How to Score Paid Internships as an International Student

Gradstar
February 21, 2025

Paid internships prove that your skills and time have real value. Many international students struggle with unpaid internships, working long hours without financial reward. While the experience is invaluable, paid internships also create value thanks to the financial compensation. Moreover, in countries like Canada, work placement programs like co-operative education mandate that students participate in paid employment as part of their learning experience.

A paid role means employers see your contributions as valuable. It also gives you real-world experience, helping you build a stronger resume for future jobs. Giant companies offer well-paid internships, sometimes over $7,000 per month. Even startups and remote roles now provide stipends. The key is knowing where to look and how to apply. Whether you’re aiming for a paid internship as a front-end developer, software engineer, or other role, this guide will help you land the right one.

Understanding Work Rights for International Students

Before applying for paid internships, you must check your work rights. Each country has its own set of regulations for international students. If you work without the right authorizations, you may face legal trouble or even deportation. Employers also check visa rules before hiring you. If you understand your work rights, you can apply for the best-paid internships without issues.

The USA

In the United States, international students on an F-1 visa can only work under specific programs:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

You can do an internship while studying, but it must be relevant to your degree.
Your university must approve it.
You need to complete at least one year of study before applying.
You can work part-time (20 hours per week) during school or full-time during breaks.

Optional Practical Training (OPT):

You can work for up to 12 months after graduation.
If you have a STEM degree (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), you can extend your OPT for 24 more months.
You need approval from USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) before starting work.

Canada

In Canada, international students need to follow strict rules:

If your internship is part of your study program, you need a co-op work permit.
If your internship is not mandatory to complete your studies, you can work up to 20 hours per week during classes and full-time during holidays.
After graduation, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which lets you work for up to three years.

Australia

In Australia, student visa holders can work while studying, but there are limits:

You can work 48 hours per fortnight (every two weeks) while studying.
During university breaks, you can work full-time.
If your internship is part of your degree, these work-hour limits may not apply.

Australia is a great place for paid internships because many companies offer part-time roles for students.

The UK

In the United Kingdom, international students can work under certain conditions:

If your visa allows it, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
During vacations, you can work full-time.
If your internship is part of your course, you can work more than 20 hours per week with university approval.
Some short-term internships require a T5 (Government Authorized Exchange) visa, so check with your employer before applying.

How to Check Your Work Rights

To make sure you follow the rules, stick to these steps:

1. Check your student visa conditions – Visit your country’s immigration website.
2. Talk to your university’s career office – They can guide you on legal work options.
3. Ask your employer – If they are unsure, they may need to contact immigration authorities.
4. Keep all your paperwork up to date – If you need a work permit, apply early.

Where to Find Paid Internships?

Finding paid internships takes effort, but the right platforms and strategies can help you land one faster. Here’s where you should start:

Internship Portals:

Many websites list paid internships for international students in various fields. These platforms let you filter internships on the basis of location, industry, and pay.

● LinkedIn – The best site for networking and job searching. Many companies post internship openings here.
● Indeed – A global job portal with thousands of paid internship options. Apply filters to discover positions that align with your expertise.
● Glassdoor – Provides salary insights along with job postings. Helps you understand how much you can earn as well what to expect at the company.
● Internship.com – Focuses on internship opportunities, including remote and paid roles.
● AngelList – Great for finding paid internship opportunities at startups, especially in tech, marketing, and business.

Company Career Pages:

Many companies host dedicated career pages where they post internship opportunities. Checking these pages regularly gives you a chance to apply early. Some top companies offering paid internships include:

● Microsoft Internship Program – Offers internships in software engineering, product management, and business roles.
● Google STEP Internship – A well-known tech internship for students in software engineering.
● Amazon Internship Program – Provides internships in software development, operations, and business management.
● Meta (Facebook) Internship – Focuses on AI, data science, engineering, and product design internships.
● Tesla Internship Program – Offers engineering, business, and manufacturing internships with competitive pay.

University Career Services:

Your university’s career center is one of the best places to find paid internships. Many companies partner with universities to hire students directly. Using these platforms and strategies will increase your chances of landing a paid internship that fits your skills and career goals.

Here’s how you can use this resource:

● Visit your university’s job portal and search for internship listings.
● Attend career fairs to meet recruiters and apply for internships.
● Ask your career advisor about exclusive paid internship programs.
● Join networking events where companies actively look for interns.

Top Internships with Great Pay and Career Growth

Securing a paid internship can boost your career while helping you manage living expenses as an international student. Some companies and programs offer high-paying internships in various fields, from tech and finance to business and engineering. Below are some of the best-paid internship opportunities for international students.

Microsoft Internship Program

Best for: Software Engineering, Data Science, UX Design, Business Roles

Microsoft offers highly competitive paid internships for students in tech and business fields.
Interns work on real projects alongside Microsoft professionals.
The program is open to bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students.

Average Pay: $7,000–$8,000 per month
Locations: USA, Canada, UK, India, and other global offices

Google STEP Internship

Best for: Computer Science Students, Software Engineering Interns

The Student Training in Engineering Program (STEP) is a paid internship for first and second-year university students.
Interns work on coding projects and receive mentorship from Google engineers.
Google also offers other internships in business, marketing, and UX design.

Average Pay: $7,500 per month
Locations: USA, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific

Amazon Internship Program

Best for: Software Development, Operations, Business Management

Amazon offers high-paying internships across various departments, including cloud computing, AI, data analysis, and logistics.
Interns receive training, mentorship, and the opportunity to work on Amazon’s innovative projects.
Many interns get full-time job offers after completing the program.

Average Pay: $6,800 per month
Locations: USA, Canada, UK, Australia, India, Germany

Meta (Facebook) Internship

Best for: AI, Software Engineering, Data Science, Product Design

Meta (formerly Facebook) offers some of the highest-paying internships in tech.
Interns work on projects relevant to machine learning, cybersecurity, and AR/VR technologies.
The company provides housing assistance and relocation benefits.

Average Pay: $8,000–$9,000 per month
Locations: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, India

Tesla Internship Program

Best for: Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, Renewable Energy

Tesla provides paid internship opportunities for students in engineering, software development, and business.
Interns work on real-world projects in electric vehicles and sustainable energy solutions.
The company prefers applicants with strong problem-solving skills.

Average Pay: $4,500–$6,000 per month
Locations: USA, Canada, Europe

Goldman Sachs Summer Internship

Best for: Finance, Investment Banking, Business Analytics

One of the most prestigious finance internships, ideal for students with an interest in banking, asset management, and consulting.
Interns get hands-on experience in financial analysis, mergers & acquisitions, and risk management.
The program includes training and networking opportunities.

Average Pay: $6,000–$7,500 per month
Locations: USA, UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific

Apple Internship Program

Best for: Software Development, Hardware Engineering, UI/UX Design, Marketing

Apple offers paid internships for students in technology, design, and business roles.
Interns contribute to major Apple projects and collaborate with top industry professionals.
The program is open to bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students.

Average Pay: $6,700–$7,500 per month
Locations: USA, Canada, UK, Germany, India

Deloitte Global Internship Program

Best for: Business, Consulting, Finance, Data Analytics

Deloitte offers paid internship programs in consulting, accounting, and technology.
Interns work with global clients and receive mentorship from Deloitte experts.
The program helps students gain real-world business experience.

Average Pay: $4,500–$6,000 per month
Locations: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Asia

NASA Internship Program

Best for: Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Robotics

NASA offers paid research internships for students in STEM fields.
Interns work on space exploration, AI, and satellite technology.
This internship is highly competitive, so a strong academic background is necessary.

Average Pay: $7,000 per month
Locations: USA (requires US citizenship or work authorization)

PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) Internship

Best for: Business, Accounting, Data Science, Tax Consulting

PwC offers paid internships for students keen to pursue opportunities in finance, risk management, and business consulting.
Interns gain real-world experience through client projects and global collaborations.
Strong performance can lead to a full-time job offer.

Average Pay: $4,000–$5,500 per month
Locations: USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific

How to Build a Winning Internship Application

A strong internship application increases your chances of getting a paid internship. Companies receive thousands of applications, so you need to stand out. Follow these steps to create a winning application:

Step 1. Choose the Right Internships

Applying to random internships won’t work. Instead, focus on roles that match your skills and experience.

Check the job description to see if you meet the requirements.
Look for internships in your field (e.g., software engineering, finance, marketing).
Prioritize companies that hire international students and offer visa sponsorship.

Step 2. Create an Outstanding Resume

Your resume is the first thing recruiters see, so it must be clear and professional. Keep it one page long and include:

Contact Information – Name, email, LinkedIn profile.
Professional Summary – A short paragraph about your skills and goals.
Education – University name, degree, expected graduation date.
Work Experience – Any past jobs, internships, or freelance work.
Skills – Relevant technical and soft skills (e.g., Python, teamwork, problem-solving).
Certifications & Projects – Online courses, coding projects, or research work.
Use keywords from the internship description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Step 3. Write a Powerful Cover Letter

A cover letter helps you personalize your application. Keep it short (250-300 words) and follow this structure:

Opening: Introduce yourself and mention the internship role.
Why You? Highlight your relevant skills and achievements.
Why This Company? Show that you understand their mission and values.
Closing: Express enthusiasm and invite them to discuss further.

Example:
"Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply for the Software Engineer Intern position at Microsoft. As a computer science student skilled in Python and Java, I have developed applications that solve real-world problems. Microsoft's commitment to innovation aligns with my passion for technology. I would love to contribute my skills and learn from your team. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this further."

Step 4. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Many recruiters check LinkedIn before calling candidates. Make sure your profile is complete and professional.

Add a professional photo and headline (e.g., "Computer Science Student | Aspiring Software Engineer").
Write an in-depth About section summarizing your experience.
List your skills, projects, and certifications.
Connect with recruiters and industry professionals.
Post about your achievements and projects to attract potential employers.

Step 5. Get Strong Letters of Recommendation

Some internships require recommendation letters from professors or past employers.

Ask for letters from people who know your work and skills.
Give them at least two weeks to write the letter.
Provide details about the internship so they can tailor their recommendation.

Step 6. Prepare for Interviews

If your application is shortlisted, you’ll need to pass an interview.

Research common questions for your field (e.g., coding questions for tech roles, and behavioral questions for business internships).
Practice answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Have a strong elevator pitch – a 30-second introduction about yourself.
Ask smart questions at the end of the interview to show your interest.

Step 7. Apply Early & Follow Up

Top-paid internships close applications months in advance.

Apply as early as possible (at least 3–6 months before the start date).
Send follow-up emails if you don’t hear back in 1–2 weeks.
Keep applying to multiple internships instead of waiting for one response.

By following these steps, you’ll increase your chances of landing a high-paying internship that helps you grow professionally.

Rounding Up

Scoring paid internships as an international student requires persistence and strategy. Start early, use the right job platforms, and focus on high-paying internships like software engineering, front-end development, and virtual internships. If you dream of working at Microsoft, Google, or Amazon, take the initiative now—build your skills, network, and apply today.