As a core component of the curricula in our degree programs, internships offer a chance to gain valuable professional experience, expand your networks, and explore prospective career paths.
We also recognize that these valuable experiences are often unpaid; therefore, we are pleased to offer internship grants for students who are completing unpaid or underfunded internships. Through the support of donor funds, we can offer grants of up to $3000 for U.S.-based internships and $4000 per student for those completing their required internship outside of the U.S.
Underfunded internships: if you are receiving an internship stipend that is less than $3000 for a U.S.-based internship or less than $4000 for an international internship, you are eligible to apply for the stipend difference up to that amount. (For example, if you are receiving a $1000 stipend for an internship in Washington DC, you are eligible to apply for $2000 of internship funding)
Funds will be distributed at the discretion of the funding committee, and your application will be evaluated based on requirements. Funding is not guaranteed. All applications must be in compliance with university and school restrictions. We are unable to fund the following:
- Internships affiliated with political campaigns and individual elected officials
- Second/non-required internships
- Internships within any department at the University of Pittsburgh
Application Instructions
- Submit an internship application through GSPIA Career Launch; this application is what is required to register for the internship and will be used for internship grant funding purposes.
- You will be asked to verify if the internship is paid or unpaid, and if you wish to apply for funding; if you choose to apply, the information will be verified by your supervisor before we award funding.
- Internship description: there is a space on the internship application for you to describe what you will be doing for your internship and why the experience is important to your career goals. Please provide a thorough explanation here, as this is what the committee will use to evaluate your application and match you up with possible donor funds, should you be awarded a grant.
- The last step is acknowledging that should you receive funding, you are open to sharing your experience with the School community and writing a statement of thanks to be shared with the donor and possibly in campaigns related to the importance of giving to Pitt Public and International Affairs.