USAID Internships 2026: How To Find And Apply For A Program Summary

USAID Internships 2026: How to Find and Apply for a Program Summary are now open for applications in 2026. This fully structured summer internship program offers students a chance to gain hands-on experience with U.S. foreign assistance programs. If you want to start your career in international development, this guide explains everything about USAID Internships: How to Find and Apply for a Program.

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Background & Job Description

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is one of the leading global development agencies, working in more than 100 countries to reduce poverty, promote democratic governance, improve global health, and respond to humanitarian crises.

The USAID Summer Internship Program (scheduled for May 4, 2025 – August 3, 2025) is designed to immerse students in the agency’s work. Interns are given substantive assignments that expose them to real policy, programmatic, and operational work in Washington, DC, and occasionally in USAID field missions abroad.

The purpose of the internship program is not only to prepare students for potential careers with USAID but also to give them an opportunity to contribute to U.S. foreign policy and development goals. Interns will gain first-hand experience in shaping programs that impact millions of lives worldwide.

Tasks

Interns at USAID work in offices and bureaus across the agency, assisting with both substantive and administrative assignments. Duties vary by placement but generally include:

Conducting research on international development, democracy, global health, and humanitarian issues
Writing memoranda, reports, and briefing materials for senior staff
Attending program discussions, inter-agency meetings, and congressional hearings
Assisting with data analysis and monitoring of USAID-funded projects
Facilitating special events, roundtables, and high-level meetings
Supporting communications on USAID program initiatives
Performing administrative tasks such as filing, scheduling, and logistical support

This blend of assignments ensures interns not only contribute to policy and program design but also develop practical workplace skills.

Qualifications

Education & Certification

To qualify, applicants must:

Be U.S. citizens enrolled in an accredited educational institution (high school, college, or graduate program)
Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate students and 3.0 for graduate students (on a 4.0 scale)
Remain enrolled in a degree program for the duration of the internship
Be able to provide proof of enrollment through transcripts, acceptance letters, or university certification

Grade Level & Eligibility

The USAID internship program follows the federal General Schedule (GS) scale, with eligibility depending on academic progress:

GS-3: Completion of one full academic year of post-high school study
GS-4: Completion of two academic years or an associate’s degree
GS-5: Completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent
GS-7: Completion of one full academic year of graduate study, OR bachelor’s degree with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA)

Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) can be met in one of three ways:

Class standing: Upper third of your graduating class
GPA: At least 3.0 overall or 3.5 in major field courses
Honor society membership: Election to a recognized scholastic honor society

Experience

Prior professional experience is not always required, but the following are highly valued:

Volunteer work or internships with NGOs, international organizations, or government agencies
Research or coursework in international development, economics, political science, global health, or related fields
Strong writing, research, and communication skills
Demonstrated interest in public service and U.S. foreign assistance

Additional Information

Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required.
Security Clearance: Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a clearance.
Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered.
Compensation: Pay ranges from $35,947 – $72,703 annually (GS-3 to GS-7) depending on qualifications.
Telework: Positions may allow limited telework as determined by the agency.
Remote Work: Some opportunities may be eligible for remote work arrangements.
Location: Primary placement is in Washington, DC, with some positions in overseas missions.
Duration: Full-time summer internship, typically 10–12 weeks.

Application Process

Applying for a USAID internship 2026 requires several steps through USAJOBS, the official federal hiring portal.

Step 1: Prepare Your Application Materials

You must have the following:

Resume (detailing hours worked per week, dates, and duties performed)
College transcript (unofficial accepted for application; official required if selected)
Proof of enrollment (acceptance letter, course schedule, or registrar’s certification)
Veterans’ documents (if applicable, e.g., DD-214, proof of marriage for spouse preference)

Step 2: Submit Through USAJOBS

Create or log into your USAJOBS account
Find the USAID internship posting using the announcement number: 24-HRC0504793-JES
Complete the Occupational Questionnaire
Upload your supporting documents

Step 3: Application Review

Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness
Eligible candidates are forwarded to hiring managers for consideration

Step 4: Selection & Notification

You will be notified via USAJOBS if referred to a hiring manager
Due to high application volume, individual status updates are limited
Finalists must pass security clearance checks before beginning

How You Will Be Evaluated

Applicants are evaluated based on:

Meeting minimum educational and GPA requirements
Quality of written resume and supporting documents
Demonstrated academic achievement (SAA for GS-7 eligibility)
Skills and experience relevant to USAID’s mission

Benefits of a USAID Internships 2026

Competitive pay for a federal internship
Opportunity to work in Washington, DC and engage in high-level U.S. foreign policy discussions
Hands-on experience with international development projects
Potential pathway to future federal employment
Networking with senior USAID officials, development professionals, and international partners
Exposure to career paths in humanitarian assistance, global health, climate change, and governance

Conclusion

The USAID Internships 2026 Program is one of the most competitive federal internships available, offering students an invaluable opportunity to gain professional experience in international development. With structured assignments, clear eligibility requirements, and a transparent application process, this program prepares young professionals to enter the federal workforce or pursue careers in global development.

If you are passionate about making a global impact, this is the ideal first step toward a career with USAID. Applications close once 248 submissions are received, so early application is strongly encouraged.

ALSO CHECK: Fully Funded International Training and Certificate Programs with Remote Options in 2025 | Apply Now

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