Professional Development Program
Exclusive for international students, learn about workplace culture from a local and global context. Apply now for Term 3 2026.
International students: gain skills for professional success
Starting a career as an international student in a new country can be challenging, which is why UNSW Employability created the Professional Development Program.
Explicitly designed for international students, this program consists of two phases:
1. Workshop phase
Students will learn about workplace culture from a local and global context, develop communication skills, recruitment tips, interview skills, employer expectations and much more to help you positively enhance your employability.
You must be available Monday 31 August or Tuesday 1 September 2026.
2. Experiential learning phase
After completing the workshop phase, students will have the opportunity to interview for the experiential learning phase.
Successful students will then undertake hands-on volunteer experience with a well-recognised charity partner. This experience enables students to make a meaningful contribution to the community while developing valuable professional skills, gaining practical workplace experience, and applying their learning in a real-world environment.
How to apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- Step 1: Ensure you have read the FAQs below about the program
- Step 2: Complete the online application form
Applications are now open for Term 3, 2026.
Please note: You must be available Monday 31 August or Tuesday 1 September 2026.
Places in the program are limited. You will not be automatically accepted into the program. Even if you meet all eligibility requirements, your application will be assessed.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday 11 August 2026.
Program involvement
Professional workshops
The Professional Development Program provides valuable insights into workplace culture, from a local and global perspective, helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Participants will gain an understanding of employer expectations, recruitment processes, and professional workplace practices, while enhancing their overall employability.
Through a series of interactive workshops, students will develop workplace communication and job-readiness skills that prepare them for success in diverse professional environments. Topics include recruitment strategies, resume and interview preparation, networking, personal branding, and building a professional online presence through platforms such as LinkedIn.
As part of the workshop phase, students will have the opportunity to practice their interview skills and complete an online video interview. Students who successfully progress through the selection process will be invited to participate in the experiential learning phase, where they will gain hands-on experience with a well-recognised charity partner.
Experiential learning
Following completion of the workshop phase, all participants will be invited to complete an online interview. This provides an opportunity to practise video interview skills, a common component of modern recruitment processes.
Students who successfully progress through the interview stage will be offered an experiential learning opportunity with one of UNSW’s community partners. Previous charity partners have included the Parramatta Marathon, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, and UNSW Arc.
This unique opportunity allows students to apply their learning in a real-world setting, develop transferable professional skills, and make a meaningful contribution to the community.
Successful students will have from Weeks 1–8 of the program to complete the required volunteer hours to be eligible for recognition on their Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS).
Please note: The experiential learning phase is competitive. Placements are offered based on candidate suitability, interview performance, and the availability of opportunities with partner organisations.
Program eligibility
You are eligible to apply if you are:
- A current international student at UNSW with English as a second language
- In your second or subsequent year of your undergraduate study, or at any stage of your postgraduate degree
Please note: This program is not suitable for students enrolled in MBA programs. Please contact Career Accelerator @ AGSM, for career development support/career coaching support.
Inclusive and supportive program
We are dedicated to fostering a learning environment that is inclusive and supportive for everyone. If you have any specific needs to help you fully participate, we are here to make the necessary adjustments.
These adjustments might include providing extra time, ensuring spaces and processes are accessible, or offering materials in alternative formats. If there is anything we can do to support you, please let us know by emailing us at pdprogram@unsw.edu.au. Your comfort and ability to fully engage are our top priorities.
Listen here to the accessibility message.
Frequently asked questions
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The PDP runs two times a year.
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The workshop phase of the program is delivered in a face-to-face format on campus, with one day of engaging sessions with experienced facilitators. There is an option for online sessions, however we strongly encourage student attendance and participation via the face-to-face format. All attendance is recorded.
The work experience phase will be in-person from weeks 1-8.
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No. After the workshop phase, you will need to complete an online interview for the work experience and virtual opportunities. Your participation during the workshop phase, online interview and number of spots available will all be considered when allocating work experiences.
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Volunteer work experiences are offered based on candidate suitability and the availability of places.
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The volunteer work experience will be a maximum of 6-8 hours in total throughout the duration of the program.
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The experiential learning phase is designed to enable you to practice the skills you learn from the program in a real-life working environment.
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No. The experiential learning phase of the program is on a volunteer basis, which provides an opportunity for international students to practice skills gained through the workshop phase. Students who complete both the workshop phase and the experiential learning phase will be eligible for AHEGS recognition.
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If you do not pass the interview stage, this should not be a cause for concern. Thankfully, all students who participate in the PD Program will have an opportunity to engage in many other programs run by UNSW.