Program Details
Bupa Empower to Employ is a collaborative initiative with the University of Melbourne (UoM) and Bupa that aims to enhance students’ employability skills by working in a team to solve a real-life business challenge. The winning team will be awarded an 8-week full time paid internship at Bupa, proudly sponsored by the University Health Promotion Program in partnership with Bupa.
Application Process
The application process for Bupa Empower to Employ is competitive. Below is an outline of what to expect:
Step 1 – Written Application Stage
- In the application form you will be asked to respond to selection criteria questions using the STAR method.
- The application will require a Smart Resume score upload. Only scores of 60 and above will be considered.
Step 2 – Video Submission Stage
- Shortlisted students will be invited to submit short video recordings in response to selection criteria questions using an online recruitment platform.
Step 3 – Final Outcomes
- 96 students will be invited to participate in Bupa Empower to Employ, Day One: Business Hackathon.
Eligibility
To be eligible to join this program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a currently enrolled student at the University of Melbourne at Good Standing and not At Risk. (Please Note: Your ‘good standing’ information will NOT be shared with Bupa)
- You must be a current student during the internship
- Have necessary work rights to partake in the full-time internship at Bupa (only for the winning team)
*Bupa Empower to Employ is open to both international and domestic students.
Key Dates
The below information includes information session, application and outcomes, program, and internship dates.
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Date Event Monday 29 June 2026 Applications open Sunday 12 July 2026 Applications close Friday 24 July 2026 Written Application Outcomes Friday 10 August 2026 Final Application Outcomes -
Date Event Thursday 3 September Program Kick-Off (In Person) Monday 28 September 2026 Day One: Business Hackathon (In Person) Tuesday 29 September 2026 Day Two: Solution Design Phase (In Person) -
Date Event Monday 23 November to Friday 18 December 2026 Block One (Week 1 to 4) Saturday 19 December 2025 to Sunday 17 January 2026 Christmas Break (unpaid) Monday 18 January to Friday 12 February 2027 Block Two (Week 5 to 8)
Program Structure
1. Day One: Business Hackathon (96 students)
This one-day Hackathon will be hosted by Bupa, in-person. Students will be grouped into teams of 6 who will work together to solve a real Bupa business challenge and pitch their solutions to senior leaders from Bupa and the University of Melbourne. Teams will have the opportunity to meet before the day and be briefed on their challenge. Judges will select 4 teams of 6 to move to the next phase.
2. Day Two: Solution Design Phase (24 students)
The selected 4 teams will work together autonomously to create a prototype or concept of their chosen hackathon idea. Teams will have a facilitator available to them for guidance and support. Teams will present their concept/prototype to senior leaders from Bupa and the University of Melbourne in-person at the Bupa Head Office. The winning team will be awarded an internship with Bupa and all participants will have the exclusive opportunity to meet and chat with the senior leaders at the Bupa Office.
3. Internship Details (6 students)
The winning team of 6 students will be offered a summer internship over an 8-week period with Bupa. The 6 interns will work with Bupa to find ways to implement their solution within the business as well as gain exposure to real workplace dynamics. At the end of the internship, students will automatically go into the Bupa talent pool for future roles that are suitable.
Program Outcomes
By participating in this exciting opportunity, you will:
- Develop a range of employability skills while working in a dynamic team
- Learn to develop a business case and pitch your ideas to real industry professionals
- Collaborate with students across degrees and disciplines from the University of Melbourne
- Gain a competitive advantage prior to graduating
- 6 x students will be awarded with a full time, paid 8-week internship with Bupa
- Be recognised with Melbourne Plus and receive the Innovation digital badge
Student Testimonials
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Bupa Empower to Employ program is an accelerator of my skills of employability, which will set you up for success of your future professional life. - Amjad
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It is eye-opening to be a part of the Bupa Empower to Employ program, which enables me to learn many transferable skills and these skills can only be learnt in the real corporate life. I was also very lucky to have a great supervisor who set up daily check-up with me and provided valuable feedback to me. It is highly recommended to anyone who isn’t clear about their future career path. - Rachel
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My journey with Bupa has been truly remarkable. Thank to the Bupa Empower to Employ program, which enables me to work in a field which I’m incredibly passionate about. This program gives me a clear direction of what I want to do in the future as my career and boosted my confidence significantly, which strengthens my employability skillsets. - Lucas
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you meet the following criteria, you are eligible:
- Are a currently enrolled student at the University of Melbourne at Good Standing and not At Risk
- Have necessary work rights to partake in the full-time internship at Bupa (only for the winning team).
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Once applications open on Monday 30 June, you can follow the steps to apply.
- Step 1: Click on the Apply Now button and submit your completed application. Please note, applications will be shortlisted.
- Step 2: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit video responses.
- Step 3: Await final application outcome notice.
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You should to be available during the following periods:
Day One: Business Hackathon (96 students)
Program Kick-off: TBC
Hackathon Day: Monday 29 September 2025Day Two: Solution Design (30 Students)
Final Pitch Day: Tuesday 30 September 2025
Internship Dates (Winning Team - 6 Students)
Week 1 to 4: Monday 25 November to Friday 19 December 2025
Week 5 to 8: Monday 19 January to Friday 13 February 2026 -
From 1 July 2023, international students can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time (exceptions for PhD and master's by research students), and unlimited hours during holiday breaks. For more information on work rights, please visit https://www.education.gov.au/rights-international-students-work
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No, there are no fees required for participation in this program. It is an unpaid, extracurricular, skills development opportunity, with a chance for the winning design team to be awarded a full-time, paid 8-week internship at Bupa.
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No, the matching process will be conducted by Bupa. If there isn’t a project topic that aligns to your area of study and/or interests, we would still encourage you to take this opportunity to explore potential career paths you may not have previously considered.
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No, there is no mark that you or your team receives. Post program, students will receive a certificate from Bupa and be eligible to apply for Melbourne Plus Recognition.
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The Program will be conducted in person at various locations including, the University of Melbourne (Parkville Campus), Bupa Headquarters (Melbourne CBD), and surrounding locations. The Internship will be conducted face to face at the Bupa Headquarters.
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Students will be placed into teams and will receive further instructions from Bupa, including details about the project brief, and the email addresses of your team members so you can reach out via email. You may also decide as a team to use other communication tools.
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Bupa International Student App
The all-in-one app for international students. Keep updated on future employability programs and career opportunities with BUPA and connect to our talent pipeline. Register today with your UoM email address via this link https://go.unimelb.edu.au/9b6p or QR Code below, and select Bupa as your organisation.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the Program, please send them through to careers-services@unimelb.edu.au.