Australian Disability Network Internship Program

About the Internship Program

Australian Disability Network’s Internship Program provides paid, practical work experience for university students and recent graduates with disability. We understand the unique challenges you may face, such as gaps in your resume or limited access to part time work while studying.
Through this Internship Program, you’ll have the chance to work with inclusive employers who value diverse talent and are committed to creating accessible workplaces. These internships are designed to help you build your confidence, gain valuable experience and take the next steps toward your career goals.

Why choose this Internship Program?

Since 2005, we’ve connected talented students and graduates with top employers across Australia. Our alumni are more likely to secure employment after completing an internship, setting them up for long-term career success.

Watch our internship alumni talk about their experience

Eligibility

To participate in the program, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a person with disability – Need more information? Visit our What is Disability? page to learn more about the different types of disability.
• Be registered with disability services at your university or be able to provide a note from a medical or allied health professional. Your privacy is important to us. Any details about your disability will be removed from your application before it is shared with an employer.
• Be a university (or tertiary institution) student in your second-last or final year or a recent graduate (within three years of your application date). To be eligible for the internship program, you must be enrolled in a course listed on the National Training Register or studying at a university or educational institution accredited by TESQA. Alternative or international courses and educational institutions must be recognised by the relevant local or government accreditation body, or will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• Not be on a leave of absence from your studies.
• Have working rights in Australia, such as citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa for international students.

Program Commitment

By applying for the Internship Program, you are committing to fully participate in all stages of the process, and if successful, the internship itself. This includes:

• Actively engaging in the application process, including attending an online interview and Plan for Success sessions
• Being available for the entire internship duration, which is a minimum of 4 weeks (152 hours)
• Dedicating yourself to the role if selected, including meeting the expectations of the host organisation and contributing meaningfully to your internship.
• Your commitment is key to making the most of this opportunity and ensuring a successful experience for both you and the host organisation.

If you have further questions about whether you are eligible for the Internship Program, please contact the Programs team at applications@AusDN.org.au or 02 8270 9200.

Key Dates

Internship opportunities are advertised in March for the Winter semester break and in August for the Summer break.

Winter 2026

• Applications Open: March 2026
• Internship Period: July to September 2026

Specific dates will be finalised and advertised in February 2026

If you’re interested in news for the future cohorts of the program, we invite you to subscribe to our mailing list

Available Internship Opportunities

Applications for the Summer Cohort are now closed.

Thank you for your interest in the program. While general applications for the Summer cohort have officially closed, we are still recruiting for a limited number of roles.

Please download the list of available roles (Excel)

Interested in applying?

If you find a role that suits your interests and experience, please email application@ausdn.org.au to request access to the application form.

How to apply for an Internship

To complete your application, follow these steps:

1. Submit an Online Application

•  Complete the application form online.
•  You only need to apply once. If you need to update your preferences or information after submitting, email the Programs Team at applications@AusDN.org.au, and they will assist you.

2. Choose your preferences

3. Review Position Descriptions

Carefully read the position description for all the roles you are applying for and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.

4. Prepare the Supporting Documents

• Ensure you have the following documents ready to upload. Applications without these will not be considered:
• Current CV
• Academic transcript (official or unofficial accepted)
• Relevant disability information (eg. Disability Access Plan from Disability Services at your university or a note from a medical professional)

Plan for Success Workshops

As part of your participation in the Internship Program, attending at least one session from our Plan for Success session is mandatory. These sessions are hosted either by a member of the AusDN Programs team or by one of our host organisations.

We recommend that you take part even if you are unsure about applying. It’s a valuable opportunity to connect with the AusDN team, gain insights from experienced professionals, and enhance your readiness for the workplace.

Find out more about the Plan for Success Workshops

The Applicant Journey

We’re often asked about the entire journey for applicants. Below is an overview of what happens from the time you submit an application until you find out if you’ve been successful.

1. Submit Application. Your application begins the process.
2. Online Interview with AusDN Programs Team – Participate in an interview to discuss your skills, experience, and goals.
3. Attend Plan for Success Session – Join a workshop hosted by AusDN to help you prepare for your internship journey.
4. Application Review – The AusDN Programs Team reviews your application, interview insights, and preferences.
5. Shortlisting for Internship Roles – The Programs Team matches your application with suitable roles.
6. Submit Personalised Cover Letter – If shortlisted, you’ll be asked to write a tailored cover letter for the specific role.
7. Applications Sent to Employer (Host Organisation) – AusDN forwards your shortlisted application to the employer.
8. Interview with Employer (Host Organisation) – Shortlisted candidates are contacted by the employer for an interview.
9. Outcome Communication – Employers inform you directly about the outcome of the recruitment process. Please contact the AusDN Programs team at applications@AusDN.org.au if you have not been contacted after your interview with an outcome.
10. Successful Applicants Offered Internships – If successful, you’ll negotiate the terms of your internship with the employer.
11. Ongoing Support from AusDN – The AusDN Programs Team will provide support and regular check-ins throughout your internship.

For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Frequently asked Questions

Question 1: When are applications for internships open?

• Winter Semester Break: internship opportunities are advertised in March and April.
• Summer Semester Break: internship opportunities are advertised in August and September.

Question 2: Can I apply for the Internship Program more than once? 
Yes, you can reapply for the program each time you meet the eligibility criteria. There’s no limit to how many times you can apply.

Question 3: Who should I contact if I have any questions? 

We’re here to help you every step of the way! Contact the AusDN Programs Team on application@ausdn.org.au or call 02 8270 9200. Our dedicated team is excited to support you throughout the application process and during your internship journey.

Question 4: What documents do I require to lodge an application? 

• Current resume/CV
• Academic Transcript (Official and Unofficial accepted)
• Relevant Disability Information (Access plan from Disability Services at your university or a note from a medical professional)

When completing your application form, please submit documents in Word or PDF format. Screenshots will not be accepted and may cause delays in processing your application.

Question 5: Where do I start? 

Begin by searching for available and check if you meet the role requirements. If you find roles, you’re eligible for, you can start your application. You may select up to five preferred roles in your application.

Search for available roles on the Current Opportunities page

Question 6: I have applied before. Do I need to submit a new application? 

Yes, all candidates will need to submit a new application, even if they have previously applied for the program.

Question 7: Can I apply for an internship in a state other than where I normally reside?
Yes, you can. However, you will be responsible for covering all relocation costs for the duration of the internship.

Question 8: Can you provide some general tips when filling out the application form? 

• Ensure you complete all fields. Leaving any section blank is an incomplete application.
• Check for spelling, grammar and language. Get someone to proof-read before submitting.
• If you use industry related terms or acronyms, ensure you elaborate, and ask yourself, would the recruiter understand this?
• Other interests, activities and achievements. In this section, you should mention any involvement in extracurricular activities such as sporting clubs, university activities, achievements and prizes, either in your employment history, at university or the community. The employer wants to get an understanding of who you are outside of your studies.
• Career objectives. In this section, you should be clear about what your career goals are, what career interests you hope to pursue. Explain why you chose your course of study and how your studies are relevant to your career objectives. The employer is interested in knowing why you have applied for the internship and your interest in being considered for an internship in their organisation.
• Other work-related skills and abilities. For this section, include any work-related skills and abilities you have and for each, provide an example of how you have demonstrated such skill either through your employment history, university or in the community. The skills could include technical skills (for example, specific computer programs/software you have competencies in) or soft skills (such as customer service, communications skills and ability to work in a team). The employer is interested in how your skills and abilities will match the internship offered and your ability to work effectively in their organisation.

Question 9: What happens if I change my mind about my preferred role(s) after submitting an application? 

If you need to update your preferences or any other information after submitting, please contact the Programs Team at applications@ausdn.org.au.

Question 10: How do I update my personal details if I have already submitted an application? 
Please contact the Programs Team at applications@ausdn.org.au and they will update your application.

Question 11: What is a workplace adjustment? 

A workplace adjustment is a modification to a work process, practice, procedure or environment that enables a person with disability to perform their job in a way that minimises the impact of the barriers they face at work

Question 12: What are some examples of commonly requested workplace adjustments? 

Some examples include, but are not limited to:

• Being able to work from home Flexible working hours
• Access to quiet room in the workplace
• Taking time off for breaks, appointments and to manage your condition
• Change in communication style
• Modified workspaces such providing ergonomic chairs, adjusting desk heights
• Extra supervision
• Accessible formats such as providing documents in large print or digital formats compatible with screen readers
• Requesting interview questions in advance

Question 13: What does it mean to be shortlisted? 

Being shortlisted means you have been selected as one of the candidates whose skills and experience aligns with the role. Your application will be submitted to the employer for consideration, and you will be invited for an interview.

If you are shortlisted the AusDN Programs team will contact you and request you to submit a cover letter.

They will provide you with an example of a cover letter.

Question 14: How many roles can I be shortlisted for? 

You can only be shortlisted for one role.

Question 15: What happens after my interview with the host organisation? 

After your interview, the host organisation will inform you whether you have been successful. If you are selected, you will be offered an internship. Please contact the AusDN Programs team at applications@AusDN.org.au if you have not been contacted after your interview with an outcome.

Question 16: Are TAFE students or graduates eligible to apply for the program?
TAFE students and certificate holders are eligible for the program. However, suitability for specific roles will depend on the individual requirements of the positions they are applying for.

20 years of Impact

Since 2005, the Australian Disability Network Internship Program has filled over 2,500 internship placements across 160 organisations. What began with seven law students in our Stepping Into Law program has transformed both individual careers and workplace cultures over two decades.

What drives this impact?

The power of structured support and organisations willing to challenge barriers. Every internship participant, whether intern or supervisor, has become a catalyst of change for individual career growth and for changing how workplaces think about inclusion.

Twenty years of experience has also shown us that effective workplace inclusion is surprisingly accessible. The most common adjustments are practical flexibility measures like flexible working hours, interview questions in advance, and regular check-ins, rather than significant financial investment.

But the real story is in the voices of those who’ve experienced the program firsthand. They prove that when structured programs connect capable graduates with disability-confident organisations, the impact ripples far beyond individual careers.

Hear directly from our alumni

Debbie Heron Testimonial

Debbie shares how AusDN’s internship program transformed her legal career after years of facing discrimination due to her disability.

Hear from Ben, Brooke and Rex