Disclaimer Information - This internship program is offered and administered by external organisation, the Aurora Education Foundation. The information and timeline may be updated in accordance with their updates / advice. 

The Aurora Internship Program offers Indigenous and non-Indigenous students the valuable opportunity to develop practical skills, gain real-world experience, and build professional networks at host organisations involved in native title, community development, commerce, health, policy and research, education, science, technology, creative arts and more.  Indigenous interns are placed in organisations that align with their field of study and goals, while non-Indigenous interns are placed within Indigenous-sector organisations.  ​

The Internship Program offers full time internships for 4-6 weeks or part-time equivalents at organisations working to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Aurora supports Indigenous and selected non-Indigenous interns to develop practical skills, gain real-world career experience and build professional networks.

The rewarding internship experience and the real-life application of studies has a transformative impact on participants, the organisations that Aurora supports, and the communities we serve.  Recent survey results showed that 100% of interns reported the program provided meaningful work experience and enhanced their skills and knowledge, and 90% of host organisations reported they would hire an Aurora intern if a vacancy was available. ​

We highly recommend applying during the application period, however, applications for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interns are accepted all year round. ​

Summer Internship period​

1.        November 2025 to May 2026​

2.        Placements are full time (4–6 weeks) or part-time equivalent​

3.        2–3-week micro-internships are also available​

• Current Students

• Centre for Aboriginal Studies
• Faculty of Business and Law
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Humanities

• Undergraduate

• Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Students

• Australian Citizen

• Merit Based

Program Inclusions:

1.        Internship opportunities that align with the applicant’s academic and professional goals

2.        Access to over 100 host organisations based in metropolitan and regional areas of Australia

3.        Wrap-around support from the Aurora Internship team from application to your internship placement and beyond​

4.        Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interns receive a $180/day stipend ($900/week), plus up to $3,800 for travel and accommodation if placed away from home.​

5.        Non-Indigenous interns are unpaid and must self-fund their placement. However, internships may count towards university credit or placement hours.​

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are required to complete unpaid compulsory placement as part of their degree can also apply for the internship program to cover up to 6 weeks of their placement.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are highly encouraged to apply. All applications will be reviewed and considered for placement. 

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants - To be eligible to undertake a funded internship, the candidate must:

• Be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Provide confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. This is a signed statement including common seal from the Aboriginal Heritage Association, Aboriginal Corporation or Land Council.
• At the time of application, the candidate is not in receipt of funding through the Indigenous Cadetship Support initiative. (Note: Indigenous applicants currently receiving ICS funding can apply for a non-funded internship).
• Enrolled for study at a university or vocational institute (minimum Certificate IV) or have graduated from a degree at an Australian university.
• Have capacity to complete a four to six week full-time internship or part-time equivalent.
• Have allowed six months to have passed before undertaking a second Commonwealth funded internship.

For non-Indigenous applicants - To be eligible to undertake an internship, the candidate must:

• Be enrolled for study at a university or have graduated from a degree at an Australian university
• Undertake an internship with an Indigenous sector organisation
• Self-fund living expenses, accommodation and travel costs
• Demonstrate an appropriate level of cultural competency

For further information on eligibility, selection criteria, internship expectations see the Foundation's FAQs page.

To apply for an Aurora Internship, please submit an application online: Aurora Internship Application

Recipients must meet all of the following:

• Remain enrolled in eligible course of study
• Demonstrate their commitment in their field of study

Further information on the Aurora Internship program and how to apply can be accessed via the FAQs page.​

If you have any questions, please contact the Internship team via this email Internships@aurorafoundation.com.au and a team member will contact you at their earliest convenience.​

Internships | Aurora Foundation