Australia Southeast Asia Professional Placements Program - Melbourne Placements

Melbourne Facilitated Placements Program
20 April – 8 May 2026

The Melbourne Facilitated Placements Program is a three-week initiative bringing together
Melbourne host businesses and early- to mid-career professionals from Southeast Asia.
Through a combination of group activities, industry visits and hands-on placements within
Australian businesses, the program builds practical experience, cross-cultural capability and
long-term regional connections.

Participants gain real-world Australian business experience, while host organisations benefit
from fresh perspectives, new ideas and strengthened links across Southeast Asia.

About the Program
The program is part of the Australian Government’s Professional Placements Program,
funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in response to Invested:
Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. Its purpose is to strengthen business-tobusiness relationships between Australia and Southeast Asia.

Up to 20 early- to mid-career professionals from Southeast Asian organisations will travel to
Melbourne for a shared orientation experience, followed by placements with Melbourne-based
host businesses. Host organisations may host up to two participants.

What is a Facilitated Placement?
A facilitated placement is a structured, cohort-based experience where all participants
undertake placements concurrently. The program includes:

• Up to three days of group orientation in Melbourne, hosted by the program
• A two-and-a-half-week placement with a Melbourne-based business
• Ongoing coordination, networking and support throughout the program

Why Host a Participant?
Hosting a participant offers Melbourne-based businesses the opportunity to:
 

• Build new international networks and strengthen existing partnerships
• Gain insights from skilled Southeast Asian professionals
• Access diverse perspectives and market knowledge
• Connect with other Melbourne businesses engaged in Southeast Asia
• Participate in DFAT-hosted opening and closing events
• Showcase your organisation’s leadership in regional engagement

Why Participate as a Professional?
For Southeast Asian professionals and their organisations, the program provides opportunities to:
 

• Gain hands-on experience within an Australian business
• Build practical skills and professional capability
• Learn from Melbourne’s business and innovation ecosystem
• Engage with industry leaders, government representatives and peers
• Develop lasting networks across Australia and Southeast Asia

Funding and Support
DFAT provides funding and support for participants under the Program, including:
 

• Economy class return flights to Melbourne
• Accommodation near the host business
• Airport transfers and local transport support
• Visa assistance
• Travel and medical insurance
• Meals and expenses during the orientation program
• Group orientation sessions, training and networking events
• Pastoral care and support throughout the placement
   

Living expenses and any wage or salary supplementation remain the responsibility of participants and/or their employers.

For more information
Visit https://placements.strategicdevelopment.com.au/melbourne-facilitated-placements/