2023 Global Internships with Prime Minister's Scholarships for Asia

Want to experience the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City or Mumbai while completing a Prime Minister's Scholarship supported internship?

We’re offering 35 University of Auckland students** the chance to travel to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City or Mumbai for internships from January-February 2023, made possible through funding from the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia programme (PMSA).

These internships are a great opportunity for New Zealand students, with a variety of placement opportunities that cover different areas of study or career paths.

Your flights, accommodation and programme fee will all be paid for, and living allowance provided, with funding valued at $10,000+ per student.*

The Prime Minister's Scholarships are funded by the New Zealand Government and administered by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao to support New Zealanders on learning experiences in Asia and Latin America. The University of Auckland has secured funding to support 35 University of Auckland students to participate in these global internships as part of the Prime Minister’s Scholarships Group Programmes. 

*Successful applicants will be asked to contribute $500 towards the cost of the programme upon receiving an offer of place, to confirm commitment to the experience.

**Please check eligibility criteria at the bottom of this webpage.

An overseas internship is an ideal opportunity to gain real life work experience, while enjoying the benefits of international travel and stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s an opportunity to develop confidence, make new friendships and immerse yourself in unique cultural experiences.

An internship will help you stand out to future employers. It will boost your employability by helping to develop your experience, confidence, network and understanding of the working world. This is a great way to gain work experience in a new environment which will add weight to your CV when the time comes to find a job after your studies.

Overall, you will grow as a person, and you’ll be able to take your new skills and personal growth forward into your next role.

Hear from students who have previously been on a Prime Minister's Scholarship on the 360 International student blog.

You can apply for an internship in three different cities: Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Mumbai. We have internship partners in each city who are there to manage your experience and support you on the ground. Each city offers a unique experience and there are many different areas you can be placed in – we do our best to place you in a role that you’re interested in and that aligns with your studies.

The programme funding includes:

• Flights
• Programme/course fee
• Internship brokerage fee
• Living and accommodation allowance
• Visa
• Travel insurance

You will be asked to contribute $500 towards the cost of your internship if you are successful with your application (fee waiver options are available and are explained in more detail in the application form).

Intern in Bangkok, Thailand

Why choose Bangkok?

Bangkok is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, but it’s also a draw for thousands of expatriates, students and interns who prefer its affordable cost of living, a stable economy, the relative ease of doing business, plus the vibrant culture and warmth of Thai people, and a more laidback lifestyle. Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world.

From temples to palaces, some of Asia’s largest shopping centres and the largest outdoor market of Asia (Chatuchak), aside from the sightseeing and shopping, Bangkok has developed into a magnet for food lovers with its world-renowned street food vendors. You will experience Bangkok: the pulsing heart, where skyscrapers sprawl along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, juxtaposed against the grandeur of Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace.

The culture in Thailand is a mix of strong Indian influences, Chinese traditions, and elements that are uniquely Thai. With its diverse geography, friendly people, and stunning scenery, the 'Land of a Thousand Smiles' is a must-see destination in Southeast Asia.

We are offering an 8-week internship programme in Bangkok, in partnership with NEXSTEP.

Dates: 31 December – 25 February 2023 (dates include travel)

Intern in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Why choose Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is an enticing blend of the old and the new. HCMC has a fascinating history mixed with a high-octane, modern economy that has been steadily growing annually, as the country’s hub for entrepreneurship & business development. Vietnam provides the accessibility and allure of a beautiful Southeast Asian nation, whilst simultaneously staking its claim as a dominant economic powerhouse. This allows for an internship in the main economic hub of Vietnam yet surrounded by natural beauty.

You’ll be based in Vietnam during Lunar New Year (Tet) and will have a unique opportunity to experience and observe this flagship national holiday, the impact of which is felt throughout Vietnamese culture and society.

We are offering a 7-week internship programme in Ho Chi Minh City, in partnership with CRCC Asia.

Dates: 5 January – 25 February 2023 (dates include travel)

Intern in Mumbai, India

Why choose Mumbai?

Old and new. Rich and poor. Classical and modern. The fourth largest city in the world by population and a magnet for migration, Mumbai is the commercial capital of one of the world’s fastest growing economies. 

Throughout their programme, interns will have an experience like no other as they encounter industry and energy as well as diversity and learning within one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

We are offering a 6-week internship programme in Mumbai, in partnership with Global Career Center.

Dates: 15 January – 25 February 2023 (dates include travel)

Here’s what some past Prime Minister’s Scholarships students have said about their internships:

“Experiencing new cultures and traditions, particularly Tet (the lunar new year) was amazing as was getting to know the other interns and colleagues. Travelling around Vietnam and Cambodia was an added eye-opening bonus that allowed me to further learn about the culture and history of the two countries. The two months were jam-packed with learning. Both in the personal and professional realm.” Nola, Ho Chi Minh City

“I cannot recommend it enough. It’s not only about developing your professional/work skills but developing your perspective on life and careers generally. I have gained invaluable insights into what I want to achieve with my career and background qualifications. I have personally grown in very significant ways too; ways which in my opinion, are only obtainable through such an experience.” Joshua, Mumbai

Watch Anastasia’s video of her Finance & Accounting PMSA internship in Ho Chi Minh City.

Watch Vincent's video of his blockchain and financial tech internship in Bangkok.

The Prime Minister's Scholarships are open to those who meet the following criteria:

• Enrolled to study at the University of Auckland in 2022
• At least 18 years old at the date of applying
• New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• Have been a resident in New Zealand for at least 12 of the previous 24 months
• Not an immediate relative of an Education New Zealand staff member or selection panel member
• Medically fit to travel (successful applicants will need to agree to complete any routine medical checks performed at the border, such as COVID-19 tests)
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• Able to attend the full duration of your proposed programme overseas and all scheduled pre-departure activities
• Eligible for an entry visa into your host country
• Have not previously received a Prime Minister’s Scholarship of the same type you are applying for (group or individual)
• Able to attend the compulsory Assessment Centre on 29 or 31 August (compulsory and in-person)

Students who are not eligible for Prime Minister’s Scholarship Programme consideration may also apply to take part in a Global Internship experience on a self-funded participant. Please visit our Internships webpage for more options.

You must login/create an account in the University of Auckland's Learning Abroad portal in order to submit an application for your preferred programme. 

Each programme – Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City or Mumbai – will link through to the same PMSA application form, where you will be asked to list each location in order of preference.

While we will do our best to place successful applicants in their preferred location, if this is not possible, we will look to second or third preferences. Please note that programmes are listed in the Learning Abroad portal as they appear in the application hyperlinks below. 

If you are unsure of any part of the process, please contact Sharlene Pacaigue.

The deadline for submitting your application is Sunday 14 August 2022. Applications have now closed.