30 Internships for College Students
Internships during your undergraduate years are crucial for gaining practical experience, developing industry-specific skills, and building a professional network. They provide a hands-on opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations, making you more competitive in the job market.
Internships also help you explore different career paths, refine your interests, and gain insight into the expectations of potential employers, setting you up for future success.
Here are 30 internships for college students that could help you explore your field of interest:
1. Mayo Clinic’s Undergraduate Internships
Location: Multiple locations
Dates: Dates are posted in the spring and fall, based on research needs and candidate availability; typically an 8-week-long internship
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the opportunity
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed two years of study in engineering fields like electrical, mechanical, software, chemical, or biomedical engineering
Stipend: Approximately $17.75/hour
The Mayo Clinic Division of Engineering internship gives you hands-on experience with the whole journey of an engineering project — from planning and testing to deployment and wrap-up. You’ll learn how real-world solutions are built and applied, all while working closely with professionals in the field.
You can also explore the Biomedical Statistics & Informatics internship, where you’ll help analyse research data and build your computer and statistical skills under the guidance of expert statisticians or bioinformaticians. Both internships offer excellent on-the-job training and a chance to grow your problem-solving skills in a real work environment.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Dates: 8 weeks. Multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year
Eligibility: College students who can commit to working for 10-20 hours a week for 8-12 weeks
Cost: Startup Internship: $2,490 | CEO internship: $4,400 | Combination Program: $7,400; Financial aid is available
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective program that connects students with startups worldwide. In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech, and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars.
Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
Interns receive one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other valuable skills, and they will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. National Security Agency Internships
Location: Various NSA facilities across the United States, including Fort Meade, MD; Colorado; Georgia; Hawaii; and Texas
Dates: 12-week programs from mid-May or June
Application Deadline: October 1
Eligibility: High school juniors through doctoral candidates
Cost: Competitive salary based on education level.
The National Security Agency (NSA) provides an extensive selection of more than 30 paid summer internship programs designed for college students, from undergraduate freshmen to Ph.D. candidates. Spanning 12 weeks, usually from mid-May to mid-August, these internships offer participants practical experience in essential fields such as computer science, cybersecurity, mathematics, engineering, intelligence analysis, linguistics, and more. Interns work alongside NSA professionals, engaging in projects that advance the agency's dual mission of collecting foreign signals intelligence and enhancing cybersecurity.
4. Stanford University’s BioE Research Experience for Undergraduates
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Dates: 10 weeks; June – August
Application Deadline: Depends on ongoing research
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students from Stanford
Stipend: Not mentioned
If you're a Stanford undergraduate, the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in the Bioengineering Department can be an excellent opportunity. It runs for 10 weeks during the summer and is a full-time commitment, meaning you’ll work 40 hours a week.
You’ll be paired with a faculty member and work on exciting research projects in bioengineering. Some past projects have focused on medical devices, bioinformatics, and tissue engineering. This program is exclusively for Stanford students, and it’s a unique way to dive deep into research while networking with faculty and peers.
5. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: In-person and hybrid at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA (with virtual options available)
Duration: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Must be 15 years or older at the beginning of the program, and should not have graduated from University.
Cost: Free ($25 application fee required)
ASSIP is an 8-week program where you’ll gain hands-on experience with advanced technology and equipment. You’ll work closely with faculty researchers in various fields, with your mentor guiding the structure of your internship. The program will help you improve communication, creativity, and scientific writing skills, while giving you a look into different STEM careers. Your research may be published in scientific journals or presented at conferences.
6. SMART Summer Undergraduate Research Program – University of Michigan
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Dates: May 27 – August 3
Application Deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups in biomedical research; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Have a 3.2 cumulative GPA
Stipend: $4,700
The UM-SMART program is for undergraduates interested in becoming physician-scientists through a combined MD/PhD path. As a summer research fellow, you will learn what it’s like to work in a real lab, doing full-time research under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
You will learn about careers that combine medicine and research, gain hands-on lab experience, and build a strong foundation to apply for MD/PhD programs. Since 2008, most participants have pursued advanced degrees in medicine, research, or both.
7. Bioengineering Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (BE-SURE) – Princeton University
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Dates: 9 weeks
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Princeton and non-Princeton undergraduate first-years, sophomores, and juniors interested in bioengineering or related fields
Stipend: Paid
The Princeton Bioengineering Research Program offers undergraduates hands-on lab experience at the intersection of engineering and life sciences. You’ll work on a research project, improve your science communication skills, and explore career paths in academia and industry.
You’ll join a cohort of students, collaborate on projects, visit the Princeton Innovation Center Biolabs, connect with the iGEM team, and participate in an industry visit. The program ends with a poster presentation of your work.
8. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Summer Internship Program (SIP)
Location: Multiple locations
Dates: Minimum 8 weeks; typically May to September
Application Deadline: February 19
Eligibility: Students enrolled at least half-time in an accredited community college, college, or university as an undergraduate, graduate, or professional student; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; at least 18 or older
Stipend: Paid. See here for more info
The NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) offers full-time research opportunities for college, graduate, and professional students interested in science, healthcare, or research careers. You’ll join a research team led by a Principal Investigator and work on biomedical, behavioral, or clinical projects at one of the NIH campuses, including Bethesda, MD.
Students from fields like biology, engineering, psychology, chemistry, computer science, and other health-related areas are encouraged to apply. Multiple program tracks (like CCSEP, C-SOAR, and V-SOAR) are available based on your background and interests.
9. NASA JPL Year-Round Internship Program
Location: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, La Cañada Flintridge, CA
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students in STEM fields at accredited U.S. universities; Must be allowed to pursue off-campus, independent study (during the academic year or summer); Minimum GPA: 3.0 (3.5 preferred); Open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents; First internship must be at least 10 weeks (future terms can be more flexible)
Stipend: Paid
The JPL Year-Round Internship Program offers part-time and full-time internships during the school year and summer for undergrad and grad students in STEM fields. You'll work with a JPL scientist or engineer as your mentor, helping with real projects related to NASA and JPL missions. Interns can also access enrichment activities like lab tours, guest lectures, and career guidance through the JPL Education Office.
10. BME Pathways Summer Research – University of Minnesota
Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically in the spring
Eligibility: Undergrads currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university; non-graduating seniors; majoring in engineering, computer science, biology, chemistry, or math; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
Stipend: $5,000
The BME Pathways program at the University of Minnesota offers STEM undergrads from underrepresented backgrounds a hands-on summer research experience in biomedical engineering. You will cultivate specialized research and communication skills relevant to the field. You’ll also learn to effectively convey your findings on biochemical processes and engineering techniques while solidifying your foundation for future studies.
11. University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s Summer Training and Research (STAR) Program
Location: University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
Dates: June 3 – August 9
Application Deadline: February 10
Eligibility:
Interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in the biomedical or behavioral sciences
Citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
Enrolled full-time at a 4-year college or university
Currently a sophomore or junior
Have not already completed a Bachelor’s degree
3.0 or better cumulative grade point average
Come from an under-represented minority group, disadvantaged background, and/or have a disability
Stipend: Not mentioned
The Summer Training and Research (STAR) program at the University of Maryland School of Public Health is a two-summer opportunity for undergrad students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. You’ll spend 10 weeks each summer doing research and career development activities focused on preventing and treating heart disease. It’s designed to help you prepare for a Ph.D. in biomedical or behavioral sciences.
Students from any university can apply, and those at the University of Maryland, College Park may also qualify for the similar UM ADAPT Program. Each year, STAR selects 6–8 new trainees.
12. Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Location: California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena, CA
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Undergraduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics; Open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents
Stipend: $7,950
The Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) allows STEM students to learn how research works by working with experienced mentors at Caltech. The program is designed to mirror the grant-seeking process, providing students with a comprehensive research experience.
Participants work with a mentor to define and develop a research project, write a research proposal, and, once accepted, conduct the research. The program culminates in the submission of a technical paper and an oral presentation at the SURF Seminar Day, simulating a professional technical meeting.
13. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)’s Equity Research Program
Location: Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application Deadline: January 22
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who excel academically and come from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Stipend: $4,500
The OHSU Equity Research Program is an 8-week summer internship for underrepresented undergraduate students to gain hands-on research experience. You’ll work with OHSU faculty, scientists, and grad students in areas like biomedical studies, dentistry, medicine, or public health. Lab placements include departments like Biomedical Engineering and the Knight Cancer Institute. Alongside your research, you'll attend seminars and present your work at a poster symposium.
14. Bernard S. and Sophie G. Gould MIT Summer Research Program in Biology
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Dates: June 1 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility:
Full-time undergraduates at U.S. colleges (non-MIT)
Current sophomores, juniors, or non-graduating seniors
Minimum 3.5 GPA in STEM courses
Completed intro life sciences courses
Prior research experience required
Stipend: Paid opportunity; weekly travel allowance provided
The Bernard S. and Sophie G. Gould MIT Summer Research Program gives non-MIT undergraduates the chance to work full-time in a lab and attend weekly faculty meetings and academic seminars. Projects often involve fields like biochemistry, cell biology, and computational biology, which connect with biomedical engineering and related technologies. You’ll improve your research, presentation, and writing skills, and get guidance on applying to grad school.
15. Mercer County Student Internship Program
Location: Mercer County offices, NJ
Dates: May 21 - July 18
Application Deadline: Typically in March/April
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years of age and either live in Mercer County or attend a school or university in Mercer County
Stipend: $17/hour for college students
The Mercer County Student Internship Program offers paid internships for high school and college students in Mercer County, New Jersey. Interns work in various county departments like Administration, Human Resources, Transportation, and more, gaining hands-on experience in a government setting. You’ll build professional skills, learn about public service, and take part in career-focused activities that support your growth and help you explore future career paths in public administration.
16. New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) Internship
Location: Hamilton, West Trenton, or Newark, NJ
Dates: June 9 - August 1 (Summer Cohort); Spring and Winter cohort dates vary
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: College students
Stipend: Unpaid
The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) is where the state shares cyber threat info, helps respond to incidents, and spreads awareness. It’s part of the NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. As an intern, you’ll explore the world of cybersecurity by working on real NJCCIC projects and learning how the team protects against cyberattacks.
You’ll get hands-on experience writing cyber alerts, learning best practices for staying safe online, supporting incident responses, and sitting in on threat briefings. The Summer internship is a full-time, unpaid program for college and graduate students.
17. Massachusetts General Hospital Youth Neurology Education and Research Program
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston/Cambridge/Somerville, MA
Cost: Free; stipend provided
Application Deadline: January 31
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: College students who are in their first year of study
The Massachusetts General Hospital Youth Neurology Education and Research Program is for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in neurology. Participants learn essential research skills in a "boot camp" before working on a research project with an MGH Neurology faculty member. The program ends with a research presentation, and students get support to publish their work and apply for awards.
18. NASA Pathways
Location: Virtual + Various NASA centers across the country
Dates: Varies depending on the internship availability
Application Deadline: Rolling. Applications are open in February & September each year (tentatively)
Eligibility: College students; More info here.
Stipend: Paid
NASA’s Pathways Internship Program gives college students hands-on experience in engineering, computer science, and IT. As an intern, you'll work on innovative projects with experts, gaining valuable skills in software development, systems engineering, and research. It can be an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation in technical fields.
19. Internships at Maryland Public Television (MPT)
Location: Both in-person (Baltimore) and hybrid options are offered.
Dates: Summer: June 2 – August 15 | Fall: September 10 – December 15 | Spring: January 28 – May 15
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: College students willing to commit to at least 16 hours per week
Stipend: Paid
MPT offers in-person and virtual unpaid internships for college students to explore TV programming, show development, co-productions, and the media business. Internship opportunities are available in areas like public relations, communications, content creation, client relations, sales, marketing, TV production, community outreach, IT, education, and administration. Interns should be creative, motivated, and committed to at least 16 hours per week. Check out past intern projects on their website for more details!
Location: Various NASA centers in the country. There are also options for remote participation, depending on the project.
Dates:
Fall: 16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December
Spring: 16-week program, from mid-January to early May
Summer: 10-week program, from late May or early June to August
Application Deadline: Spring: September 12 | Summer: February 27 | Fall: May 22
Eligibility: Must be a full-time college student; Must be a U.S. citizen
Stipend: Interns may receive a stipend dependent on internship, academic level, and session length.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers free internships for college students in engineering and space-related fields. Interns work with experienced mentors on real projects, gaining hands-on experience in research, data analysis, and engineering. Opportunities include Structural Design, Test Equipment Analysis, Data Science, and Software Development. Visit the website for available positions.
21. Internship at the San Jose Stage Company
Location: San Jose Stage Company, CA
Dates: Based on your availability, which you can provide when applying
Application Deadline: Open all year round
Eligibility: College students
Cost: Hourly rate of minimum wage
The San Jose Stage Company internship offers college students hands-on experience in the creative field. Interns work in areas like stage management, marketing, technical production, and administration, gaining valuable skills in organization, strategy, and leadership. This opportunity provides insight into how a professional theatre company operates and collaborates, making it ideal for those interested in arts administration or project management.
22. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Various AFRL locations
Dates: Varies depending on the internship availability.
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Undergraduate students pursuing STEM degree
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Interns receive a stipend.
The AFRL Scholars Program offers paid internships for college students interested in aerospace engineering. You’ll collaborate with AFRL scientists and engineers, tour state-of-the-art laboratories, and contribute to advanced research and technology. The program mainly offers summer internships, with some positions available in the fall.
23. HMEI Environmental Internship Program
Location: Princeton University, NJ
Dates: Varies depending on the internship availability.
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: Princeton Undergrad; First-year student
Stipend: Paid
The Environmental Internship Program at the High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI) gives Princeton undergrads a chance to get hands-on experience with environmental research and projects over the summer. If you're interested in learning more about global environmental issues, this is a great opportunity to explore them outside the classroom.
24. Summer Undergraduate Program in Engineering Research at Berkeley (SUPERB)
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA
Dates: June – August (9 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility:
Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Must be a rising junior or senior
Should have taken some upper-level courses in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS)
Must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
An upward trend in grades is a plus
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided
At Berkeley EECS, you’ll learn how Artificial Intelligence is transforming engineering. This Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) focuses on the challenges, risks, and limitations of AI in real-world applications. You’ll explore topics like machine learning algorithms, safe human-robot interaction, building provably-safe AI systems, defending against adversarial attacks, and dealing with unpredictability in engineering design — especially when using Large Language Models.
Each summer, the SUPERB program brings together undergraduate students to work closely with EECS faculty on projects related to the theme “AI for Engineering.”
25. LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science
Location: NASA Johnson Space Center on the southeast side of Houston, TX
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: December 12
Eligibility: Undergraduates with at least 50 semester hours of credit
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided
The LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science is your chance to learn what it’s like to do real, cutting-edge research in the field. Over 10 weeks, you’ll work alongside leading planetary scientists, explore exciting career paths, and gain hands-on experience in a professional research setting. You will develop new skills, strengthen existing ones, collaborate with planetary science experts, network for future opportunities, and adapt to a new work environment.
26. SFI Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR)
Location: Santa Fe Institute, in Santa Fe, NM
Dates: June 1 – August 9
Application Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students
Stipend: $7,000
The SFI Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR) program is a 10-week residential program where you'll explore complexity science through hands-on research. You can choose from a list of projects or work with a mentor to design your own.
You'll learn to use ideas and tools from the physical, natural, and social sciences to study significant questions about real-world systems. Along the way, seminars and workshops will help you build your research skills and prepare for what's next in your academic or career path.
27. Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) by the American Bar Association (ABA)
Location: Various cities across the country
Dates: At least 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Students who come from diverse backgrounds
Stipend: $2,000
The ABA's Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) offers college students the chance to intern with federal or state judges across the U.S. This intensive program promotes diversity in the legal field and provides hands-on experience in court.
Interns observe trials, assist with legal research and writing, and work closely with judges and their chambers, gaining valuable insight into the judicial system. JIOP is ideal for students interested in a legal career, especially within the judicial branch, offering practical experience beyond theoretical knowledge.
28. The Yale Information Technology Services (ITS) Summer College Internship
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Dates: 10-12 weeks from June – August
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: Full-time student in an accredited college. You can apply if you're in your first, second, or third year of a four-year program or have completed at least one semester and earned 12 credits in a two-year program.
Cost: Free; stipend provided
The Yale Information Technology Services (ITS) Summer College Internship will help you explore career opportunities in the field of information technology. This paid, full-time internship spans 10 to 12 weeks and offers hands-on experience working alongside IT professionals on projects aligned with your skills and interests.
You will gain practical experience in IT operations across the university. You will also engage in a collaborative work environment and participate in career-development workshops and networking activities. The program provides valuable insight into the systems and services that support a major teaching and research institution.
29. Summer Humanities Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: Current, regularly enrolled students in the College of Arts and Sciences, have a GPA of 3.0 or greater.
Cost: $5,500
The College of Arts and Sciences and CURF offer about 25 summer research internships for Penn undergraduates in the humanities and social sciences. These internships are full-time, 10-week roles in cultural, historical, or archival settings and include a $5,500 stipend. Internships are in-person or hybrid — remote options are not available.
SHIP interns are expected to focus fully on their projects. Summer courses or other jobs are strongly discouraged. If you're considering a course, discuss it with your potential supervisor during the interview. Here’s the list of internships available.
30. Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering (SURE)
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Dates: 10-12 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: University of Michigan students typically need to be in their 2nd or 3rd year of engineering or a related field like math, science, or computer science.
Stipend: $6,000
The SURE program offers U-M undergraduate students the chance to do full-time summer research for 10–12 weeks with top faculty in various engineering fields. If accepted, you get a $6,000 stipend, work with a faculty advisor in a College of Engineering lab, attend seminars and meetings, and complete a final assignment to share your research. It’s open to students who have completed at least their first year (rising sophomores through seniors).
The program helps students explore if graduate research (Master’s or PhD) is right for them. You must apply online through the SURE website.