on your situation and goals. 

The good news is, that with some research and planning, you can find an internship that aligns with your goals. Prosple can be your go-to resource for finding that perfect internship. With thousands of internships across various industries and locations, you are guaranteed to find one that works best for you and your goals. 

Sign up today and take control of your future career.