15 Political Science Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- Oct 16
- 9 min read
If you are an undergraduate student pursuing political science, there’s multiple internships you can choose from. These internships can give you valuable insight into policymaking and governance, offering opportunities to work directly with state legislatures, participate in federal executive or foreign affairs offices, and contribute to think tanks such as CSIS or Brookings.
Many internships, such as the ones below, are highly selective, often provide stipends or academic credit, and allow you to explore diverse career paths in public service, diplomacy, and advocacy. You also receive the opportunity to work with and learn from experts and researchers in the field, helping you build a strong network. These internships equip you with practical skills, a deeper understanding of political systems, and meaningful experiences that can shape your future career in politics and policy.
To help with your search, here is a list of 15 political science internships for undergraduates.
If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
15 Political Science Internships for Undergraduates
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by track
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: 8–12 week cohorts offered year-round (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (typically January, May, September, November)
Eligibility: Undergraduates, high school students, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours/week
Ladder Internships connects you with startups and organizations in fields such as public policy, nonprofit advocacy, political consulting, biotech, and health tech. You’ll work on active projects with a real team, gaining hands-on experience in research, strategy, or program development while balancing mentorship from a company supervisor and a Ladder Coach. The program emphasizes practical skills, professional growth, and exploration of career paths across policy and social impact sectors. Each cohort concludes with a final presentation where you showcase your contributions.
Location: Albany, New York (New York State Capitol)
Stipend: $8,800
Cohort Size: Up to 150 interns selected annually
Program Dates: January 12 – May 6
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: Full-time matriculated juniors and seniors in a bachelor’s program, or advanced associate degree students; open to all majors; international students must have valid U.S. work authorization
The New York State Assembly Session Internship offers undergraduates a full-time, semester-long experience in state government. Interns work in Assemblymember offices on research, bill tracking, memo writing, and committee reporting while completing an academic course on the legislative process. The program features the Pod Experience, where small groups simulate budget hearings and legislative sessions under graduate mentorship. You’ll gain practical policy experience, strengthen professional skills, and build a portfolio of meaningful work. Interns also receive a stipend to support living expenses in Albany.
Location: Washington, D.C. (Center for Strategic and International Studies)
Stipend: Paid hourly wage
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size varies by session
Program Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions; part- and full-time options available
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates
The CSIS Internship Program provides undergraduates and recent graduates hands-on experience in global policy research, writing, and project development. Interns also participate in the Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy (AILA), which offers leadership training, policy skill development, and discussions on current international affairs. You’ll gain exposure to a think tank environment, contribute to high-impact projects, and build professional connections in Washington, D.C. Internships are available year-round, with flexible full- or part-time schedules. Housing is not provided, but resources like Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH) can assist interns relocating to the D.C. area!
Location: Manhattan, New York, NY
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters
Summer: 3–4 days/week for 4 weeks
Fall & Spring: 12–16 hours/week
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications open for each semester (Spring, Summer, Fall)
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students with an interest in women’s rights and nonprofit work
This internship provides hands-on experience in women’s advocacy, offering two tracks: Women’s Rights and Development & Fundraising. Responsibilities vary from supporting campaigns, policy research, social media, event planning, and donor relations, while gaining insight into nonprofit operations. Participants are directly involved in organizing rallies, managing communications, and assisting with development projects. The program emphasizes professional skill-building, independent work, and real-world exposure to advocacy initiatives.
Location: Washington, D.C. (hybrid options may be available)
Stipend: Unpaid (academic credit available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; small cohorts each spring and fall
Program Dates: Spring: January 20 – May 29 (19 weeks, part- or full-time)
Application Deadline: November 3
Eligibility: Undergraduate students and recent graduates with an interest in international relations, foreign policy, or global affairs
The Young Global Professionals Program (YGP) at the Atlantic Council is designed for students who want practical experience in international policy and global affairs. As a YGP, you’ll contribute directly to policy research, event planning, publications, and outreach efforts across the Council’s 16 programs and centers. The program also includes leadership training, professional development workshops, and exposure to the Council’s operational work. You’ll strengthen writing and research skills, gain experience using professional software tools, and build a strong network of peers and mentors.
Location: Washington, D.C.; remote and hybrid options may be available
Stipend: Paid (amount varies by internship)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size varies by term and internship type
Program Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer terms; part-time
Application Deadline: Varies by term and internship type
Eligibility: Current, recent, or returning college students
The Wilson Center Internship Program provides college students with part-time, paid opportunities to gain practical experience in research and policy. Interns may work as Research Assistants or Staff Assistants, contributing to ongoing projects, participating in events, and developing professional skills. Placements can be remote, in-person, or hybrid, depending on availability, with schedules coordinated with supervisors. Interns gain exposure to a nonpartisan, federally funded environment, learning about public policy research and institutional operations. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, mentorship, and participation in real-world policy activities.
Location: New York City; remote options may be available
Stipend: Unpaid (academic credit may be arranged)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size varies
Program Dates: Summer, Fall, and Spring terms
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: College students; must be able to receive academic credit if unpaid
The League of Women Voters of New York City (LWVNYC) Internship Program offers college students hands-on experience in civic engagement, grassroots organizing, and voter education. Interns work in areas such as voter registration drives, communications, advocacy, and event coordination, and may also develop self-directed projects aligned with the League’s mission. The program provides flexible hours, mentorship, and practical exposure to civic and political operations. Interns also gain insight into policy advocacy, community engagement, and the inner workings of a nonpartisan organization.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Program Dates: September 17 – December 12
Application Deadline: June 4
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated (within 2 years) from a two- or four-year college or graduate program
The Internship places students at the center of national public service within the Executive Office of the President. Interns participate in significant departmental projects, gaining practical experience in policy development and government operations. The program also features weekly speaker series and professional development workshops, offering further perspectives on public leadership and civic responsibility. The program encourages engagement with service opportunities and community impact initiatives, offering a well-rounded view of federal governance.
Location: Washington, D.C. and select offices across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid internship (amount not specified)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive
Program Dates: Varies by cycle (Summer, Fall, Spring)
Application Deadline: To be announced; sign up for updates
Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors/seniors and graduate students
The U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program gives students a unique opportunity to explore careers in foreign policy, diplomacy, and international relations. Interns may assist with briefing materials, attend high-level meetings, organize conferences, and communicate U.S. policy to domestic and international audiences. Placements are available across functional and regional bureaus, primarily in Washington, D.C., providing hands-on exposure to government operations. This paid internship allows participants to develop professional skills, gain insight into diplomacy, and build a network within the field of international affairs.
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: None; may qualify for academic credit
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Program Dates: Academic year (approximately 10 hours/week)
Application Deadline: Varies annually (applications typically open in summer)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are high school graduates and enrolled in a degree-seeking undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral program for the duration of the internship
The Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) provides a flexible, remote internship experience with U.S. government agencies. Interns engage in projects across research, data analysis, communications, software development, and policy support. This opportunity allows you to contribute to real-world federal initiatives while developing professional skills. Though unpaid, the internship may qualify for academic credit and offers a chance to gain insight into public service. Students apply their academic knowledge to projects with impact, collaborating with mentors and agency staff virtually.
Location: Remote and hybrid (varies by department)
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive
Program Dates: Summer (exact dates vary by department)
Application Deadline: Varies by department
Eligibility: Undergraduates, graduate students, and law students, depending on the internship area
The ACLU National Internship Program offers students a chance to work on civil rights and liberties projects across legal, advocacy, and communications departments. Interns contribute to various initiatives while receiving guidance and mentorship from experienced staff. Opportunities are available remotely and in hybrid formats, with summer placements being the most structured. You will gain experience in social justice work and develop skills relevant to careers in law, policy, and nonprofit leadership. This program emphasizes professional growth while engaging directly with contemporary civil rights issues.
Location: Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, CA
Cost: None
Acceptance Rate: Rolling admissions
Program Dates:
Spring: January – May
Summer: June – August
Fall: September – December
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduate students of all majors with a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in feminist issues
This internship places students at the center of feminist advocacy with a leading gender equity organization. Interns engage in legislative campaigns, research, communications, and event planning, contributing to initiatives such as advancing women’s political representation or addressing gender-based human rights issues globally. You’ll work alongside experienced staff, participate in coalition meetings and rallies, and gain exposure to policy and advocacy strategies. The program allows flexible scheduling, with interns typically working 20–40 hours per week. It offers practical experience in public policy, social justice, and political engagement while building professional networks in feminist advocacy.
Location: Washington, D.C. (hybrid or remote; must reside in the U.S. during internship)
Stipend: Paid (via Brookings or external partners)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Typically 12 weeks per semester (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Application Deadline: Varies by term and department
Eligibility: Current undergraduate and master’s students; recent graduates may be considered for select roles
Brookings internships provide students with an immersive experience at a leading public policy think tank. You are placed in research programs such as Foreign Policy, Economic Studies, or Governance Studies, or in administrative teams like HR or Communications. Tasks may include policy research, data analysis, editing, or coordinating events, tailored to your placement. You are also encouraged to attend professional development sessions, join affinity groups, and engage in internal events.
Location: Washington, D.C., Boston-Cambridge, and other domestic/international placements
Stipend: Paid; includes summer housing, travel expenses, and need-based cash grants (up to $6,000 for Course 17 students)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size varies by program
Program Dates: Summer (minimum 2 months)
Application Deadline: Varies; check MIT Washington DC Summer Internship website
Eligibility: MIT undergraduates; specific Summer Internship Program open to Course 17 majors after sophomore or junior year
The MIT Political Science Internship Programs give undergraduates hands-on experience in government, advocacy, and research organizations both domestically and internationally. Interns work on real-world policy issues, gaining exposure to executive offices, legislative operations, and public-interest organizations. The MIT Washington DC Summer Internship Program provides a two-month placement with academic credit, while Course 17 students can access a funded summer internship tailored to political science majors. Interns receive stipends, housing, and travel support, and have the opportunity to develop professional networks and gain practical experience that can guide future career choices. Participation also includes preparatory seminars on policymaking and research skills.
Location: Remote, hybrid, or in-person with host organizations globally
Stipend: $6,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; cohort size varies by host organization
Program Dates: Summer; 10 weeks (typically early June – mid-August)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current Harvard College undergraduates intending to enroll in the following fall; previous Director’s Internship participants may reapply
The Director’s Internship Program at Harvard’s Institute of Politics (IOP) offers undergraduates fully funded, career-oriented summer internships with elected officials and prominent organizations worldwide. You will gain experience in politics, government, and public service, building professional skills and expanding networks. The program supports in-person, remote, and hybrid placements depending on the host organization, and students receive a $6,000 stipend for the full-time summer experience. The program emphasizes real-world impact, mentorship, and exposure to the inner workings of public service and policy.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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