VU Indonesia Semester Exchange and Internship Program
Combine accredited study, professional internship experience and cultural immersion in one transformative semester
Your semester in Indonesia
Program Overview
The Victoria University Indonesia Semester Exchange and Internship Experience gives you the opportunity to study, gain professional experience, and immerse yourself in Indonesian culture during a semester at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), one of Indonesia’s leading universities.
During the program, you will enrol in accredited subjects at UGM while completing Victoria University’s internship unit, combining academic study with 110 hours of industry experience through an approved placement. This integrated model allows you to develop practical workplace skills while gaining insight into Indonesia’s dynamic economy and business environment.
Your experience begins with an introduction to Indonesian language and culture through UGM’s Indonesian Language and Culture Learning Service (INCULS), helping you build confidence communicating and navigating everyday life in Indonesia.
Throughout the semester, you will develop academic knowledge, professional capability, and intercultural understanding while living and studying in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant university communities.
We will work with you to help you Earn University Credit. You may also be eligible for funding, including a New Colombo Plan grant of $15,000 and an OS-HELP loan of up to $10,130.
The program will run in Semester 2 2026 and Semester 1 2027. Applications close on 5 May 2026
Study, intern and immerse
What you'll do in the program
Study at Universitas Gadjah Mada
During the program, you will study at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), one of Indonesia’s most prestigious and highly regarded universities. As a visiting student, you will enrol in accredited subjects and learn alongside Indonesian and international students in a dynamic academic environment.
Your coursework will deepen your understanding of business, tourism, and the visitor economy while giving you valuable insight into Indonesia’s rapidly growing economy and its connections with the Asia-Pacific region.
You will also have opportunities to build academic connections in your field of interest and expand your network with Indonesian and Australian academics through supervision, collaboration, and presentations. Studying at UGM allows you to experience a leading university while earning academic credit towards your Victoria University degree.
Complete Accredited Subjects
Make Friends
Build Academic Networks
Learn more about UGM
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is one of Indonesia’s oldest, largest, and most respected universities. Located in the vibrant city of Yogyakarta, UGM is widely recognised for its academic excellence, research impact, and strong role in shaping Indonesia’s leaders in government, business, and civil society.
Founded in 1949, UGM is a comprehensive public university with more than 50,000 students across a wide range of disciplines including business, economics, engineering, social sciences, and tourism. The university is known for its strong engagement with industry and government, providing students with opportunities to connect academic learning with real-world challenges.
UGM’s large campus in Yogyakarta is often described as a “city within a city”, offering libraries, research centres, cultural spaces, and a vibrant student community. As one of Southeast Asia’s leading universities, UGM attracts students and academics from across Indonesia and around the world, creating a dynamic and diverse learning environment.
You can learn more about the university by visiting the official website: https://www.ugm.ac.id
Complete an industry internship
As part of the program, you will complete 110 hours of professional experience through an approved internship placement in Indonesia. This opportunity allows you to work with local organisations and gain first-hand insight into Indonesia’s dynamic business and tourism sectors.
Through your internship, you will apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world projects while developing practical workplace skills, building professional networks, and gaining valuable international experience that will strengthen your future career opportunities.
Professional Experience
Tailored to You
Skills and Networks
Learn more about our host organisations
A key strength of this program is the network of high-quality host organisations that support student internships in Indonesia. These organisations include businesses, tourism operators, social enterprises, non-profits, and industry groups working across areas such as tourism, hospitality, sustainability, community development, and business innovation.
Rather than placing students into generic roles, we work closely with our host organisations to create meaningful internship experiences that align with your interests, skills, and career goals. Many of our partners are highly respected in their fields and are passionate about mentoring international students and sharing insights into Indonesia’s professional and cultural environment.
Before the program begins, you will work with the program team to discuss your academic background, professional interests, and the type of experience you hope to gain. Based on this information, we match you with a host organisation that can provide a supportive and engaging workplace environment.
Throughout your internship, you will be supported by both your host organisation and the program team to ensure your placement is a valuable learning experience. This approach helps you gain practical skills, build professional confidence, and develop connections with professionals working across Indonesia’s dynamic industries.
Language and cultural immersion
An important part of your experience in Indonesia is developing the language skills and cultural understanding that allow you to fully engage with your surroundings. The program begins with an introduction to Indonesian language and culture, helping you build confidence communicating in everyday situations and navigating life in Yogyakarta.
Throughout the semester, you will deepen your understanding of Indonesian culture through workshops, community engagement, site visits, and experiential learning activities. Ongoing language classes help you continue developing your Indonesian communication skills, allowing you to connect more meaningfully with local students, professionals, and the wider community.
Language Kick-start
Experiential Learning
Daily Development
More information about learning Indonesian
You do not need to speak Indonesian to take part in this program. Bahasa Indonesia is widely considered one of the easiest Asian languages for English speakers to begin learning because it uses the same alphabet as English and has simple pronunciation. This means many students are able to start using basic phrases and everyday expressions very quickly.
Language learning in the program is designed for all levels, including complete beginners. Classes focus on practical communication, helping you learn useful words and phrases that you can use in daily life, at university, and during your internship.
At the beginning of the program, you will complete a language assessment so that your starting level can be identified and your progress can be tracked. This helps you understand your current abilities and gives you a clear sense of how your language skills develop during the program. You will also receive formal recognition of your language learning, which can support further Indonesian language study or future professional opportunities.
One of the best ways to learn a language is by being surrounded by it. While studying and living in Indonesia, you will have many opportunities to practise Indonesian with local students, classmates, and colleagues. Even learning a small amount of the language can make a big difference in helping you connect with people, understand the culture, and feel more confident navigating life in Indonesia.
Many students find that learning Indonesian becomes one of the most enjoyable parts of their experience, opening the door to new friendships, cultural insights, and a deeper connection with the country.
Dates & fees
| Details | Summer Program |
|---|---|
|
Arrive in Indonesia |
6 February 2027 |
|
Depart Indonesia |
19 June 2027 |
|
Duration |
19 weeks |
|
Apply by |
13 November 2026 |
|
Program fee |
TBC |
|
NCP funding* |
$15,000 |
* NCP funding is limited and only available to eligible students. Learn more.
Inclusions & exclusions
Inclusions
- Internship placement based on your interests and career ambitions
- Unit enrolment at a partner university
- Private room accomodation in a shared apartment or co-living arrangement
- Administrative support, including academic credit approval (if applicable)
- Pre-departure support, including visa advice and sponsorship where required
- Airport transfers on nominated arrival and departure dates
- Immersive orientation program
- Intercultural communication workshop
- Approximately 42 hours of Indonesian language classes
- Career development workshop
- Cultural and social events with Indonesian buddies
- Couple of meals during organised events
- Explore the surrounding areas through two organised weekend trip
- Industry visits
- 24/7 in-country support
- International internships completion certificate
- Weekly check-ins
- Connection with Indonesian students from local universities
- Transport to organised events
Exclusions
- Internet, phone and home working set-up
- Flight costs, airport taxes and associated costs
- Visa costs and passport fees
- Travel insurance
- Vaccinations (if required)
- Meals and drinks
- Enrolment fees for any subjects at your university
- Extra activities and travel, or any other items of a personal nature
- Host-specific requirements (ie. uniform, safety equipment)
- Laundry, toiletries and amenities
- Daily transportation costs
Why Indonesia?
Opportunities abound with this key partner and centre for regional strategy and economic development
Indonesia has the largest economy in Southeast Asia, and is predicted to be the world’s fifth-largest economy by 2030. Australia and Indonesia signed the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) in 2020, marking the beginning of a new era of enhanced strategic and commercial cooperation. Opportunities abound in a diverse range of areas, including business and trade, finance, technology, infrastructure development, education, environmental conservation, security and more.
Click here to learn more about the opportunities Indonesia has to offer you.
Course credit
We support you to earn credit for your course
To earn academic credit for this program you must enrol in BSK3001 - Workplace Learning (12-credit points). You are welcome to join the program without earning academic credit, but will not be eligible to receive an NCP grant, as detailed below.
For more information, please contact your university global office. Both domestic and international students are eligible to apply although you must be an Australian citizen to be eligible to receive the NCP funding.
Grants & funding
Limited $15,000 NCP grants available to eligible students
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)
NCP grants of $15,000 are available for this program to help cover additional costs. See ‘Dates & Fees’ for the program costs and inclusions.
There are limited NCP grants available and applications received early will be prioritised. We work directly with you and your faculty to confirm your eligibility for an NCP grant before you accept your position on the program and pay the deposit.
Please note you are still eligible to apply for the program even if you are not eligible to receive NCP funding. Contact International Internships for more information.
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 $10,130. You may also be eligible to borrow an extra $1,345 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
Online information session
Find out more about internships we offer, fees, grants and credit
| Date | Time | Location | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
|
TBC |
TBC |
Zoom/Online |
|
Commitment-free consultation
Apply to Victoria University
Confirm your spot
Finalise and prepare
What next?
Book in a chat with us to discuss your options
We make everything as easy as possible for you, and it all starts with a commitment-free consultation.
Click below to book your obligation-free consultation, or just email us with any questions:
info@internationalinternships.com.au
What our interns say
Real experiences, real impact – hear from some of the thousands of students who’ve been
"When I was in Indonesia, I did an internship with Edelman, a Communications and PR firm. I had the most amazing experience, and I have since landed an incredible job from it!"
"I’m so glad that I joined the criminology intensive international internship! I have learnt a lot in a cultural and professional aspect. I have also gained many friends and experienced things I never would have experienced if I decided to stay home. Thank you International Internships!"
“My internship in Indonesia was one of the best experiences throughout my degree. Not only did I get to experience working in Indonesia but the cultural week with other students and the international internships team was incredible.”
"Jakarta was an amazing trip! I really enjoyed taking on the challenge of working in a different country. The support from the team throughout the journey was amazing and made it so much easier for me getting through. I’m glad I went and feel stronger as a person for achieving a successful experience."
“One of the highlights of my experience on the Fashion Intensive study tour, was making close connections with the International Internship team. I found that every team member had a positive outlook on life and had so much energy in their everyday life. This positive experience gave me great inspiration for my future career, when I will try to always come to work with a positive mindset.”
