Work with the world's best start-ups
The Ladder University Winter 2026 Internship Competition puts you through two rounds of review to compete for an internship with the world's best startups.
Run by Ladder Internships, built for university undergrads
Ladder Internships pairs students with fast-growing start-ups — founders trained at institutions like Harvard Business School, companies backed by firms such as Y Combinator, and teams stocked with alumni of McKinsey, Google, and Microsoft.
The Winter 2026 Ladder University Internship Competition is a three-round selection process, open to current university undergraduate students anywhere in the world — there's no location restriction. Every applicant who advances is reviewed by the same team that places Ladder's regular internship cohorts, so whichever prize you're in contention for, you're being evaluated against a real bar.
A sample of past Ladder host companies — see the full, current list on ladderinternships.com/our-companies.
Two rounds, start to finish.
Here's what happens at each stage, from application to final results.
Application
Submit the online application. Apply by the priority deadline for the earliest possible review, or by the final deadline at the latest — applications are read and advanced on a rolling basis either way.
Priority Oct 12 · Final Oct 19, 2026Live Interview
Shortlisted applicants are invited to a live interview. Every live interview finalist competes for all three grand prizes: Gold, Silver, and Bronze.
Winners & prizes announced
Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners are all announced on the same day.
November 5, 2026Three prizes
Every Live Interview finalist is in contention for all three prizes below — all three are awarded on November 5, 2026.
Full-Ride Internship (worth $3,190) + $500 Stipend
A full-ride placement in the Ladder Startup Internship Program worth $3,190, plus a $500 stipend.
Awarded to the top-ranked Round II (Live Interview) finalist$1,200 Scholarship
A $1,200 scholarship, redeemable toward any Ladder Program.
Awarded to the second-ranked Round II (Live Interview) finalist$1,000 Scholarship
A $1,000 scholarship, redeemable toward any Ladder Program.
Awarded to the third-ranked Round II (Live Interview) finalistFrequently asked questions
What is the Ladder University Winter 2026 Internship Competition?
A two-round selection process run by Ladder Internships: an online application, followed by a live interview for shortlisted applicants. Every live interview finalist competes for three prizes: Gold (a full-ride Ladder Startup Internship placement worth $3,190, plus a $500 stipend), Silver ($1,200 scholarship), and Bronze ($1,000 scholarship).
Who's eligible to apply?
Current university undergraduate students, anywhere in the world — there's no location restriction.
What's the difference between the two application deadlines?
October 12 is the priority deadline — applying by then gets you the earliest possible review. October 19 is the final deadline for Round I. Either way, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted applicants are invited straight to the Round II live interview.
When will I hear back?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as they come in, and shortlisted applicants are invited to a Round II live interview. All final winners are announced November 5, 2026.
Where do I submit my application?
Through the official application form: airtable.com/appx1OFdMpDfxtEkR/pagmwws8IgGTcnUEg/form. It's linked at the top and bottom of this page as well.
Applications close October 19, 2026.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so the earlier you apply, the higher your chance of being shortlisted.
Priority deadline Oct 12 · Final deadline Oct 19, 2026