Economics and Policy Internship Program

• Industry recognised program for emerging economists

• Explore your curiosity at Australia's central bank

• 8-week summer program undertaking meaningful project work

Are you curious as to what it's like to work at Australia's central bank?

Do you wish to deepen your skills in economics and financial markets, in a supportive and inclusive work environment?

Do you hope to undertake meaningful analysis, and shape public policy decisions that affect all Australians?

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) 2025/26 Economics and Policy Internship is designed to support the development of emerging economists. It offers motivated students who are pursuing an economics degree with a research component an opportunity to obtain first-hand experience working in Australia's central bank. 

The RBA offers successful candidates a paid eight-week full time work placement over the summer, between December and February.

As an intern you will be closely supported by an RBA economist as you undertake project work that culminates in a research paper that is presented to your peers and senior staff. During your placement, you may also complete work that will provide you with insight into what it’s like to work at the RBA as a graduate. In addition, you will attend targeted training to build your skills, as well as opportunities to network with many RBA staff that can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the role of the RBA and what it is like to work here.

The RBA is looking for a high level of analytical skills and a genuine interest in working for an institution that makes a difference to the lives of all Australians.

Applications are accepted from penultimate year students majoring in economics or econometrics who intend to complete honours or similar research-based programs during 2026.

At the end of the eight-week placement, Interns may be offered a place in the Economic and Policy Graduate Program commencing in February 2027.

Selection Criteria:

• We are looking for students who are passionate about public policy work and have an interest in undertaking a policy research project.

• Third year (or equivalent penultimate year) students majoring in economics or econometrics who intend to complete honours or similar research programs in 2026.

• Willingness to participate in an 8 week Monday to Friday full-time program, the RBA does not shut down during the Christmas period, except for public holidays.

• Australian permanent residency or citizenship is required.

• All of our opportunities are located in Sydney. Relocation support and accommodation is provided for interns from interstate and regional areas.

How to Apply

• Provide your resume and most recent academic transcript. 

• Tip - Have your academic transcript ready to upload with your resume at the time of applying as you will not be prompted to upload it later. Applications without a transcript will be considered incomplete.

• A cover letter is not required, instead you will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire form with your application.

Be More
Working for an organisation that truly makes a difference to the people of Australia, we can offer development and career opportunities in a collaborative environment that supports your growth, wellbeing and promotes flexibility. Your individual growth and success drives the RBA forward as an organisation. Be more means you can do more, for yourself and for Australia.
Why RBA?
The RBA makes an important contribution to the Australian economy through the pursuit of national economic policy objectives and associated activities in financial markets and banking. We also issue Australia's banknotes and operate infrastructure critical to the payments system, all of which contribute to the welfare of the Australian people. Made up of specialists across a wide range of fields, our people, values, and culture play a critical role in achieving our objectives. Striving to be Open & Dynamic, we consider and incorporate different perspectives, work across teams and are transparent with each other, whilst delivering quality together effectively and focusing on outcomes by prioritising, testing, learning, and refining as we go. Our people conduct themselves with a high degree of integrity, while striving for excellence in the work they perform and the outcomes they achieve. We encourage intelligent inquiry and we treat one another with respect while promoting the public interest through our efforts. We know it is the growth and success of our people that drives the RBA forward. Come and make a bigger contribution while you build and develop your own skills too, because being more means you can do more, for yourself and for Australia.
The Reserve Bank of Australia is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion through key initiatives. We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse background, those living with a disability and from the LGBTQ+ community. We are committed to making the recruitment process fair and equitable for all our candidates.

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