Industry programs

Students and Graduates Program

Group of students sitting on the grass at the Goods Line, Ultimo, New South Wales © Destination NSW

The Goods Line, Ultimo, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Student and graduate stories


Frequently asked questions

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced industry professionals to gain insights and pivotal skills in the tourism and marketing sector. Placements are available in various business units within Tourism Australia’s Sydney office that align with and complement applicants’ studies and careers interests. These include:

  • Business Events: promotes Australia as a business and major events destination.
  • Corporate Communications: manages the internal and external communications for Tourism Australia and with other government bodies.
  • Global Insights: manages a comprehensive international and domestic market research and analysis program and generates insights about customers and markets for use in the strategic decision making process.
  • Consumer/Brand Marketing: provides strategic direction to Tourism Australia in the ongoing development of the brand, as well as taking a leadership role in guiding our consumer marketing and brand strategies.
  • Digital Marketing
  • Event Management
  • International Operations: supports the development and implementation of marketing activities across the world, including aviation development projects managed.
  • Global Public Relations: Our team works with our global PR network and the Australian tourism industry to generate editorial coverage about Australia in the world's media channels and through advocacy programs. As Tourism Australia's story teller, we are responsible for generating news and advocacy across traditional and digital channels.
  • Corporate Services: providing practical experience for Business, Law, Commerce students in the areas of Human Resources, Finance, Technology and Legal.

Please ensure you specify your area of interest when you submit your application.

The Tourism Australia (Maggie White) Students and Graduates Program provides a range of internship, cadetship and graduate program opportunities to Australian university students and recent graduates who are passionate about tourism and Australia.

The programs include:

  • Internship placements
    Tourism Australia offers internships to undergraduate and postgraduate university students who are required to undertake a work experience placement as part of their course curriculum. The duration of the internship should be for no longer than the maximum period as required by the student’s course, and if relevant will be extended. During their placements, interns will be given practical experience relevant to their study in a dynamic and progressive work environment. Internships are available at Tourism Australia in business units that align with the student’s course units, enabling them to gain professional workplace skills and an increased understanding of work principles related to their study.

  • Indigenous Cadetships
    The Indigenous Cadetship is an initiative which provides assistance and paid work placement opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait  Islander students. It’s a great opportunity for undergraduate students currently enrolled in a full time degree to work on exciting projects in a supportive and collaborative work environment. Cadets will be offered career development opportunities and on-the-job training with real responsibility from day one. Our Indigenous Cadetship program is offered by the Indigenous Cadetship Support Program (ICS) under the National Indigenous Australians Agency. The first step in applying for a cadetship is to register with ICS. This can be done online through the NIAA website.

  • Professional Cadetships
    Tourism Australia provides paid opportunities for students who are studying Marketing, Business or Communications related disciplines, or who have qualifications in these fields, through our Professional Cadetship program. The Cadetship is a unique and rewarding program, which provides candidates with practical training and the opportunity to develop skills relevant to Tourism, Marketing, Communications and Research (marketing based). We are looking for applicants who are motivated and have good communication and leadership skills. The Cadetship is open to graduates who need to fulfil 12 months’ work in industry as part of their course requirement, as well as recent graduates with a qualification.

  • Graduate Program
    Tourism Australia’s Graduate Program provides students with the opportunity to obtain valuable practical experience with a leading global marketing organisation. Our program provides exceptional training within a supportive and collaborative environment. The program is offered on a one-year paid fixed term engagement. There will be an intake of two graduates per year depending on business needs. Graduates need to be committed to their own development and determined to make the most of the learning opportunities Tourism Australia offers. Tourism Australia encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with relevant university qualifications and those nearing graduation to apply for a position in the Graduate Program.

Yes. If you meet the relevant criteria, you can apply for our Graduate Program or Professional Cadetship.

We only accept current students studying at Australian universities. The program will also need to be aligned to your studies.

Please check at the top of this page for specific application dates.

When applications are open, information about completing and submitting an application will be available on this page.

The standard recruitment process* for positions in Tourism Australia’s Students and Graduates program is as follows: 

  1. Apply online through the advertised channel
    a) Upload your resume, cover letter, current academic transcript, and current right to work documents (valid passport or birth certificate and valid driver’s licence).

  2. You will be invited to complete an online aptitude test.

  3.   Once you have completed and passed the test, you will be contacted for a phone interview. This interview will assist us to establish whether you meet our  minimum requirements.

  4.   Tourism Australia will review all candidates who have successfully passed the test and phone interview. If you have the right skillset and would be a good candidate for one of our positions, we will invite you to attend a first interview.

  5. If after the first interview you’re shortlisted for a role you will be:
    a) (Graduates) invited to a panel interview. If successful, you will then be offered a role in one of Tourism Australia’s business units.
    b) (Students) offered a placement within a Tourism Australia business unit that is relevant to your area of study or that meets our business requirements at the time. 

*Process may vary according to position.

Some of the benefits of working with Tourism Australia include:
  • Gaining experience and insight into the marketing and research in the tourism industry
  • Working with smart and passionate people
  • Parental leave Innovative digital products
  • Competitive superannuation
  • Learning and development opportunities
  • Health and wellbeing program
  • Work with Indigenous tourism products
  • Global exposure

The program is named after Maggie White – one of Australian tourism’s most passionate advocates who sadly passed away in June 2015. Maggie was a much loved member of the travel industry and the Tourism Australia (TA) family, having worked with TA and its forerunner, the Australian Tourist Commission (ATC), for close to 25 years. Among many other achievements, she will be remembered for her work spearheading the ATC’s international marketing efforts to successfully leverage Australia’s hosting of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Maggie was instrumental in growing awareness of and visitation to Australia from across South East Asia and India.

Before commencing a placement, personal insurance coverage must be provided through the education institution in which the you are enrolled as a student.

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