How many interns can I engage?

To help you get the most out of your experience as a host, and to ensure the quality of the student internship experience, we place limits on the number of interns your organisation can take on, particularly if you are new to our program.

These guidelines help us maintain a high-quality experience for everyone involved, and ensure you're set up for long-term success as a host.

Type of InternshipNEW HOST (Participated in ≤2 Semesters)REPEAT HOST (Participated in ≥3 Semesters)
Unpaid or Unpaid with a stipend amount As a new host, you may engage up to 2 Interns.As a repeat host, you may engage up to 5 interns
Paid RoleNo limit.No Limit.
What is a stipend?

A stipend is a discretionary amount awarded to the student for the duration of their internship. The University of Melbourne will invoice you, the host organisation, for the total amount, and the funds will be distributed from the University of Melbourne's accounts on a fortnightly basis to the student until the total is reach. Please discuss with the Internships and Projects Team the stipend amount you wish to award the student.

What is a paid internship role?

A paid internship requires that the student be compensated at least the minimum award rate, as outlined by Fair Work Australia. In this arrangement, the student is considered an employee of your organisation and must be covered under your company’s insurance policy.

Due to the nature of paid internships, you may host multiple students, as long as each one receives appropriate support and supervision from qualified technical and/or professional staff.

This applies to both new and repeat hosts

NEW HOSTS

If this is your first or second semester hosting a Faculty of Engineering and IT student, you may host up to two unpaid or stipend-supported interns.

These limits are in place to ensure that every student receives the guidance and supervision necessary to thrive, and that your organisation gains value from their contributions.

REPEAT HOSTS

After successfully hosting students for at least two semesters and receiving positive feedback from both students and academic mentors, you'll be considered a Repeat Host.

As a Repeat Host, you'll be eligible to host up to five unpaid or stipend-supported interns. The limit for paid roles remains unchanged, there is no cap on paid internships, as long as proper supervision and support are provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you're a new host (participating in your first or second semester), the general limit is two unpaid or stipend-supported interns per semester. This helps ensure each student receives meaningful support and supervision, and that you’re set up for success as a host.

    However, if you’re a new host and would like to take on more than two students, for the same, or different roles:

    • We ask that you provide a clear work plan for each student role, outlining their tasks, supervision structure, and learning outcomes, and;
    • Each student must be awarded a stipend or be paid at least at the award rate as specified by Fair Work

  • Paid internships are treated differently because they come with a level of investment and commitment from you as a host organisation.

    When you offer a paid opportunity, it signals that you’re providing a role with real value, often similar to entry-level work, and that you're resourcing the placement in a way that supports student success.

    Considering this, these roles are likely to offer students a high-quality, well-supported experience from the onset.

  • If you're unsure about the information provided around the limit of interns you can host each semester, please reach out to our team at engit-placements@unimelb.edu.au.