About the role  

As Australia’s leading policy research and advisory body, the Productivity Commission tackles critical issues that affect the living standards of all Australians. Our work is wide-ranging. Topic areas vary year to year and can include analysis of social issues, health and ageing, the environment, regulation, competition, economic infrastructure, resources and trade. The Commission 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 Productivity Commission 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. 

Our Canberra office is currently seeking two high-achieving students for paid internship opportunities focused on public policy matters impacting 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 in their final (or equivalent) year of study 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 six-week work placement during the summer at the APS3 level, with a salary of $66,823 plus 15.4% superannuation. The placement will run from 12 January to 20 February 2026, with both part-time and full-time options available. 

*A merit pool of suitable candidates may be established and used to fill similar non-ongoing vacancies.

Position eligibility requirements

To be eligible for employment with the Productivity Commission, applicants must:

• be an Australian citizen or hold an Australian Citizenship 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, and obtaining or maintaining an Australian Government security vetting clearance if required by the role) 
• provide evidence of mandatory qualifications (if applicable).

Assessment process

Your written application will be reviewed by members of a selection committee. They will consider your educational and work background, areas of study and may invite you, if you are one of the candidates to demonstrate the strongest claims, to the next stage of the process, which may include:

• an interview with the selection committee 
• a work-related test
• referee checks. 

We will acknowledge receipt of your application via email, keep you informed on progress of your application and let you know as soon as possible if you are not successful.

Apply online 

Click apply and complete the online application form by the closing date, and include the following attachments:

• 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, with consideration to the role description.
• your resume with your relevant recent experience, qualifications and achievements,
• details of two referees, generally a current or recent supervisor. Referees will not be contacted without prior consent.

If you have any queries about the form, please contact our recruitment team by email at recruitment@pc.gov.au.