About UPEP
The University Partnership Employment Program (UPEP) offers paid, casual work for university students looking to gain real-world experience in their field of study.
Previously known as the University Paid Internship Program, UPEP now recruits year-round* to give more students the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work at the ATO.
* Note: Vacancies are filled based on business needs and may vary by location and time.
Why join UPEP
At the ATO, your work matters. Whether you're studying cyber security, law, marketing or data analytics, you’ll find opportunities to apply your skills in ways that make a difference – from protecting sensitive data to supporting community programs.
You'll get:
- paid work experience in your field of study on a casual contract
- $41.79 per hour casual APS2 pay rate
- flexible hours to fit around your studies
- professional development and networking opportunities aligned with your degree
- a supportive team environment and dedicated Career Development Manager
- a potential pathway to the Graduate Program.
How UPEP works
We know uni comes first. That's why UPEP is designed to be flexible. You can:
- adjust your hours during exams or busy study periods
- pause your work when you need to focus on your studies – no pressure
- gain experience that complements your coursework.
These are temporary, student-only roles available while you're enrolled. There’s no guarantee of ongoing work, but many students go on to join our Graduate Program or secure other roles at the ATO.
Hear from our students
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our former UPEP participants.
Media: UPEP Program ‘day in the life’ video – Isabella
https://tv.ato.gov.au/ato-tv/media?v=bi9or7odadphijOpens in a new window (Duration: 01:45)
Media: UPEP Program ‘day in the life’ video – Troy
https://tv.ato.gov.au/ato-tv/media?v=bi9or7odau1a8gOpens in a new window (Duration: 01:53)
Who can apply
To be eligible for this program you must meet all the following criteria:
- be an Australian citizen
- be studying a bachelor's degree or above
- have at least 6 months, but no more than 24 months, remaining in your study from the intake date
- have a GPA of a pass or above
- be actively studying a full-time or part-time study load.
We offer UPEP positions to people studying:
- accounting
- actuarial studies
- arts
- business
- commerce
- communications or media
- criminology or criminal justice
- cyber security
- data analytics
- design
- economics
- finance
- human resource management
- information technology (IT)
- law
- marketing and communication
- mathematics and statistics
- psychology
- science (IT related majors).
Applying
Applications for UPEP are open all year*.
There are opportunities available at locations across the country.
Apply now and get a big head-start on your future.
* Note: Vacancies are filled based on business needs and may vary by location and time.
Apply nowFor more information, email us at ATOUniversityPartnershipEmploymentProgram@ato.gov.auOpens in a new window.