How to Apply

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Open to sophomores (with campus approval), juniors, and seniors enrolled at an accredited undergraduate college or university in the United States. (You can be a recent graduate if you've received your bachelor's degree less than a year before you start the program. Learn more about arrangements for recent grads in our FAQ.)

  • Minimum 2.75 GPA. We may consider you if your GPA is lower.

  • Discuss finances and credits with your faculty advisor, Washington Internship Institute campus liaison, and/or your family before applying and receive campus approval. Some campuses have internal applications you must complete before applying to WII. Please check your school’s requirements here.

*Please note that students must be fully vaccinated and boosted, if eligible, prior to participation.

Application Instructions

  1. Go to the student log-in page of WII Link and click "Apply Online"

  2. Read the online application instructions and complete all fields.

  3. After submitting the application, you will receive an automated email to verify your email address. Then you will receive an email that acknowledges receipt of your online application and provides instructions for logging in to WII Link. (If you don't receive an email immediately, please check your spam.)

  4. Upload your resume and an unofficial transcript of all college work. (Log into WII Link, click Pathways, select the Application Process Checklist, and click Start. Go back to the home page and click Upload Documents.)

  5. Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee, if applicable. (Students from partner institutions do not pay the application fee for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. Check if your school is a partner here)

  6. Review and e-sign a Recent Graduate Acknowledgement Form (recent grads only).

*A complete application includes your resume, unofficial transcript, $50 application fee (students from non-partner schools only), and Recent Graduate Acknowledgement Form (if applicable).

To ensure that you receive a timely decision, we encourage you to upload your documents and pay the application fee (if applicable) immediately when prompted by the Washington Internship Institute. Once all application materials are received, we will review your application and notify you of our decision via email within one week.

We encourage you to apply prior to the deadline to allow for the greatest range of internship options. Applying early is essential if you are interested in high-profile organizations, if you are a journalism student, or if you want to intern in certain government agencies. Visit our Deadlines and Program Dates page to learn about the best time to apply, or contact us if you have any questions.

International Student Information

We no longer sponsor J-1 exchange visitor visas.