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Which visa do I need?
Students come to Australia on one of the following visas.
- Tourist Visa
- Student Visa
- Working Holiday Visa
- 416 Special Program Visa
- Transfer from Student Visa to 416 Visa
Most inquiries about Australian visa and citizenship matters can be answered by checking the relevant Internet web-sites:
www.immi.gov.au (Australian Immigration Department website providing general information and access to Visa information)
http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/index.htm (contact details of all DIAC offices in and outside Australia).
Please note that MPI are not immigration agents and any visa information provided on this website should also be checked with the Australian Immigration department www.immi.gov.au .
Tourist Visa
Some applicants may be entitled to undertake an internship on a Tourist Visa. Any internships on a tourist visa must be purely 'observational' in nature.
You can not do any work on this visa, paid or unpaid.
Student Visa
These visas are granted when the student enrols in an accredited college or educational institution to study in Australia.
Students who come to Australia to study are also entitled to do an internship. Student Visas are not automatically granted with work rights, and so students may need to apply for that separately when or after applying for the visa.
MPI can not issue Student Visas. This is a visa each student is required to obtain themselves.
Students may be able to intern for 20 hours a week during courses and full time during semester breaks/holidays.
We currently have a number of students undertaking an internship on part time basis while studying at colleges and institutions.
Part time internships are usually for longer periods which means the student gains more experience and spends more time with the host company. The student will receive a reference from the internship host company for a longer period.
Working Holiday Visa
This is a 12-month visa, which permits the holder to do an internship or period of employment (paid or unpaid) for any one company for a maximum of 6 months.
This means that interns can do an internship for more than 6 months but have to change companies after 6 months.
Working Holiday Visa holders are also able to study for up to 4 months.
Australia has a reciprocal agreement with certain countries, thus allowing students from those countries to obtain the visa.
These countries are Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Japan, Korea, UK, Ireland, Malta, Canada, Finland, Hong Kong, Italy, France, Belgium, Estonia and Taiwan.
Australia is also negotiating with a number of other countries in order to be included on the Working Holiday Visa scheme, so make sure you contact your nearest Australian Embassy/consulate.
Working Holiday Visas are great for students doing an internship for up to 6 months and are looking to combine their internship with some travelling and adventure in Australia.
416 Special Program Visa
This visa allows interns to do an internship for a maximum of 3 or 6 months depending on their previous study and work experience.
The visa can be issued for the length of the internship + 4 weeks. Interns are also able to recieve payments by the host company.
Interns are also allowed to study for a maximum of 20% of the length of the visa.
This visa is particularly great for interns looking to combine their internship with a short refresher English course prior the internship.
Please click here for more information!
Transfer from Student Visa to 416 Visa
There is now an option for Student Visa holders to transfer to a 416 Special Program to undertake their internship. Please click here for certain requirements related to this transfer.
