The Applied Artificial Intelligence Initiative at Deakin University offers world-class expertise in sample-efficient AI and a scaled-up software engineering team with a track record of solving industrial challenges no one else can.
Across two beautiful campuses in Waurn Ponds (Geelong) and Burwood (Melbourne), the initiative combines fundamental, translational and applied research in Bayesian Optimization, Reinforcement Learning, Deep Learning, NLP, domain generalization, human machine teaming, abstraction & representation, decision making using offline data.
This is not your standard research institution.
How the organization impacts and benefits the community
Led by Deakin Distinguished Professor Svetha Venkatesh, and Deakin Distinguished Professor Kon Mouzakis, our projects target complex challenges in real-world applications as diverse as new-generation materials discovery, health, ageing, education, advanced manufacturing, government systems, space, and defence.
Put simply, we use sample-efficient AI and machine learning to deliver real-world solutions to some really big human problems.
Internship stories
Students from our internship program have gone onto make higher impact through pursuing further study with the Initiative. Read their stories below:
Call for Internships
If you like to solve challenging problems in software engineering and/ or artificial intelligence and are interested in advancing your technical and professional skills which would be valued and recognized by employers, then this is the right opportunity for you.
2026 projects
We currently have no projects available. All available projects for Trimester 2 will be advertised here in May.
Eligibility criteria
The student:
- Must be enrolled in a recognised university at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
- Must be enrolled in the second or third year of their undergraduate degree/ second year of a postgraduate degree in one of the following disciplines:
- Software Engineering
- Information Technology
- Cyber Security
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Robotics/ Mechatronics
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Must have a GPA of at least 4.0 / 5.0 and above (or an average of 80% and above) in their undergraduate and/or postgraduate degree.
- Must have a sound fundamental knowledge of the scientific and engineering principles underlying technology.
- Must have the necessary mathematical, analytical, and computational skills for solving theoretical and practical problems.
- Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills in order to make meaningful contributions.
Please note that meeting the above criteria does not guarantee selection in the program.
Duration
The duration of the internship is either 160 hours, part-time, or 320 hours, part-time. Please refer to each project description for specific durations.
Internship type
The internships are unpaid and will be undertaken as part-time during the trimester.
Mode of internship
The internship must be undertaken on campus, located in Burwood (Melbourne) or Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Victoria unless otherwise specified.
Duties and responsibilities of an intern
The interns will be expected to work on a project, with the help of their mentors and provide:
- A brief presentation (10 minutes) on the work at the halfway point of the internship. It will be internal and will be presented to the mentors and other interns.
- A detailed slideshow presentation (15 minutes) on the work in the final week of the internship. It will be external and will be presented to the staff and students at the Deakin Applied Artificial Intelligence Initiative.
- A final report will be submitted by the interns at the end of the internship detailing the work completed.
How is the internship beneficial?
The completion of the internship will:
- Allow integration of theoretical knowledge with practical learning.
- Provide the ability to synthesize professional and research literature.
- Provide advanced understanding and working skills in the application of software and computer systems.
- Provide experience to articulate your knowledge and work in oral and written presentations.
- Provide relevant professional experience (professional ethics and responsibility) and prepare you for future challenges.
- Provide the ability to think clearly and work independently and along with a team.
- Enhance your verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to contribute efficiently in a professional environment and in the community.
Special arrangements
Please note: For students with disabilities, it is the University’s policy to take necessary steps to minimize the impact of disability during the internship period and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance the student’s learning experience and participation.
If you have any questions, please contact a2i2-internships@deakin.edu.au.
We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces, and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.