The USTR Internship Program gives students, recent graduates, and qualifying veterans practical exposure to U.S. trade policy at the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Interns may research and analyze policy, compile statistics, prepare reports and briefings, support meetings, draft correspondence, and observe hearings or legislative sessions. Placements are available across most departments in the Washington, D.C. office.
The announced Spring 2027 term runs from January 25 to May 14, 2027, or roughly four months. Applications are scheduled to open October 5 and close October 16, 2026.
Benefits & funding
- The internship is unpaid and provides no employee pay or benefits.
- Selected interns may receive a transportation subsidy for local commuting.
- USTR can support an intern’s request for academic credit when the intern’s institution offers an eligible credit arrangement.
- Housing, living accommodation, and relocation assistance are not provided.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 before the program begins.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program; have completed such a program no more than two years before the internship begins; or be U.S. Armed Forces veterans with a high school diploma or equivalent whose active-duty service ended no more than two years before the program begins.
- Certain male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must satisfy Selective Service registration requirements unless exempt.
- Selected applicants must complete the required security review and drug screening and work on site for the entire term.
- Full-time interns work at least 35 hours weekly; part-time interns work 15–34 hours weekly.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Eligible nationalities
USA
Age requirement
≥ 18 yrs
Appears to be for men “male applicants”
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Application process
- 1Visit the USTR application portal during the announced application window and select the relevant internship opening.
- 2Complete the portal form and upload a resume showing employment dates, duties, accomplishments, employer names, and weekly hours.
- 3Upload the supporting document for the applicable route: a current official transcript, a qualifying recent degree, or the required veteran forms.
- 4Submit the complete package before the portal deadline; USTR accepts no more than 100 applications per session.
Program timeline
June 22, 2026
Fall 2026 application deadline, the most recent closed cycle.
October 5, 2026
Spring 2027 applications open.
October 16, 2026
Spring 2027 application deadline.
January 25, 2027
Spring 2027 program starts.
May 14, 2027
Spring 2027 program ends.