South Australian Parliamentary Internship Program

2020 was the 25th anniversary of the prestigious South Australian Parliamentary Internship Program.

This degree and career enhancing program gives successful applicants the opportunity to experience how Parliament operates from the inside, by working attached to the office of a Member of Parliament while completing a public policy research project nominated by the member under the formal supervision of a member of the Flinders academic staff.

In a few cases, the internship might take place with an agency or department of the South Australian Public Service or other organisation.

The South Australian Parliamentary Internship Program is jointly convened by the South Australian Parliament and the three South Australian universities.

Eligibility

Admission to the program is merit-based and potentially competitive. It is open to any Flinders student who has completed at least 36 units of study, has achieved a Grade Point Average of at least 5, and has sufficient room in their program of study (if necessary via seeking an approved enrolment variation). It is most typically undertaken by students in the later years of study, in a 9-unit undergraduate topic (POLI3007) or a 4.5-unit honours-level topic (POLI7012). 

The number of student places available is potentially limited by the number of places made available by Members of Parliament. In practice, Flinders has so far been able to accommodate all qualified students who have applied but it should be noted that, if necessary, a quota based on GPA ranking may need to be invoked.

How to participate

To participate, you should forward an expression of interest to the topic coordinator:

• Professor Andrew Parkin: andrew.parkin@flinders.edu.au

On confirmation of meeting qualifying criteria you will be permitted to enrol in POLI3007 (or, at Honours level, in POLI7012) via the normal topic enrolment or change-of-enrolment process, subject to dis-enrolment if the internship is not able to be confirmed due to limited places.

Enquiries

• For academic enquiries about the program, contact the Flinders academic coordinator (Professor Andrew Parkin, andrew.parkin@flinders.edu.au).
• Enquiries about enrolment approval can be initiated via the “Request Support” option on Ask Flinders.