Internships in the USA for Indian Students: How to Apply?

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed that 232,851 Indian students study in the U.S. Furthermore, the number of Indian students studying in the U.S. rose by 25,391 in 2021 from the previous year.   

Why the craze to study in the USA?

Here are three key reasons:

US universities feature in the top 10 of the QS World University Rankings 2025. The universities are: 

1. 4 US universities feature in the top 10 of the QS World University Rankings 2025. The universities are:
   • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (QS World University Ranking 1), 
   • Harvard University (QS World University Ranking 4), 
   • Stanford University (QS World University Ranking 6), 
   • California California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (QS World University Ranking 10)
2. The USA is the largest economy in the world and houses 33% of all MNCs and 50.8% of all unicorn start-ups globally. Thus, the country is a goldmine for fresh graduates searching for jobs and internships. 
3. US universities offer the latest technology and facilities for the students and support the collaborative growth of the students. The way of teaching automatically makes the U.S. the most preferred choice for Indian students.

A large number of students search for internships after they finish their studies. 

Why? The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) confirmed graduating students who have done paid internships in the USA for international students are 20% more likely to receive a job offer than students who don’t have internship experience.

Now you have questions. Where to find internships for Indian students in the USA? How to apply to them? Does your visa allow you to do paid internships in the USA for international students?   

This article will offer you answers. In the next seven minutes, learn all about internships for Indian students in the USA. 

However, before you search for paid internships for Indian students in the USA, you must choose a college. How to choose one when there are hundreds; including 4 universities featuring in the top 10 of QS World University Rankings 2025? 

You can’t rely on your relative’s advice who passed out twenty years ago or on random blogs with half information (or worse, misinformation). You need additional help.   

That’s when you need AI by your side.

That’s when you need SelectRight.

More on SelectRight later, back to the internship for Indian students in the USA for now. 

Note: the information is accurate at the time of writing. That’s August 2025.

Overview of internships in the USA for Indian students

Indian students in the USA have access to numerous internship opportunities to gain hands-on experience and develop their skills. 

The USA is a global leader in fields as far apart as electric vehicles to artificial intelligence. There is no better place to learn about leading-edge technology. Moreover, the USA is one of the rare nations that does not hold back its research from students, though they may be from another nation. 

This complete transparency and an academic culture that truly believes that the only way to advance knowledge is to share it democratically makes the USA a unique place for internships. 

Moreover, those students who graduate with STEM degrees may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. This is a huge opportunity since one can live and work in the USA after graduation and gain experience. 

Also Read: What is OPT in the USA?

Work visa requirements

F-1 visa

The F-1 visa allows full-time students to apply for an internship for Indian students in the USA without extra paperwork. You can work at paid internships in the USA for international students for up to 20 hours a week. 

Furthermore, you must work on-campus while your academic term is in session. If you must work off-campus, you need permission from your university.

You can apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). 

In CPT, you must have completed your first year of university. Furthermore, your internship needs to be related to your degree program. Note that you must apply for CPT authorization and get an updated I-20 form to get paid internships in the USA for international students.  

In OPT, you can work full-time in the U.S. for up to a year. However, you must have permission from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Furthermore, you can request extending the duration to up to two more years of OPT if you have a STEM-related degree.

J-1 visa

The J-1 visa allows students who aren’t enrolled in full-time programs to work in paid internships in the USA for international students. You can work for up to 18 months in academic training under this visa.

Note that you must receive approval from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Furthermore, many businesses ask students to enrollenrol in a college or university or show proof of having completed their graduation in the last 12 months as well.  

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a registered student in their country of residence
• Be between 18-35 years of age
• Show an English language proficiency certificate
• Have a valid passport
• Have a strong resume or CV

Not sure if your resume or CV is strong enough? That’s when you need additional help. 

Who can help you? You can’t depend upon  the random blogs with misinformation or on your relatives who passed decades ago. You need experts who have the latest knowledge and experience in crafting these resumes or CVs. 

That’s when you can rely on SelectRight. Our education advisors handhold you through multiple steps of the application process such as application review, SOP review, and LOR review. 

Furthermore, at SelectRight, we offer:

• Personalized university recommendations after analyzing over 6 million data points across over 10,000 CS, STEM, and MBA programs.
• A Discord channel offering real-world experiences of real students, education advice, and country-specific channels on scholarships, bank accounts, and accommodation.
• An Instagram page offering virtual campus tours, exclusive GradRight events, and live sessions with present students and alumni from prestigious universities.  

Want to know more? Write us an email at grad@gradright.com to talk to our education and financial advisors.=

How to find internships in the USA for Indian students? 

Finding a good internship in the United States can be challenging. But with careful planning and preparation, you can find enough options to select the right one. Here are some tips to help you on your journey:

1. Define Your Goals

Begin by identifying the specific area of learning you want to pursue. Consider your field of study and the skills you wish to develop. Once you have a clear understanding, look for companies to target in your internship search.

2. Build Your Network

Networking is indispensable for finding opportunities. Platforms like LinkedIn are great for connecting with managers. Also, leverage connections with professors, alumni, and peers to expand your network. 

3. Craft a Professional Resume

Your resume is crucial in making a strong first impression. Ensure it is well-organized and tailored to the internship you’re applying for. While cover letters may seem traditional, they remain valuable in capturing the attention of hiring managers. Take the help of professional software to create a unique resume that stands out.  

4. Apply for Internships

Begin your applications early, and focus on positions that match at least 60% of your skills. Prioritize companies that accept international students on CPT/OPT. Keep track of your applications and carefully review them before submission.

5. Prepare for Interviews

When you get an interview invitation, prepare thoroughly. Practice answering common and not-so-common interview questions about your domain of study. It is best if you can have friends conduct mock interviews to iron out your flaws. You must create a strong, positive impression on the interviewer. 

Also Read: STEM Courses in the USA 2024: Top Universities, Eligibility & More

Most popular internships for Indian students in the USA

The Harvard Stem cell Institute Internship Program

Harvard University offers the internshipsinternship to undergraduates who have a strong interest in stem cell biology. 

The candidates must be part of the natural sciences or biomedical engineering program. Furthermore, candidates with past research experience in a biological laboratory will get preference.    

The intern must work at one of Harvard’s 8 research centerscentres and affiliated hospitals at the discretion of the program administrators. The interns will attend a weekly stem cell companion course, a stem cell seminar series, and a career pathways presentation as well. 

The interns must present their findings from the summer research in both poster format and orally at the Symposium as well.   

Note these applicants are ineligible to apply for the internship:

• Students of Harvard Universityuniversity
• Students who have participated in the internship program in the past
• Students who will receive their bachelor’s degree by December of the year they’re applying the internship for

Internal Audit Summer Analyst Program

JP Morgan Chase and Co. offers the internship in various cities in the U.S. including New Jersey and Texas.  

The selected candidates must work with the internal audit team inon departments such as:

• Commercial Banking
• Asset Management
• Consumer and Community Banking
• Enterprise Technology
• Corporate and Investment Bank

The intern will receive a week of core audit and soft skills training. Furthermore, the intern will get the experience of working on multiple audit phases such as fieldwork testing and continuous monitoring strategies. 

The interns who show excellence in the job can receive offers of full-time employment as well.  

USC Summer Internships

The University of Southern California collaborated with the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) to offer the internship to Indian students.

The selected students work as interns for up to 3 months in multiple fields such as natural language processing, machine learning, and statistical modeling.

The students pursuing B.Tech or M.Tech courses in subjects such as Computer Science Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computation Sciences from a recognized university. 

The interns will receive a stipend based on their performance.      

Industries offering the highest number of internships

Check out the five industries that offer the highest number of paid internships in the USA for international students:

1. Hospitality
2. Media
3. Business
4. Culinary Arts
5. Politics

Paid vs. unpaid internships in the USA for Indian students

If you’re an Indian student in the USA on a student visa, and your course is eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training) or CPT (Curricular Practical Training), you can pursue both paid and unpaid internships. 

Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh them based on your aspirations. 

Paid Internships

Paid internships are highly competitive and offer financial compensation in the range of $1,200 – $2,400 per month.

These positions demand more experience, high skill levels, and a greater level of responsibility. Many paid internships can lead to job offers after you complete your internship, providing a solid pathway for career growth. 

Unpaid Internships

While unpaid internships don’t offer financial compensation, they can be great to build contacts and get a flavor of working in a business environment. These internships are often easier to obtain, for students who don’t have much experience. Many unpaid internships are linked to academic programs and let you earn credits. 

Also Read: A Complete Guide To Student Visa For USA

Note: remember that not every student will secure an internship. However, every student has the opportunity to secure the best education loan with a low interest rate, ensuring significant savings over the loan repayment period. This is where FundRight comes into play.

FundRight is a platform designed to help you find the most suitable education loan by connecting you with over 15 top lenders, including major public banks and international NBFCs. Here’s how FundRight works:

1. Create a profile on FundRight, providing your academic details and financial needs.
2. Lenders will review your profile and submit competitive loan offers tailored to your requirements.
3. Compare these offers easily in one place, ensuring you choose the best option for your financial situation.
4. Get personalized guidance from financial experts to help you navigate through the terms and choose the most advantageous loan.
5. Finalize your loan with the best terms, and have it directly disbursed to your university, saving you potentially tens of lakhs in interest over the loan’s duration.

Don’t leave your financial future to chance. Start with FundRight today to secure the best education loan deal, and make your study abroad experience financially stress-free

Internship for Indian students in the USA — choosing a university is the first step

We have gathered all the information on internships for Indian students in the USA in this article. 

However, before you find an internship, you must finalize the university you want to study at. How to choose one from hundreds? You can’t rely on random blogs with half-information and misinformation. 

SelectRight can help you find the ideal university and program with zero hassle. SelectRight evaluates over 8 million data points from 40,000 programs to identify the best matches based on your academic achievements, financial situation, and career goals. This approach minimizes uncertainty, guiding you toward universities where you have a strong chance of acceptance and a solid potential return on your investment.

How SelectRight Works:

1. Create a free profile on SelectRight, providing details about your academic history, test scores, and preferences.
2. The platform’s algorithm analyzes your information and produces a tailored list of universities and programs that best fit your profile.
3. You can then compare these options using criteria such as alumni success, recent job placements, and faculty quality.
4. If needed, expert advisors are available to assist you throughout the application process.
5. Connect with peers, alumni, and faculty from your shortlisted universities to ask questions and make well-informed decisions.

If you are targeting admissions for Spring 2025, create a profile today.

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