Going to the beach during a government and politics internship in Melbourne

Government & Politics Internships in Melbourne

For the first 26 years after Australia became a federation in 1901, Melbourne was the seat of national government, and federal lawmakers met in the grand Parliament House on Spring Street, still the home of Victoria's parliament today. The capital eventually moved to Canberra, but Melbourne has remained a political city, with a state government, major universities and a policy community that sit at the center of Australian public life.

Please note: our dedicated Government & Politics internships aren't currently available in Melbourne. They are available in London, New York, Medellín and as a remote program. If Melbourne is your priority destination, several other career fields can help you develop relevant experience.

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24Guaranteed Internship
Vetted Government & Politics roles in London, New York and Medellín.

14Complete Overseas Support
Visa assistance, housing, social & cultural events and 24/7 staff support included in every destination.

22Global Career Network
Join 15,000+ alumni with dynamic workshops, networking events, and employer references.

Example government & politics host organizations

We've previously placed interns with government departments, legislative offices, policy institutes and advocacy organizations in our Government & Politics destinations. The organizations featured represent examples of the types of professional environments where participants have gained experience and aren't necessarily Melbourne placements. 

Why Melbourne is worth considering for a government and politics career

Australia shares power between a federal government in Canberra and six state governments, and the division matters. States run most of the services people use every day, from hospitals and schools to trains and trams, while the federal government handles areas such as defense, immigration and national taxation. That structure means a state capital like Melbourne is not a junior version of national politics. Policy is drafted, debated and delivered close to the people it affects, by a Victorian government responsible for the daily lives of more than six million residents.

The rules of the game add to the interest. Voting is compulsory, so campaigns are built around reaching nearly every voter rather than mobilizing a committed few, and ballots rank candidates in order of preference, which shapes how parties negotiate and how close contests are decided. Melbourne's universities, think tanks and advocacy groups produce research and campaigns on urban planning, public transport, climate and housing that are often picked up in national debates. For anyone curious about how a federal democracy functions in practice, it is an instructive city to know.

What makes Melbourne's political scene stand out

Compulsory and preferential voting
 Near-universal turnout and ranked ballots shape how campaigns are run and how coalitions form.

State-level responsibility
Victoria's government runs health, education, transport and policing for millions of people.

Policy and research community
 Universities, think tanks and advocacy groups feed ideas into state and national debate.

Federal system
Responsibilities are divided between state and national government, with Melbourne playing a historic role.

Can you do a Government & Politics internship in Melbourne?

Not currently. Our dedicated Government & Politics internships are available in London, New York, Medellín and remotely. If you'd like to be in Melbourne, the career fields below can build skills that transfer into government, politics and public policy.

Explore Government & Politics internships in other destinations >

Going on a tour of a vineyard during an internship in Melbourne

Other career fields to consider in Melbourne for a future career in politics

The best option will depend on which part of government and politics you're interested in pursuing.

Law

Legislation, regulation and the courts are at the heart of public life. A law placement in Melbourne builds research and drafting skills and gives you a view of how legal frameworks shape government decisions.

NGO & Non-profit

Advocacy groups and charities work to influence policy and deliver services that governments cannot. In Melbourne's active non-profit sector, you could learn how campaigns, submissions and coalitions try to change public decisions.

Journalism, Publishing & Media

Reporters, editors and commentators shape how voters understand politics. A media placement in Melbourne builds research and writing skills and shows how the political story is told to an electorate that is required to vote.

Marketing & PR

Political campaigns and public agencies rely on clear messaging, communications and stakeholder engagement. This route builds the communications skills used in political offices and public affairs teams.

Environmental Science & Sustainability

Climate and environmental policy are some of the most debated subjects in Victoria and across Australia. This route offers experience of the research and evidence that inform these debates.

Social Work

Social policy is made real through the services people use, from housing support to aged care. A social work placement in Melbourne shows how policy decisions are experienced on the ground.

Finance & Accounting

Budgets, taxation and public spending are central to government. A finance placement gives you an understanding of the numbers behind policy choices, a useful foundation for a career in public administration.

Business

Government decisions affect companies and markets, and businesses engage with policy every day. A business placement offers a commercial view of how regulation, procurement and public programs shape the private sector.

Hear from our interns in Melbourne

Jessica Fisher
Jessica Fisher
Watch their story
Thaddeus Pryor
Thaddeus Pryor
Watch their story
Melissa Belec
Melissa Belec
Watch their story

"I think I've grown so much both professionally and personally. Professionally, this experience has helped me narrow down what I want to do as a career, identify the right paths and people to learn from, and build on the skills I can use to achieve my career goals. Personally, it's made me realise that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. You're more than capable." - Jessica Fisher, intern in Melbourne

"I was impressed by how quickly I interviewed with The Intern Group and was then offered an internship that suited me perfectly. It almost felt like it came out of thin air, and I felt very lucky to have that opportunity." - Thaddeus Pryor, Melbourne intern

Going on a wildlife tour during an internship in Melbourne

Want a direct Government & Politics internship?

If working in government and politics is your main goal, our dedicated Government & Politics internships are available in London, New York, Medellín and remotely. You'll work with government offices, policy teams and political organizations on real projects.

Explore Government & Politics internships >

Start building your international government and politics career

Melbourne may not currently offer dedicated Government & Politics internships, but there are still ways to build experience that supports a public policy career. Choose a related career field in Melbourne, or select one of our Government & Politics destinations to work directly in the field.

Apply now

Students at a pilates class after work during an internship in Melbourne

FAQs

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Realize your potential with an international internship

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  • 1

    Apply online

    Complete our simple application form and tell us about your passions, qualifications, and experiential requirements.

  • 2

    Interview

    If your interview is successful, confirm your enrollment with a tuition deposit.

  • 3

    Secure your internship

    Collaborate in the internship placement process & accelerate your career.