Virtual Student Federal Service
Intern from Anywhere
Virtual Internship. Real Experience.
The Virtual Student Federal Service program connects the talents of U.S. citizen college students with the needs of federal agencies. Since 2009, more than 10,000 remote interns have advanced the work of the federal government. The time commitment is about 10 hours per week during the school year. There are opportunities for all, from data visualization to political analysis. Internships are unpaid but may be eligible for course credit. Speak with a guidance counselor regarding course credit requirements.
U.S. citizen high school graduates, from rising college freshmen through Ph.D. students, who are enrolled at least half-time (as defined by the school) in college during their application and participation are eligible. Because the program is virtual, students can intern from anywhere.
Students apply between February 1 and February 29 and may apply for up to five internships. A maximum of 300 U.S. citizen college students may apply to each internship project. Internship mentors select students in March and April. Internships begin in September and run for the duration of the academic year.
NOTE: If you would like to be notified when we open the next application cycle, sign up for updates here. In the meantime, you may want to create an account on the Open Opportunities website and obtain a copy of your college transcript.
| Application Process | Month |
| Application Open Period | February |
| Application Review/Interview | March/April |
| Selection/Non-Selection Notification | By May |
| Interns Enter on Duty | September |
| Internship Ends | May of the following year |
Open Opps, the VSFS program, and intern supervisors will keep in touch by email. Make sure your email account allows VSFS@state.gov and other .gov messages to be delivered to your inbox.
*Be sure to access Join Our Talent Network to sign up to receive alerts regarding the availability of future opportunities.