Students have the opportunity to apply for funding through the Funded Internship Program to help offset the costs of unpaid and low-paying internships. This program requires students to complete a rigorous application process managed by the Internship Office in the Center for Integrative Learning.

Funds for the Funded Internship Program are provided by generous philanthropic support from alumni, parents, and friends of the university, who give students the opportunity to complete high impact intellectual experiences while enrolled at Southwestern. 

The Opportunity

Students may receive up to a maximum of $5,000 during the summer semester. Amounts vary based on various factors, such as if the internship is unpaid or low-paying, internship length, and the number of hours worked during the semester. An internship experience is considered low-paying if payment is less than $15/hour. Students whose internship pays less than $15/hour are encouraged to apply for the Funded Internship Program.

Please note that students participating in the Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP) and New York Arts Program (NYAP) may apply for funding through the Funded Internship Program during the fall and spring semesters. SU London Program students are eligible to apply during the fall semester. The maximum award amount during the fall and spring semesters is $1,500.

The Application Cycles

All students whose internship pays less than $15/hour may apply for funding for the summer semester. There are two application cycles for summer funding. Completed applications submitted by the deadline are evaluated by a committee of staff members from across campus who determine awards and allocate funding. 

Summer 2026 Application Dates

Cycle One:

• Application Live: Monday, February 9
• Application deadline: Friday, March 6
• Student award notification: Monday, March 23

Cycle Two:

• Application live: Tuesday, March 24
• Application deadline: Wednesday, April 22
• Student award notification: Wednesday, May 6

The Application

The application consists of three essay prompts that may be accessed on the Experiential Learning application in HireSU.  Students are strongly encouraged to give detailed responses tailored to each prompt.

Apply NOW by completing the Experiential Learning Application with (HireSU).

Use SU email credentials to log-in. Click-on the Experiential Learning box in the upper left hand corner. Add new application. *For the Experiential Learning Type on the application, select “Funded Internship - 1st Application.”

For clarification on the application scoring process, please reference the rubric here. 

Funded Internship Information Sessions

Funded Internship Information Sessions are held each semester. It is advised that students attend at least one info session before applying, but it is not required. The information session lasts approximately 1-hour and covers the nuts and bolts of the funded internship program, tips on writing a successful application, as well as information about academic internships.

For additional guidance on your application, please schedule an appointment with the Debby Ellis Writing Center. The Writing Consultants are trained to assist students with their Funded Internship applications. Please make an appointment here. 

2025-2026 Information Sessions (All sessions are located in the Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) Career Cafe, Prothro #140): CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

• Wednesday, September 10, 12:30 pm
• Thursday, October 9, 4:00 pm
• Wednesday, November 12, 12:30 pm
• Monday, December 1, 4:00 pm
• Tuesday, January 27, 4:00 pm
• Wednesday, February 18, 12:30 pm
• Thursday, March 12, 4:00 pm
• Monday, April 13, 4:00 pm
• Monday, May 4, 4:00 pm

Summer 2026 Funding Deadlines: Friday, March 6 and Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Have any other questions about the Funded Internship Program? Contact the Internship Office or make an appointment here!

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International Internships

Students may receive funding through the Funded Internship Program if they are participating in an international internship that is offered as an approved internship abroad program. Students apply for programs through Via and must be approved by the Office of Study Abroad and International Student Services. 

International Students and Work Authorization

International students on an F-1 visa must obtain the proper work authorization, either Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), and be enrolled in corresponding academic internship credit before beginning any off-campus activity—including paid or unpaid internships, shadowing, or research.

For eligibility into Southwestern University’s Funded Internship Program, students must have approved CPT, be enrolled in an academic internship course, and complete the experience within the United States. Students must consult the Office of International Student Services (ISS) for guidance throughout this required process.