As of April 25, 2026, funding for international internships has changed to support “Career Readiness” and “Global Competitiveness.” Internship scholarships are different from regular study grants because they often cover the gap between an unpaid job and the high cost of living in major cities like London, Berlin, or Tokyo.
These are the best ways to get money for international internships in the 2026–2027 cycle.
1. Erasmus+ Traineeship Grants (in Europe)
Students and recent graduates can get monthly stipends through the Erasmus+ programme to do internships in another European country.
- Amounts of Grants for 2026:
- Long-Term (2–12 months): Monthly stipends range from €600 to €800, depending on the cost of living in the host country (for example, higher in Scandinavia and lower in Eastern Europe).
- Short-Term (5–30 days): Best for “Blended Mobility” programmes, which pay about €79 per day for the first 14 days.
- • The “Digital Skills” Bonus: In 2026, students who do internships in “Digital Skills” (AI, cybersecurity, digital marketing) may get an extra €5 to €10 per day in funding.
- Most universities have an open rolling application, but you usually have to apply at least a month before your internship starts. You have to apply for “Recent Graduate” grants before you actually graduate.
2. The Gilman International Scholarship in the US
The Gilman Scholarship is a major source of money for credit-bearing internships for U.S. undergraduate students who get Federal Pell Grants.
- • Value of the award: up to $5,000, plus $3,000 for “Critical Need” languages.
- Deadlines for 2026:
- October Cycle: Internships that start between December 2026 and October 2027 must be completed by October 1, 2026.
- The March cycle usually opens applications for the summer and autumn of 2027 in January 2027.
- Important Requirement: Your home school must give you academic credit for the internship.
3. Paid Internships with IAESTE (Global STEM)
The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) helps STEM students get paid, professional internships in more than 80 countries.
- • IAESTE isn’t a regular scholarship. Instead, it’s a reciprocal exchange where host employers pay you a monthly stipend that covers your living expenses in the area.
- • 2026 Status: The main application window for the summer and autumn 2026 cohort is now open through your local national committee.
- The next cycle of registration for the “Global Talent Pool” usually starts in September 2026.
4. Stipends for UNICEF and UN Internships
Most UN agencies now give interns monthly stipends to help them pay for living costs after years of not paying them.
- UNICEF Internship Programme: Gives interns a monthly stipend and, in some cases, a one-time payment to cover travel and visa costs.
- • To be eligible, you must be a current student (undergraduate, master’s, or PhD) or have graduated within the last two years.
- Application: The UNICEF Careers portal has job openings all year round. Interns are most in demand in 2026 for “Digital Innovation” and “Humanitarian Action.”
5. How to Get Money for Your Internship
To get a scholarship for an internship, you need to think like a “Professional” instead of a “Student”:
- The Learning Agreement: Most donors, especially Erasmus+, will need a signed “Learning Agreement” from you, your school, and your employer by 2026. This must clearly list the professional skills you will gain.
- • The “Home Country” Effect: A lot of the 2026 grants ask you to explain how your internship abroad will help you get a job in your home country. Be clear about the skills you are bringing back to the industry.
- Visa Readiness: Make sure that the internship provider you choose helps with the visa and sponsorship process. You won’t be able to get the money from many 2026 scholarships until you show proof of a valid “Internship Visa,” like the T5 in the UK or the J-1 in the US.
6. Grants for Specific Providers
If you use an internship provider like AIFS Abroad, CEA CAPA, or Global Experiences, look at their internal websites. These groups have set aside more than $2 million in need-based and diversity grants just for interns in 2026.