UQ Embassy Internship Program
Source: https://employability.uq.edu.au/uq-embassy-internship-program Parent: https://employability.uq.edu.au/digital-enrichment-badges
Gain exposure to the working environment of an International Embassy
The University of Queensland coordinates an internship program with a number of international embassies in Canberra and Sydney over the winter and summer breaks. This internship represents a fantastic opportunity if you have an interest in international culture and society, trade, sustainability, diplomacy, international relations and business.
The objective of the internship program is to strengthen relations between The University of Queensland and the Embassy and offer meaningful networking and work experience opportunities for students to gain exposure to the working environment of an Embassy.
UQ students have participated in research, prepared reports and attended events and meetings during their internships across topics that have included:
- Agriculture
- Asia Pacific security
- Biodiversity
- Biotechnology
- Climate change and net zero emission
- Commerce, Trade, Economics, Tourism and Marketing
- Cybersecurity
- Economic partnerships
- Free trade agreements
- Human trafficking
- Import/export analysis
- International Relations
- Journalism
- Political Science and Arts (Culture)
Winter 2026 Program Information
Participating Embassies and Consulates General may include: Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru,and Uruguay.
| Embassy | Duration | Dates | Location | Application Closing Dates | Duties |
| Participating Embassies and Consulates General | 4 Weeks | 22 June - 17 July 2026 | Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT); Sydney, New South Wales (NSW) | 12 April 2026 | May include general office administration, executive support to the Ambassador, project work, research, consular services, translation, event coordination and liaison with other international embassies |
Please note: All Embassy programs are unpaid internships.
Students must meet the UQ and the Embassy eligibility criteria to apply. To be eligible to participate in an internship, at the time of application, you must:
Eligibility Criteria:
- be actively enrolled in a UQ program and courses
- not due to graduate at the end of the semester of application
- have completed at least six (6) units at UQ in your current UQ program
- have a minimum GPA of 4 and a record of steady academic achievement
- not be undertaking the internship during teaching weeks or periods when an applicant is enrolled in coursework (eg. summer semester)
- be approved by your Faculty/School to undertake the program 'for credit' or alternatively be eligible to participate as unpaid work experience*.
- have an interest in the culture and society, diplomacy, trade, international relations and business of the embassy for which you are applying
* Under the Education (Work Experience) Act 1996 (Qld), students are limited to 30 days of work experience in a calendar year. The Embassy Internship Program typically lasts 4 weeks, which accounts for up to 20 of those 30 days allowed by the Qld state government.
Additional Eligibility Criteria for U.S. Embassy/Consulate General:
(The U.S. Embassy in Canberra and the U.S. Consulate General in Sydney did not participate in the Summer 2026 Round of the Program and have not yet confirmed their participation in the Winter 2026 Round.)
- Be at least 18 years old at time of application,
- An Australian citizen/Legal Resident (U.S. citizens are not eligible, unless they are a dual citizen),
- Be approved for credit toward your Internship by your UQ Faculty,
- Must be returning to full-time university studies after completion of the Internship.
Important note (U.S. Embassy/Consulate General): Successful interns applying to the U.S. Embassy must pass a security certification by the U.S. Government before starting their internship. The approximate costs for security documents are between $75 - $85 and payable by the student.
Students are required to submit the following documents in their online application.
Participating Embassies Application Requirements
- UQ Studies Report
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Additional Application Requirements for U.S. Embassy/Consulate General
(The U.S. Embassy in Canberra and the U.S. Consulate General in Sydney did not participate in the Summer 2026 Round of the Program and have not yet confirmed their participation in the Winter 2026 Round.)
- US Embassy Application form
- Brief statement (300 words max) to explain why you would like to be considered for the Foreign National Student Intern Program and what you hope to achieve during the program
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- UQ Studies Report
- Proof of your legal residency/right to work in Australia
- Faculty Credit Confirmation
There is no internship fee to participate in this program.
You must be financially able to support yourself in travelling to, living in (including all transport and living expenses) and returning from Canberra or Sydney for the full duration of the program dates.
Please note the following:
- Students must ensure they have sufficient funds for the duration of the internship and should not rely upon this grant to fund their internship expenses
- Students are responsible for arranging all travel bookings, transfers and accommodations for the internship program
- Grant amounts will vary depending on the duration and location of the activity, and the availability of funding.
- Important note (U.S. Embassy/Consulate General): Successful interns applying to the U.S. Embassy must pass a security certification by the U.S. Government before starting their internship. The approximate costs for security documents are between $75 - $85 and payable by the student.
Please refer to the Costs and Funding for Internships page for details.
Some Faculties allow students to receive credit towards their UQ program from internships or other non-study activities.
If you are interested in seeking credit, you must contact your Faculty/School directly for more information regarding the available courses and your eligibility prior to applying to your internship. For more information, see the 'credit for internships' page.
The UQ Embassy Internship Program can be counted toward the UQ Employability Award.
Key Dates
Winter 2026\ Starts: 22 June 2026\ Ends: 17 July 2026
Summer 2027\ Starts: TBC\ Ends: TBC
UQ Application Dates
Winter 2026\ Opens: 16 February 2026\ Closes: 12 April 2026
Embassy Information Sessions
Students are encouraged to register and attend an information session to receive more details on the Embassy Internship application process, eligibility criteria, etc.
19 March 2026: 12 noon @ Room 273, Global Change Institute Building (20), St Lucia
You can watch the recording of the previous info session by logging in with your UQ student account.
Need more information
Please contact employability@uq.edu.au