U.S. Department of State Paid Student Internship Program 2027: Fully Paid Spring and Summer Internship in the United States and Overseas
The U.S. Department of State Paid Student Internship Program for Spring and Summer 2027 provides eligible students, recent graduates, and U.S. military veterans with substantive professional experience in foreign policy. Interns receive full-time compensation of $19.96 per hour for 10 consecutive weeks at domestic offices, diplomatic facilities, or overseas posts.
Overview
The U.S. Department of State Paid Student Internship Program for Spring 2027 and Summer 2027 offers eligible students, recent graduates, and U.S. military veterans an opportunity to gain substantive professional experience while contributing to the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy. Selected interns work full-time for 10 consecutive weeks on assignments that may involve international affairs, diplomacy, economic research, public affairs, visa and citizen services, international conferences, and administrative operations.
Benefits
- Paid compensation at the GS-04 level, listed at $19.96 per hour.
- Full-time work schedule of 40 hours per week for 10 consecutive weeks.
- Coverage of reasonable travel expenses to and from the mandatory Washington, D.C. orientation and internship location.
- Exposure to domestic offices, diplomatic facilities, and overseas posts.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet specific citizenship, age, clearance, and pathway criteria to qualify:
- U.S. Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application.
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Security Clearance: Must be able to receive and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Previous Participation: Must not have previously participated in the U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program, U.S. Foreign Service Internship, or Foreign Service Fellowship Program.
- Medical Insurance: Must provide proof of medical insurance for the duration of the internship and travel.
Additionally, applicants must qualify through at least one of four pathways:
- Current Undergraduate Students: Enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college or community college, completed at least 60 credit hours by the start of the internship, enrolled at least part-time, in good academic standing, and possess a minimum 3.2 GPA.
- Current Graduate Students: Enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited institution, enrolled at least part-time, in good academic standing, and possess a minimum 3.2 GPA.
- Recent Graduates: Graduated from an accredited undergraduate or graduate program within two years of the internship start date with a minimum 3.2 GPA.
- U.S. Military Veterans: Veterans of the United States Armed Forces with a high school diploma or equivalent who served on active duty for any length of time within the two years preceding the internship start date.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted electronically through the Gateway to State application system via the official USAJOBS vacancy. Candidates must complete the following steps:
- Create or access a USAJOBS applicant profile.
- Complete the Department of State Student Internship application, choosing either the Spring 2027 or Summer 2027 intake.
- Select domestic and/or overseas assignment preferences and up to two geographical or functional areas.
- Answer required applicant questions and prepare clear Statements of Interest.
- Upload a resume and current or most recent official or unofficial transcript.
- Submit the complete application before the deadline.
Deadline
The application period closes on September 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.