An internship is a temporary placement at a company, organization or research group that gives students and recent graduates practical work experience. Internships can be paid or unpaid, onsite, hybrid or remote, and last from a few weeks to about a year. Use this page to browse and compare them.
Who internships are for
Internships suit students looking for experience alongside their studies, graduates testing a career direction, and career changers who need a first credible project. Many are aimed at people currently enrolled in or recently finished with a degree, though some organizations accept applicants at any stage.
Fields vary widely, from technology, business and engineering to research, policy and the non-profit sector. Pick the placement that builds the skills you want to show, rather than simply the best-known name.
Think about what you want to leave with: a skill, a portfolio piece, a reference or a clearer sense of your direction. Asking this before you apply makes it easier to judge whether a role will give you real responsibility or mostly routine tasks.
How to find and compare internships
Compare the role, duration, location and pay. Check whether the placement is paid, offers a stipend, or expects you to cover costs, and whether it counts towards university credit if your course requires one. For international internships, ask early about visa rules, since some countries require a specific permit or a hosting agreement.
Our filters let you narrow listings by country, funding and work mode. Remote internships can be a practical route when relocation is not possible, but make sure the role includes real supervision and learning, not just routine tasks.
Cost matters as much as the role. Add up accommodation, transport, insurance and visa fees, and compare them with any stipend. Some employers or universities offer help with housing or travel, so ask what support exists before accepting an offer.
Typical eligibility, documents and timeline
Employers usually ask for a CV, a short cover letter, and sometimes a transcript or portfolio. Some include a short test or interview. Requirements typically include being enrolled or recently graduated, and relevant language skills.
Application windows often open many months before the start date, especially for large organizations and structured programs. Smaller companies may recruit closer to the start, so check each listing's deadline and apply as soon as you are ready.
A strong application is specific. Mention the team or project that interests you, point to one or two relevant results from coursework or earlier work, and keep the CV to one or two pages. Recruiters often read quickly, so put the most relevant experience first.
Mistakes to avoid
Sending the same CV to every employer is the most common error. Tailor your CV to the role, name a specific reason you want that team, and show results rather than a list of duties. Others forget to check visa and housing costs, which can make an unpaid or low-paid placement unaffordable.
Be cautious of any offer that asks for a fee or personal banking details. Apply through the employer's official website and keep a record of what you submitted.
Once you receive an offer, ask for the terms in writing, including dates, hours, pay and who will supervise you. Keep in touch with your supervisor afterwards, since a good reference from an internship can help with later applications.
Frequently asked questions
1Are internships paid?
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Some are and some are not. Pay depends on the country, the employer and the type of program. Listings usually say whether a salary or stipend is offered, and the official page is the best place to confirm. Check local rules on unpaid placements too.
2How do I find an international internship?
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Filter by country and work mode, then read the eligibility and visa notes. Large organizations, universities and research institutes often run structured programs, while smaller companies recruit directly. Apply through the official website.
3Can I do an internship after graduating?
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Often yes, but it depends on the employer. Some programs require you to be currently enrolled, while others accept recent graduates within a set period. Check the eligibility section of each listing.
4What is the difference between an internship and a job?
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An internship is temporary and designed for learning, usually with more supervision and a fixed end date. A job is an ongoing role with defined responsibilities. Some internships do lead to job offers, but this is never guaranteed.
5Do I need a visa for an international internship?
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Often you do if you are travelling to work in another country. The type of permit depends on the destination, your nationality and the length of the placement. Ask the host organization what support it offers and check official immigration sources.
6Are remote internships worth it?
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They can be, particularly if relocation is not possible. Look for clear tasks, a named supervisor and regular feedback. Remote roles may offer less networking, so ask how the team involves interns.
7When should I apply for a summer internship?
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Structured programs often open applications many months ahead, sometimes in the autumn or winter before. Smaller employers may recruit later. Check the deadline on each listing and apply early.
How we keep listings accurate: opportunities are collected from public sources and checked, but details can change. Always confirm deadlines and requirements on the official website before you apply. Read our editorial policy.
