15 Research Internships for Computer Science for Undergraduates

Internships can be a useful part of your college experience, especially if you're interested in research and development within computing. Research internships give you a chance to apply what you’ve learned in class, explore areas like software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence, and get a better sense of what working in the field is like. Internships can also help you build skills and understand which paths within computing align best with your interests.

In this list, we’ve compiled 15 of the best research internships for computer science undergraduates, including in-person and virtual options, to help you find programs that align with your goals and availability.

1. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars (AFRL) Program

Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Cohort size/acceptance rate: 8-10%
Cost: None
Dates: Fall: 16 weeks (late August/early September – mid-December); Spring: 16 weeks (mid-January – early May); Summer: 10 weeks (late May/early June – August)
Application deadline: October 10 – January 10 (summer cohort)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens over 16 years of age with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0

If you're interested in applying your computer science skills in a national defense context, the AFRL Scholars Program allows you to contribute to projects alongside military scientists and engineers. While the focus varies by site and project, you may work on simulations, game development, or machine learning tasks connected to aircrew training or aerospace data analysis. This is a paid internship, and the stipend varies by your academic level, making it financially accessible for students at different stages. For anyone seeking a research internship in computer science for undergraduates that blends national service with technical work, AFRL is worth considering.

2. Ladder's University Internship Program

Location:  Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cohort size/acceptance rate: 25%
Cost: Varies based on program (financial aid available)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November). 
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks

Ladder Internships is an eight-week part-time internship that pairs you with a startup and a mentor, letting you collaborate on projects that match your interests and skill level. You’ll typically commit around 5 to 10 hours per week, giving you the flexibility to continue academic work while gaining experience. The startups range across industries, so your project could involve backend systems, UI design, or data tools. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Mentorship is a key feature, with regular check-ins and guidance to help navigate your tasks. If you're seeking a research internship for computer science for undergraduates that emphasizes practical results in a flexible setting, this program might be a fit.  Here is the application form. 

3. NASA Pathways Internship Program

Location: NASA Centers across the country
Cohort size/acceptance rate: 5%
Cost: None
Program dates: Three sessions offered in Summer, Fall, and Spring
Application deadline: February 28 (Summer), May 16 (Fall)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years old, enrolled or accepted for enrollment on at least a half-time basis in an accredited educational institution,  and currently have and maintain a cumulative 2.9 GPA on a 4.0 scale 

As a Pathways intern at NASA, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to long-term projects that are aligned with your academic goals, including roles in data systems, simulation software, or tools for space missions. Interns first develop an “Individual Development Plan” aimed at mapping out the trajectory of your internship by defining assignments, training events, and learning opportunities to help achieve your career goals. You will then work with federal employees in technical departments on projects aligned with those goals. The internship often spans multiple semesters and includes the possibility of conversion to a full-time position after graduation. Compensation depends on your education level and role placement. 

4. NIST Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

Location: Boulder, CO, and Gaithersburg, MD
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 33%
Cost: None
Dates: Main 11-week program: May 19–August 1 |  Alternatives to accommodate various academic calendars: Offset 11-week program: June 2–August 15 | 9-week program: June 2–August 1
Application deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents enrolled as undergraduate students at U.S. colleges or universities

At NIST’s undergraduate internship program, students join one of their labs for 11 weeks of full-time research under the mentorship of NIST scientists and engineers. Interns in computer science are often placed in areas like cybersecurity, data science, cryptographic standards, or software reliability, often working with measurement systems or simulations. You’ll engage in data analysis, coding, and preparing technical reports and presentations. The setting is collaborative and academic, making it ideal for those considering graduate school or multidisciplinary roles in public-sector research. This research internship for computer science undergraduates provides a stipend of around $7,800 and exposure to federally funded innovation.

5. George Mason University’s ASSIP

Location: Remote, hybrid, and in-person at George Mason University
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Cost: $25 application fee (may be waived based on your financial needs)
Program dates: June 18–August 8
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students must be at least 15 years old for remote internships and at least 16 years old for in-person or hybrid wet-lab internships. Applicants must not have graduated from university before or during the internship.

Through George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program, you’ll work full-time over eight weeks on faculty-mentored research, possibly contributing to computational models, machine learning tools, or cybersecurity systems. The program’s emphasis is on learning through coding, analyzing results, and technical reporting. You'll also attend workshops on scientific writing and presentation skills. Many interns go on to present at conferences, and the experience is designed to support those pursuing STEM careers or grad school. This research internship in computer science for undergraduates also offers exceptional candidates the chance to have their names published in science journals and their work presented at conferences!

6. Google Summer of Code (GSoC)

Location: Remote
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 3%
Cost: Free
Dates: 12+ weeks during the summer
Application deadline: March 24–April 8
Eligibility: Students and beginners in open source aged 18+. 

Google’s Summer of Code program allows undergraduates to spend 12+ weeks working remotely on an open-source software project under the guidance of a mentor. You select a project from a list provided by nonprofit organizations, submit a proposal, and if accepted, spend the summer coding and collaborating. The onboarding phase helps you get up to speed with the organization’s tools and practices, while the coding phase involves hitting milestones, writing tests, and building features. At the end of this research internship in computer science for undergraduates, interns are expected to contribute working code to a live, publicly used repository. 

7. Sandia National Laboratories Internships

Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified 
Stipend: Varies by experience
Dates: Varies by internship
Application deadline: Varies by internship
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years of age; specific eligibility criteria vary by position

Sandia National Laboratories’ internships place you inside federal research labs where you may assist with software development, high-performance computing, or cybersecurity-related tasks. Interns are often assigned to technical teams working on U.S. national security solutions, where they develop, test, and optimize algorithms and software. You’ll get access to research infrastructure and receive mentorship throughout the term. Depending on performance and fit, these internships can also lead to long-term employment. A research internship in computer science for undergraduates at Sandia offers exposure to performance government-grade computing systems and lets you work on simulations to solve problems.

8. Idaho National Laboratory Undergraduate Internship

Location: Idaho National Laboratory, east Idaho
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Stipend: Varies by number of college credits earned and degree program
Dates: 10 to 16 weeks, year-round
Application deadline: Rolling enrolment 
Eligibility: Open to full-time students attending an accredited high school or college the semester before and after an internship award, with at least a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA.

At Idaho National Laboratory, you’ll work at one of the nation’s leading energy and security research facilities on projects that integrate computer science with national priorities. Interns work closely with mentors on focused goals in areas such as cybersecurity infrastructure, software testing pipelines, high-performance computing simulations, and more. You might spend your time writing algorithms that support nuclear modeling, developing secure data systems, or troubleshooting technical challenges in active projects. Weekly enrichment sessions and site tours expand your exposure beyond your immediate team, offering a broader look into INL’s role within the Department of Energy. Your work will culminate in a presentation at the INL Intern Expo. 

9. NASA OSTEM Internship Program

Location: NASA centers across the country
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 4-6%
Cost: None
Dates: Spring: 16 weeks (mid-January – early May); Summer: 10 weeks (late May – August); Fall: 16 weeks (late August – mid-December)
Application deadline: Varies 
Eligibility: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen, a full-time student (high school through graduate level), or a part-time college student enrolled in at least 6 semester hours, and have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. You must also be at least 16 years old at the time of application and be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in STEM.

NASA’s OSTEM Internship Program places you at the center of mission-aligned research, allowing you to work on software and data tools that support space exploration, scientific discovery, and aerospace operations. As an intern, you’ll join one of NASA’s centers or facilities, where you’ll take on technical roles ranging from programming spacecraft systems and creating simulation tools to developing analytical platforms that support ongoing research. The projects are designed to align with both your academic progress and your long-term interests, and each placement includes structured mentorship to support your learning. In this paid research internship in computer science for undergraduates, you’ll be expected to contribute to your team’s objectives and may even get the opportunity to co-author technical reports or tools used across the agency

10. CodeDay Labs – Open-Source Software Internship

Location: Remote
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified 
Cost: Free
Dates: June 20–August 25
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all college students (varies by track)

CodeDay Labs offers a remote, project-based internship where you’ll work in small teams to build open-source software under the guidance of an industry mentor. Whether you're contributing to tools in AI, backend systems, or social good tech, you'll be writing production-level code using current industry workflows, including Git, version control, and collaborative dev environments. Interns are placed into one of three experience-based tracks (Init, Intermediate, or Advanced), so the program remains accessible to a wide range of students. Throughout the research internship, you'll engage in technical talks, mock interviews, resume reviews, and collaborative problem-solving exercises, all of which help build both your technical and career-readiness skills.

11. National Nuclear Security Administration Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program (NNSA-MSIIP) 

Location: DOE and NNSA national laboratories across the U.S., DOE/NNSA offices in Washington, D.C., and site offices. Virtual opportunities are also available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Cost: None
Program dates: Summer: June-August; Yearlong: June-May
Application deadline: October
Eligibility: U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age by the program start date, enrolled in a part-time or full-time degree-seeking program at one of the following accredited Minority Serving Institutions. Find more details here.

The NNSA-MSIIP is designed specifically for students enrolled at Minority Serving Institutions, offering paid research and policy-based internship opportunities in national laboratories, government agencies, and affiliated research centers. As a computer science student, you might work on developing secure software systems, analyzing data for national defense applications, or contributing to tech-focused public policy projects. You’ll be mentored by professionals in engineering, science, or federal operations, and will take part in professional development activities that include networking, workshops, and career planning. This research internship values both technical aptitude and public service orientation, making it ideal for those interested in research or federal careers. 

12. CS@Mines Virtual Computing Internship

Location: Remote and in-person options available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 2-4 research spots 
Cost: $100 (financial aid available)
Dates: 6 weeks during summer (exact dates unspecified)
Application deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Community college students with a strong interest in computer science

Organized by Colorado School of Mines, this six-week remote internship is built for community college students and select high school students who are curious about applying computing to socially beneficial problems. Participants are grouped into small teams and matched with undergraduate mentors to work on computing research in areas like artificial intelligence, data science, software development, or cybersecurity. You’ll commit anywhere from 5 to 20 hours a week, depending on your availability, and all projects are centered around solving challenges with a collaborative research approach. The internship gives you direct exposure to research workflows, coding standards, and team-based problem solving. In addition to project work, this research internship offers enrichment events, technical support, and opportunities to present outcomes. 

13. High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP) Summer Internship Program

Location: Vary but typically in Mississippi, California, Ohio, and Maryland. Some remote options are available
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: March 7
Eligibility: US citizens who are 18 years or older at the time of application, enrolled full-time in an accredited US college/university, and pursuing a degree in a STEM field with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale 

Through the Department of Defense’s HPCMP Internship Program, you’ll spend ten weeks working at one of several participating DoD labs across the U.S., contributing to high-end computing research and engineering applications. You will work with scientists and engineers to advance capabilities in modeling, simulations, algorithm development, and systems optimization. If you’re interested in computational performance or large-scale system design, this program gives you access to supercomputing infrastructure used in national defense and scientific research. You’ll participate in seminars and networking events while receiving financial support, including a stipend and possible travel assistance. Interns are expected to collaborate actively, analyze data, and deliver results that contribute to DoD missions. 

14. Abbott Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Cost: None
Dates: Starts May 12
Application deadline: April 7
Eligibility: College seniors or recent graduates with a GPA of 7.0/10 or 2.8/4.0 and proficiency in English and Microsoft Office are eligible to apply

The Abbott Internship Program gives undergraduates the chance to work on applied technology projects in healthcare, often involving areas like data analytics, software development, information systems, or digital health solutions. Spanning 10 to 12 weeks during the summer, the internship is designed to match your academic calendar and can place you in offices or labs across the U.S., depending on business needs. You'll be assigned tasks with measurable outcomes, such as building or improving internal tools, analyzing patient data workflows, or supporting digital product teams. Along the way, you'll receive training, mentorship from experienced professionals, and opportunities to connect with leadership. 

15. AEOP Undergraduate Internship

Location: Various U.S. Army Research Labs and university research centers nationwide
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer, semester, and year-round opportunities available
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to current undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. Additional eligibility requirements vary by location.

The AEOP Undergraduate Internship engages undergraduates in university-affiliated labs or Army Research Centers to work on mission-critical STEM projects. As an intern, you’ll work alongside scientists and engineers on computing challenges, either for the summer or an academic semester. Expect to contribute to the development or testing of innovative technologies, document your findings, and participate in regular mentoring sessions. In addition to lab experience, AEOP provides community events, webinars, and professional development workshops that help build a broader understanding of research careers. You will also receive a stipend in recognition of your work and have the chance to collaborate with peers from across the country.