Application and FAQ

The internship program is very competitive. Approximately twenty-five percent of applicants are accepted for internships during the calendar year. The Summer term is the most competitive.

If you are currently enrolled in an academic undergraduate program, you are eligible to apply. The NMAI does not typically host highschool students. Most of our interns are upper-level college undergraduates, recent college graduates, and graduate students.

If you are a career changer or not a current student, you may still apply, but you will need to use the essay portion of the application to state how an internship in the department(s) you select will benefit your professional goals and/or future academic goals.

A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent is generally expected (with withdrawals and incompletes explained).

Yes, stipends may be provided to selected interns based on financial need. Stipend amounts for non-local interns typically range from approximately $1,000 to $8,000 for a ten-week session. Local interns who live in the Washington, DC, or New York City regions may receive a stipend that will offset the costs of commuting, approximately $500 to $2,000 for a ten-week session. Virtual interns may receive a stipend up to approximately $2,500 to offset the cost of home office equipment and technology needs. The stipend depends on the amount of funds available and is at the discretion of the NMAI.

NMAI internship stipends are generously funded by the Hansell Family, the Sterne Family, the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, Mary Hopkins, and Dr. Shirley Hune.

If a stipend is awarded, it cannot be distributed before the start of the internship. The stipend distribution process takes six weeks from the time the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships receives an accepted intern’s stipend paperwork, which happens after the traditional onboarding process. Stipend payments are released around the 10th and 25th of each month, and the frequency of payments is decided by Smithsonian Office of Academic Appointments and Internships depending on the stipend amount. We recommend that interns have at least enough external funding to cover the first month’s expenses to accommodate this wait time.

The NMAI internship program does not offer housing, but general housing information is available. Other benefits of an NMAI internship include: professional development and enrichment trainings, discounts at Smithsonian gift shops and cafés, behind-the-scenes tours of NMAI and other Smithsonian facilities, social and networking events, access to Smithsonian libraries and archives, and more.

No. The Internship Program is open to anyone. The NMAI is an equal opportunity employer and follows equal opportunity employment guidelines in the selection of its interns.

The Smithsonian does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, parental status, or military service.

Yes. We accept applications from international students on F-1 visas with the Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training work authorization. If necessary, the Smithsonian’s Office of Global Affairs will work with you in sponsoring a J-1 visa, if you are accepted into the program. Unfortunately, international students may experience delays in stipends and receiving an ID badge due to Smithsonian security and banking requirements.

The Smithsonian Institution welcomes the opportunity to work with schools seeking to grant academic credit for internships. You are encouraged to initiate an arrangement for credit with your college or university. The Smithsonian does not grant academic credit.

In general, strong applications demonstrate your academic and professional goals, interest in the department(s) selected, and reason for wanting to be at the NMAI.