WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING
Internships at UWA
Set yourself apart with an internship as part of your UWA experience
Benefits of a WIL Partnership
UWA works with a number of organisations spanning across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, all of which are vital to the success of our program. Hosting a student has benefits for all stakeholders.
Mentor and inspire future leaders
Supervising and mentoring a WIL student offers professional development opportunities in your organisation. Future team leaders and managers within your office can develop their skills inspiring the best and brightest students to achieve their maximum potential.
Enhance perspectives
Students bring their energy, passion, fresh perspectives and ideas that can break up the status quo of day-to-day business. Coupled with analytical and problem-solving skills, WIL interns can make significant contributions to progress initiatives or projects.
Create a talent pipeline
WIL provides partner organisations with a pipeline to a future workforce of well-rounded recruits. When it comes to hiring, organisations are be able to assess the skills and attributes of students while on placements.
Interested in hosting a student?
Partner with us to help develop future leaders of the world
Why take an intern?
- Invest in the future generation by building capacity in young people.
- Tap into WA’s brightest minds, who can bring their fresh perspective and new energy to your project.
- Identify new talent and build connections with the next cohort of graduates.
- Raise the profile of your organisation.
Frequently asked questions
- When can I host a student?
-
Depending on the unit, the internship period will differ as some units do not run during the break. Typically, there are four intakes throughout the year Semester 1 (March-June), Winter (1st July-26th July), Semester 2 (July-October) and Summer (Nov-Feb). Host organisations should note that for Semester 1 and 2, typically a student would complete 1-2 days per week. For Winter, the student will complete 4 weeks full-time and for Summer, there is flexibility where students can complete their hours in a block or part-time.
- At which stage of their degree are students doing this internship?
-
For undergraduates, only students who are in second year and above qualify for this internship. Internships are also open to postgraduate students.
- What type of internships will fit the WIL program?
-
The Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Education (ABLE) offers arts and business internships in all sectors. A marketplace is offered to all students to apply for.
The Faculty of Science offers placements in most majors that are offered by the University. For more our major offering, you can find out on the Faculty’s website.
The Faculty of Engineering has eight engineering disciplines for the Master of Professional Engineering, and all students have to complete relevant discipline-related work experience in order to graduate.
The McCusker Centre for Citizenship partners with not-for-profit, community and government organisations to provide a structured, quality internship program for students. Through this award-winning internship program, students engage in active citizenship by making a difference and contributing to fixing complex social issues in our community.
- Are students covered by insurance during WIL?
-
UWA provides insurance coverage for students who are engaged in unpaid WIL activities that are approved by the University. However, if students are engaged in a paid WIL activity, employers are responsible for providing a student’s coverage for insurance and for complying with any other relevant legislation such as the Fair Work Act, and that relating to anti-discrimination, worker's compensation, OHS and minimum wage payments.
- Are international students allowed to undertake this internship?
-
International students are allowed to undertake unlimited hours of unpaid work if it is part of their course requirements or unit. They are able to engage in paid work on their student visas, but only for up to 40 hours per fortnight when their course is in session. When their course is out of session (semester breaks), international students possess full working rights and can engage in unlimited hours of paid work.
- Do hosts have to pay students engaged in WIL?
- Generally, hosts do not have to pay students engaged in WIL activities. However, some organisations do provide travel and meal stipends. Your organisation may also choose to offer paid internships, which will appeal to students who have other paid commitments and have to take time away to better commit to your organisation.
- Is it required that my organisation have a department related to the tasks that the student is engaged in
-
For an internship to be approved and recognised by UWA, there has to be a mentor or supervisor who is currently employed in a role that is related to the student’s tasks. This is to ensure the internship experience will be valuable and authentic, and students will be able to gain feedback and guidance from an industry professional.
- What are my legal obligations as a host?
- The Fair Work Act outlines the requirements of student placements.
Contact us
Fill in the form and we will get in touch to discuss an opportunity