UQ Six-Month Industry Placement in Indonesia
Gain global experience and university credit supported by $14,000 NCP grants
Program overview
Internships tailored to your field of study
Students enrolled in the 5-year Integrated Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Engineering program can spend their six-month placement in Indonesia, completing one of our listed industry projects with an Indonesian host organisation.
Join a community of Australian university students and take part in a variety of professional, cultural, and social events. The dedicated team from International Internships provides full support throughout your journey, including 24/7 in-country assistance while you're in Indonesia.
Limited $14,000 NCP grants and OS-Help Loans up to $9,893 are available to eligible students.
To apply for these placements, follow the UQ application process that will be communicated to eligible students.
Hear from students on one of our similar Engineering programs
Program details
Tailored Internship
You will work with your host organisation on a full-time basis from week 2 (after the language program in week 1) onwards. The internship is the core of your experience in Indonesia, so we work hard to ensure that the roles are interesting and challenging, and that they will give you the experience you need to kick-start your career.
The pre-defined roles with Indonesian host organisations listed below detail exactly what you will be doing, so you can decide in advance whether it is the right fit for you. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions through an online consultation prior to accepting any offered position.
Throughout your internship, the International Internships team provides ongoing support, including regular check-ins to help you excel in a dynamic, global work environment.
Focused on Your Professional Development
As part of your engineering internship, you'll have the opportunity to visit industry organisations and associations such as AECOM Indonesia, the Australian Embassy and the Indonesia-Australia Business Council. These visits offer a behind-the-scenes look at leading companies and innovative projects across Indonesia, giving you a deeper understanding of how engineering principles are applied in real-world settings. It’s also a chance to network with industry professionals and fellow international students, gain insights into global engineering practices that will position you for a global career based either within Australia or abroad.
Indonesian Language Week and Extra Classes
Throughout the program, you will complete approximately 32 hours of Indonesian language classes. The classes are delivered by the University of Indonesia (UI) - one of Indonesia's top universities. The program is designed for all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers and will give you a real foundation to build upon.
Your first week in Indonesia is devoted entirely to learning Indonesian language and culture. During that week you will complete approximately 20 hours of language classes at UI's campus, which is in a place called Depok, about an hour out of Jakarta and near the picturesque mountains and historic city of Bogor.
Alongside your language lessons, you will enjoy cultural activities and local experiences — giving you the chance to practice your new skills in real-life situations. You'll also have plenty of free time to explore the vibrant markets, street food scene, and breathtaking landscapes. This week provides a great way to build friendships, boost your confidence, and settle in before moving to Jakarta for your internship experience.
You will then continue to build upon this foundation with a further 12 hours of language classes during your internship.
Cultural Immersion & Networking
Dive into the vibrant culture of Indonesia while making new friends and expanding your global network! Alongside your internship, you’ll enjoy cultural events, fun social activities, and networking meetups with local professionals and international students. It’s the perfect mix of career growth and unforgettable experiences—helping you build connections and communication skills while having an amazing time.
Dates & fees
Six-Month Industry Projects
| Details | Semester 1 2026 |
|---|---|
| Arrival | 10 January 2026 |
| Program Starts | 12 January 2026 |
| Program Ends | 26 June 2026 |
| Applications close | 30 October 2025 |
| Fee | $12,400 |
| NCP Funding* | $14,000 |
* NCP funding is limited and only available to eligible students. Learn more.
Inclusions & exclusions
Inclusions
- Internship placement based on your interests and career ambitions
- Accommodation in a mixture of private accommodation in shared apartment or co-living arrangement and twinshare (same gender) accommodation at a hotel
- Pre-departure support, including visa advice and sponsorship where required
- Administrative support, including academic credit approval (if applicable)
- Airport transfers on nominated arrival and departure dates
- Immersive orientation program
- Intercultural communication workshop
- Approximately 32 hours of Indonesian language classes
- Career development workshop
- Explore the surrounding areas through two organised weekend trips
- Cultural and social events with Indonesian buddies
- 24/7 in-country support
- Regular check-ins with an International Internships team member
- International internships completion certificate
- Connection with Indonesian students from local universities
Exclusions
- Internet, phone and home working set-up
- Flight costs, airport taxes and associated costs
- Visa costs and passport fees
- Travel insurance
- Most meals
- Enrolment fees for any subjects at your university
- Host-specific requirements (ie. uniform, safety equipment)
- Vaccinations (if required)
- Laundry, toiletries and amenities
- Extra activities and travel or any other items of a personal nature
- Daily transportation costs
Industry Projects
Complete a real-world engineering challenge for an Indonesian host organisation
BETA - Unmanned Aircraft Solutions
BETA UAS (PT Bentara Tabang Nusantara) is a drone technology company founded in 2016 by aerospace graduates. It designs and manufactures unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for uses like mapping, inspection, cargo delivery, and disaster response.
With products such as Raybe, Iris, Feia, and Omnibe, BETA UAS supports industries including agriculture, infrastructure, oil & gas, and mining. Recognized as a Technology Pioneer by Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry in 2023, the company focuses on local innovation, Industry 4.0, and sustainable aerial solutions.
Available Projects
Optimising Drone Component Production for Scale at BETA
Location: Bandung, Indonesia
Engineering Disciplines: Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Project Overview
Join a hands-on project at a drone manufacturing facility in Bandung, Indonesia, where you’ll help improve how drones are built. As an intern, you’ll learn how production workflows operate, spot areas where efficiency can be improved, and explore ways to bring in more automation and quality control as the company prepares to scale up.
You’ll get practical experience in mapping assembly processes, collecting and analyzing data, and working alongside engineers to test and prototype improvements. This internship is a chance to apply problem-solving skills in a real-world setting while contributing to the future of drone technology.
Required Deliverables
- Assisting in mapping the current production workflow for drone assembly
- Identifying bottlenecks and areas of inefficiency within the existing assembly line
- Collecting and analyzing production data using simple digital tools or spreadsheets
- Supporting the development of improvement plans, including proposals for automation or standardization
- Documenting findings and providing regular progress updates to the mentor or engineering team
- Collaborating with engineers to prototype and test proposed process enhancements
Sampangan
Sampangan is on a mission to combat agricultural waste and emissions from open burning and landfills. We convert this waste into high-value products like activated carbon using proprietary carbonization technology.
These products solve industrial needs such as water treatment. By embedding impact and circularity into our operations—through waste processing, low-carbon manufacturing, and emissions prevention—and focusing on commercial value creation with high margin, we help clients reduce costs and increase profitability, proving that sustainability accelerates business success
Available Projects
Enhancing Activated Carbon Grinding for Precision and Safety
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Engineering Disciplines: Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Project Overview
Interns will support the enhancement of the activated carbon grinding process by contributing to equipment upgrades, process optimisation, and safety improvements. The project focuses on achieving finer and more uniform particle sizes suitable for high-value applications such as filtration and gold refining, while maintaining safe working conditions.
Required Deliverables
- Assisting in the evaluation and potential upgrade of milling equipment to process abrasive activated carbon
- Supporting the integration of multi-stage grinding systems or particle classifiers
- Contributing to the implementation of sealed or dust-controlled systems to improve worker safety
- Participating in particle size analysis and quality assurance checks
- Documenting findings and providing input on system performance and safety outcomes
- Collaborating with the team to recommend process improvements for finer output and reduced product loss
Improving Drying Performance in Carbon Processing
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Engineering Disciplines: Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Project Overview
Interns will contribute to improving the drying process of carbonized material by evaluating existing systems and exploring opportunities for efficiency and quality enhancements. The focus is on achieving consistent moisture levels while reducing energy consumption through optimisation and waste-heat integration.
Project Aim
Uniformly remove moisture to maintain consistent product quality and reduce overall energy consumption.
Project Scope and Methodology
- Evaluate/upgrade current dryers (rotary, belt, etc.)
- Integrate waste-heat recovery from carbonization
- Optimize temperature & residence time to prevent over-/under-drying
Required Deliverables
- Reduced moisture content (<10%)
- Lower energy bills via waste-heat capture
- Uniform product quality for storage & transport
- Supporting the evaluation and potential upgrade of current drying technologies (e.g. rotary or belt dryers)
- Assisting in integrating waste-heat recovery systems from the carbonization process
- Contributing to the optimisation of drying parameters such as temperature and residence time
- Monitoring and documenting drying performance to ensure consistent moisture removal
- Analysing energy use and exploring opportunities for reduction
- Collaborating with the team to recommend process improvements for product quality and energy efficiency
Optimising Sieving Systems for Consistent Activated Carbon Grading
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Engineering Disciplines: Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Project Overview
Creating Low Emissterns will support the standardisation of activated carbon particle sizes by assisting with the implementation and optimisation of sieving systems. The project aims to ensure consistent quality aligned with client specifications across industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment, while minimising product rejections and improving inventory management.
Project Scope and Methodology
- Upgrade/install mills capable of handling abrasive AC
- Integrate multiple grinding stages or classifier systems
- Implement dust collection/sealed systems for worker safety
Required Deliverables
- Assisting with the installation and operation of vibrating or gyratory sieve systems for size grading
- Supporting the integration of automated sieving processes into the production line
- Participating in regular calibration and maintenance of sieve meshes and equipment
- Contributing to quality checks and batch tracking throughout the sieving process
- Documenting sieving performance and identifying areas for process improvement
- Collaborating with the production team to ensure product consistency across size grades
Biomass Waste to Electricity Project
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Engineering Disciplines: Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Project Overview
Interns will support a project focused on integrating self-generated electricity through steam or captured syngas into industrial operations. The goal is to reduce operating costs and environmental impact by exploring on-site energy recovery and utilization methods. This project includes feasibility studies and prototype testing to evaluate energy savings and emissions reductions.
Required Deliverables
- Conducting feasibility studies on capturing and utilizing steam or syngas for power generation within the facility
- Supporting early-stage concept development or prototyping for integration of self-powering machinery
- Assisting in the collection and analysis of data on potential energy savings and emissions reductions
- Participating in hands-on R&D activities such as basic workshop tasks, mechanical and electrical assembly, and thermal system testing
- Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team across energy, materials, and environmental focus areas
- Gaining understanding of technical and operational constraints for off-grid or remote-site power solutions
Portable and Modular Carbonization Machines for Decentralised Mini Factories Deployments
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Engineering Disciplines: Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Project Overview
Interns will support the development of semi-mobile carbonization machines for deployment in remote locations such as palm oil or rubber plantations. The objective is to design flexible units that can operate in remote site, allowing for more accessible implementation and improved operational flexibility. The project includes mechanical and electrical design, prototype testing, and preparation for pilot deployment.
Required Deliverables
- Assisting with the mechanical and electrical design of semi-mobile carbonization units
- Supporting concept development and early-stage prototype testing
- Developing engineering schematics or 3D models for mobile deployment
- Contributing to recommendations for pilot deployment in remote-area settings
- Participating in hands-on R&D, including workshop tasks (e.g. soldering, steel work), 3D printing, and thermal system work
- Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team covering energy, materials, and environmental topics
- Gaining insight into the challenges of designing for off-grid or remote-site applications
Rotary (Mechanical Separation) Project
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Engineering Disciplines: Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Project Overview
Interns will support efforts to improve the separation process of carbonized material by helping upgrade and optimise the mechanical system for sorting larger particulates (uncarbonized remnants). The objective is to lower labor costs, increase throughput, reduce manual sorting, and improve the consistency of the carbonized output for downstream processing.
Required Deliverables
- Supporting the upgrade or installation of higher-capacity rotary separators
- Assisting in optimising mechanical settings such as rotational speed, angle, and screening mesh selection
- Contributing to the implementation of automated feed hoppers or conveyor systems
- Collecting and analysing data to measure separation performance and efficiency
- Identifying opportunities to improve material flow and reduce cross-contamination
- Documenting progress and presenting findings to the engineering or production team
Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering ITB
The Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FMAE) – Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) is one of Indonesia’s leading engineering faculties, renowned for its expertise in aircraft design, flight dynamics, propulsion, and structural engineering. FMAE conducts cutting-edge research in aeronautics and aerospace systems, develops advanced simulation models, and applies data-driven approaches to improve aircraft performance, efficiency, and safety. The faculty collaborates with industry and government partners to advance technology, support innovation, and contribute to the development of Indonesia’s aerospace sector.
Available Projects
Aero-Performance Data Analytics for Improved Flight Operations
Location: Bandung, Indonesia
Engineering Disciplines: Aerospace Engineering
Project Overview
This internship provides hands-on experience analyzing flight data at the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung. Students will work with real aerodynamic, structural, and performance data across different phases of flight and develop simulation models to validate and interpret aircraft performance. Through this work, interns will gain practical skills in data analysis, modeling, and problem-solving while contributing to improvements in operational efficiency, flight safety, and overall aircraft performance. The project offers insight into how engineering principles are applied in real-world aerospace operations and decision-making.
Required Deliverables
- Collecting and organizing flight data from various sources to support performance and safety analysis
- Developing analysis tools using software such as MATLAB/Simulink or Python to process and interpret large datasets
- Interpreting analytical results to generate data-driven recommendations for improving flight efficiency and operational safety
- Preparing technical reports and visual materials that communicate key findings to support engineering decision-making
- Presenting analytical outcomes and insights through formal reports and presentations
Why Indonesia?
A diverse and dynamic nation and Australia's key strategic partner
Indonesia, a vibrant archipelago of over 17,000 islands, is rich in biodiversity, cultures, and traditions. Interning here immerses students in a multicultural environment, building adaptability and cross-cultural communication—essential skills in today’s global job market.
The 2019 Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) opened doors to stronger strategic and commercial ties between the two nations, creating exciting opportunities for collaboration.
With Southeast Asia’s largest economy and a forecast to become the world’s fifth-largest by 2030, Indonesia offers opportunities across sectors like business, finance, technology, education, environmental conservation, and more.
Click here to explore the possibilities and discover what Indonesia has to offer you.
Course credit
Earn credit for your course
Eligibility:
This is only open to students enrolled in the 5-year Integrated Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Engineering program.
Webpage:
https://programs-courses.uq.edu.au/course.html?course_code=ENGG7292
UQ Contact:
EAIT Employability team
studentplacements@eait.uq.edu.au
Grants & Funding
$14,000 NCP grants are available for these internships
New Colombo Plan (NCP)
You are likely to be eligible for an NCP grant if:
- You are an Australian citizen
- You are an undergraduate student
- This experience will count toward your uni degree
- You have received no more than one NCP grant previously (no more than two in total)
These grants more than cover the program fee, so you receive extra to go towards other expenses. And the best part is that because they are grants, not loans, you don't need to pay them back!
Follow the application process to confirm your eligibility for NCP. Note that you will be advised whether or not you have been allocated a grant before you need to decide whether to accept your spot on the program.
A limited number of grants are available, so apply early for your best chance of receiving one.
OS-HELP repayable loan
OS-HELP is a loan available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place who plan to undertake some of their study overseas. If your experience with us will count towards the requirements for your Commonwealth supported course in Australia, you may be able to borrow up to $9,893. You may also be eligible to borrow an extra $1,314 if you study Indonesian language in preparation for your internship. Learn more about OS-HELP here.
Other funding options
Learn about all other funding options that might be available to you, on our webpage here.
Past Information Session
Find out more about internships we offer, fees, grants and credit
Follow the UQ process
Confirm your spot
Finalise and prepare
What next?
Follow the UQ application process
Follow UQ's application process, details of which will be sent to eligible students. If you have questions, contact the EAIT Employability Team on: studentplacements@eait.uq.edu.au
If you have any questions about Indonesia or the projects themselves, please email the International Internships team on:
Hear from our students
Hear from some of our past engineering interns
