Business internships

Undergraduate students should seek to undertake an internship after completing at least one and a half years of study of a three-year program. Postgraduate students should look at completing their internship in the second half of their first year or the second year of their program.

Yes, you can do an internship in your final semester provided you have sufficient space in your study plan.

Most programs within the College of Business and Law at Adelaide University include Work Integrated Learning (WIL) components, which may involve an internship course. Please check your study plan or contact the Student Assist team to confirm your program requirements.

Adelaide University offers both in-person and virtual internships. Depending on your program, you can complete an internship as a core course, an elective or an extra-curricular work experience activity.  

Internship courses are offered throughout the year in line with the University's study periods, most commonly through Semester 1 and Semester 2. During standard semesters, students typically intern 2–3 days per week. During intensive periods such as Winter or Summer School, internships generally run on a full-time basis.

You can generally complete only one internship course in your program, but you may be able to take two in some programs – check with the WIL Business team. Any additional placements are voluntary (unpaid, non-credit).

Applying is different from enrolling in a standard course – see the two pathways at the top of this page: apply for an advertised opportunity via InPlace, or self-source a placement and email the WIL Business team: wil.business@adelaide.edu.au.

Internship course enrolments are processed by the WIL Business team once your placement is approved – you do not self-enrol through the Student Portal.

Applications for business internships close early each study period to allow time for coordinating placements with industry partners. Key deadlines are regularly communicated on this webpage. Keep an eye on communications from wil.business@adelaide.edu.au and your program director.

When applying for an advertised opportunity, you will typically need a current resume and a tailored cover letter. You will also need to complete a video interview (Vieple), the application form and the work health and safety (WHS) modules. More information and links to the Vieple interview, application form and WHS modules can be found on InPlace.

For assistance with preparing your cover letter and resume, visit the University Careers Service.

All students intending to do an internship must complete the WHS modules and upload their completion certificate to InPlace.

1. Log in to the WHS Pre-Placement Training site and enrol.
2. The WHS modules will appear on the dashboard that you can access from the left-hand menu.
3. Once completed, click 'Grades' on the left-hand menu of the Canvas site and select 'Print Grades'.
4. Select 'Save as PDF' (rather than print) and save.
5. Log in to InPlace and go to your 'My Details' page (found in the drop-down menu under your username).
6. Upload your Completion Certificate to the WHS section.

Your host will advise you if you need one of these clearances.

If you require a National Crime Check (NCC), Adelaide University has teamed up with the provider to give students an easier way to obtain their police check online. The cost of the police check for Adelaide University students is $20 (GST inclusive). Access the National Crime Check Portal.

Once you've received your NCC, please upload it to InPlace:

1. Log in to InPlace.
2. Click on the 'My Details' link.
3. Scroll down to 'National Crime Check'.
4. Upload your document.

Yes, provided you have eligible space in your program and your internship project is approved. Ask the host organisation to complete an Activity Brief and email it to wil.business@adelaide.edu.au as soon as possible, then follow the eight-stage process above. The signed WIL Agreement must be in place before you can start.

Note: for a paid self-sourced internship to count for credit, it must be approved by the University at least four weeks before starting.

Internships can be paid or unpaid – this is indicated in the Activity Brief for each placement. Under the Fair Work Act, all unpaid elective internships must be taken for course credit to be lawful. Adelaide University's WIL program is structured to ensure all activities comply with Fair Work requirements.

Students may be permitted to undertake an internship interstate or overseas. However, these placements require additional approval and can take longer than local placements. Virtual placements are also available. Contact the WIL team at wil.business@adelaide.edu.au for further information.

Internship hours generally count towards your visa 48-hour fortnightly work limit, unless the internship course is a requirement of your program. It is strongly recommended that you seek clarification from the International Student Support team and the Department of Home Affairs before commencing, as visa conditions vary.

Depending on the course you are enrolled in, hours will vary from about 15 days (115–120 hours) for a 6 unit internship to 30 days (150 hours). Check the course requirements in the course outline on the Adelaide University website.

All internship courses have academic assessment requirements. Refer to your course outline and contact the course coordinator for further information.

Contact the WIL Business team at wil.business@adelaide.edu.au. The team is available to support you throughout your placement and will work with both you and the host organisation to address any concerns.