State Department Internship 2027 in USA | Paid

The State Department Internship is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates, and U.S. military veterans. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a minimum 3.2 GPA, and be able to obtain a Secret security clearance. Undergraduate students need at least 60 credit hours; recent graduates must have graduated within two years. Veterans need a high school diploma and recent active-duty service. Previous participation in the Student Internship Program is not allowed.

This is a paid internship, not a full scholarship. Participants receive an hourly wage at the GS-04/Step 1 rate of $19.96, coverage of reasonable travel expenses to and from the assignment, and fully furnished housing. However, interns are temporary employees and are not eligible for federal health benefits, life insurance, thrift savings plan, or retirement benefits. They must maintain their own medical insurance during the internship.

The application deadline for the State Department Paid Internship 2027 is 1 September 2026. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date. Applicants should complete the online application and attach all required documents before that time. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so early submission is strongly encouraged.

Applications are submitted electronically through the Gateway to State system on USAJOBS. New users must create an applicant profile, then complete the internship application and questionnaire. You must identify Spring 2027 or Summer 2027, choose a domestic or overseas assignment, and select up to two geographic or functional areas. Upload a resume and transcript as PDFs before the deadline.

You need to attach a current official or unofficial transcript and a resume as PDF files. If selected, you may be required to provide an official transcript before starting. Applications submitted without the required documents will not be considered complete. Technical questions about attaching documents can be directed to the help desk or [email protected].

Interns receive paid compensation, reasonable travel cost reimbursement, and fully furnished housing. They may work in U.S. embassies, field offices, or Washington, D.C. bureaus and gain national security experience in diplomacy. The program does not provide annual or sick leave, health benefits, or retirement benefits because interns are temporary federal employees.

Duties vary by office and assignment. Interns may meet with U.S. and foreign officials, draft policy-related materials, assist in international meetings and conferences, conduct research, monitor media reporting, support visa and citizen services, and perform administrative tasks. Interns with scientific or technical backgrounds may work on arms control, infectious disease, or remote sensing issues.

Yes. U.S. military veterans may qualify under a separate pathway. Veterans must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and have served on active duty for any length of time within the two years preceding the internship start date. They are not required to have a college degree or a 3.2 GPA for that specific pathway.

Yes, applicants must be able to receive and maintain a Secret security clearance. Routine clearances usually take 120 to 150 days, and timelines can be longer if you have extensive foreign travel, dual citizenship, or foreign contacts. Such issues may not automatically disqualify you, but they can delay the process and may prevent placement in certain countries.

This announcement covers a 10-week period within January–May 2027 or May–August 2027. Interns work full-time, 40 hours per week, and must attend a mandatory orientation in Washington, D.C. They must identify the semester they wish to apply for. Telework is not eligible, and travel during the internship is not required.