Internships at the Productivity Commission for economics and public policy students

As Australia’s leading policy research and advisory body, the PC tackles critical issues that affect the living standards of all Australians. Our work is wide-ranging. Topic areas vary from year to year and can include analysis of social issues, health and ageing, the environment, regulation, competition, economic infrastructure, resources and trade. The PC also monitors and reports on the equity, effectiveness and efficiency of government services, and undertakes significant work on policy of relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including reporting progress on the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

The PC is an open, friendly and inclusive team-based environment in an internationally recognised agency. We welcome and celebrate diversity, and value the unique backgrounds, perspectives and experience that each person brings to our workplace.

We are offering internships in our Canberra and Melbourne offices for high-achieving students who are interested in working on public policy issues affecting the welfare of Australians.

Successful interns will join an inquiry or research team. They will receive guidance and training from experienced colleagues and have opportunities to contribute to research on important public policy issues. Work may include comprehensive desktop research, data analysis and participation in meetings with key stakeholders.

Applications are sought from students who have completed at least 2 years of their degree by end of 2026 towards academic qualifications in economics, commerce, mathematics and statistics, public policy, law, social sciences, Indigenous studies, environmental science and other fields relevant to public policy.

Successful candidates will be offered a paid 6 week work placement over the summer as an APS3 at an annual salary rate of $70,477 + 15.4% superannuation, starting on 4 January 2027 and ending 12 February 2027, and part-time and full-time options.

Please note, the PC will not cover accommodation or travel costs for successful applicants.

 

Position Eligibility

To be eligible for the paid Internship Program, applicants must:

• be an Australian citizen at the time they apply

• be willing to undergo a security and character clearance (which may include completing an identity verification check and police check)

• provide evidence of progress towards mandatory qualifications in the specified field

• have completed at least 2 years of their degree by end of 2026 

• be available for work between 4 – January – 12 February 2027

• be willing to work in Melbourne or Canberra for the duration of the contract.

 

How to apply

Please provide:

• a concise statement (maximum 500 words) that tells us a bit about you, including what drew you to apply, and why you believe you are suited to the role

• a partial transcript

• your resume with your relevant recent experience, qualifications and achievements

• details of two referees.

Applications close Sunday 9 August.

 

For further information please contact:

• Canberra – Victoria Nguyen (Victoria.Nguyen@pc.gov.au)

• Melbourne – Krystal Ha (Krystal.Ha@pc.gov.au)