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Frequently asked questions about volunteering with Oxfam Australia

Can I volunteer overseas?

We do not have an overseas volunteer program as we support the work of local people and organisations overseas – encouraging community participation and building local capacity.

The organisations below recruit or send volunteers outside Australia. In some cases, these opportunities are only available to Australian nationals.

Can I volunteer if I work full time?

Yes. There are a number of ways you can use your time and skills to support our work. Some volunteer roles require only a few hours on a weekend while others involve a longer, ongoing commitment outside of office hours.

We understand that your time is precious so we suggest that before undertaking any volunteer position you find out what the time commitment will be. Remember, if you only have a few hours to spare, you can always support our campaigning and fundraising work.

What skills or experience do I need to volunteer?

You don’t need any specialised skills to volunteer. Our volunteers come from a diverse range of backgrounds, professions and ages with a wide range of skills and experiences.  From students to retirees, refugees, professionals and people looking for work, volunteering is open to everyone. 

Does Oxfam accept interns?

We have limited capacity to accept interns. We accept applications from all tertiary students interested in undertaking an internship with us, but we do not accept a set intake each year. All internship positions are arranged and appointed on an as-needs basis. Specific internship positions are occasionally advertised at universities.

We do not accept work experience students.

Why does Oxfam use volunteers?

Throughout Oxfam Australia's history, voluntary activity has been a hallmark of the way that the agency has undertaken its work. The level and nature of voluntary involvement has been a distinguishing feature of the agency compared to many other non-government development agencies. Voluntarism is part of our commitment to community engagement. It also makes a massive contribution to our work capacity.

I’m an overseas visitor. Can I volunteer in Australia?

All people volunteering for us must be eligible to work in Australia in accordance with the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMIA) guidelines.

It is the responsibility of volunteers to ensure that they are eligible to work in Australia. If you are from overseas you need to make sure that your visa type allows volunteer activity. For more information visit DIMIA's website