Young job seekers are paying up to $2000 to get work experience as unpaid interns, raising concerns about the potential for exploitation and an unfair playing field for those unable to afford the opportunities.

With unemployment among those aged 15 to 19 hitting 20 per cent last week, its highest level in two decades, the need for work experience has become more crucial than ever in getting a job.

Employment inequality fears: Surveys show students are paying to get work as unpaid interns.

Executive director of Interns Australia Adi Prasad said he was concerned about a growing market in the provision of costly internships to help young job seekers "get a foot in the door".

"It creates an inequality of opportunity whereby only those who can afford that sort of money to pay the middle man can get that opportunity," he said.