Government Internships 2025: Top Programs to Consider

Working in the public service might seem like something reserved for people deep into their careers, but it’s actually one of the best places for students and recent grads to get real-world experience that matters. Government internships allow you to contribute to serious work without waiting until after graduation, regardless of your field of study, whether it is political science, nursing, public health, or even history. You could be supporting a global health campaign with WHO, helping resettle refugees with UNHCR, or participating in space research with NASA. These aren’t made-up intern tasks either. Most programs offer practical work that ties directly into your studies. You’ll find a mix of opportunities for college students across departments, and some of the most respected internships are hosted by major institutions like the United Nations, the European Union, and the Embassies in Washington. And if you’re wondering when to apply, many departments start accepting applications as early as the fall for summer placements.

What makes these roles even more appealing is that many of them are paid hourly wages averaging between $15.40 and $22.80, depending on the agency and your level of education. So if you’re on the lookout for a meaningful summer experience that doesn’t just drain your time and wallet, these programs are worth a serious look. For nursing majors, government learnerships for nursing offer both clinical and administrative exposure in public health units. History students can apply for internship jobs at national museums or archives. And if you’ve recently graduated, there are roles for recent graduates that can open doors to full-time work later. Rather than Googling summer jobs near me, it’s smarter to find the federal internship openings we have listed. Whether you are just starting out or looking for something more advanced, there are plenty of available programs for students that offer valuable exposure, real responsibilities, and a direct connection to national or international service work. We have shared the listings below, so check them out and see which one fits your goals.

Find Current Government Internship Listings