Want a paid, real-world internship where your work actually protects people? The FBI Honors Internship Program is one of the most competitive summer internships in the United States, designed for high-performing students who want to develop mission-critical skills while serving the public.
If you are a U.S. citizen studying at an accredited college or university and you meet the FBI’s hiring standards, this is your chance to learn from special agents, intelligence analysts, cyber experts, scientists, and professional staff across the Bureau. It is paid, it is impactful, and it can open doors to future federal careers.
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The 2026/2027 cycle prepares students for a full-time, paid summer experience in 2027. Applications typically open the year before. If you are serious about federal service, now is the time to get ready and apply as soon as the official application window goes live.
Why this internship stands out
The FBI Honors Internship Program places you at the center of meaningful work: combating cyber threats, supporting counterterrorism and criminal investigations, enhancing data integrity, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening community outreach. You will gain hands-on experience on real projects that support the FBI mission.
Beyond the day-to-day assignments, you benefit from professional mentorship, high-level briefings, skills workshops, and exposure to multiple career paths inside the Bureau. Completing this internship successfully can position you strongly for future federal opportunities.
Program at a glance
Item
Details
Host
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Program Name
FBI Honors Internship Program (Paid)
Cycle
2026/2027
Type
Paid, full-time summer internship
Duration
Approximately 10 weeks in 2027
Location
FBI Headquarters (Washington, DC) and 56 Field Offices nationwide, plus select resident agencies
Work Mode
Primarily on-site; limited hybrid options may vary by office and assignment
Eligibility
U.S. citizens enrolled at accredited colleges/universities who meet FBI employment standards
Compensation
Paid federal hourly rate based on education level and duty location
Security
Must be able to obtain and maintain the required security clearance
Deadline
Visit the official website for the current deadline
Support investigative and intelligence work with research, data analysis, and open-source review.
Assist cyber, digital forensics, or technology teams with documentation, testing, and information assurance tasks.
Contribute to program management, policy drafting, process mapping, and performance reporting.
Prepare briefings, write summaries and memos, and deliver findings to supervisors and stakeholders.
Help with community outreach, victim services support tasks, or public affairs projects.
Work with finance, auditing, HR, logistics, training, or procurement teams to improve operations.
Participate in trainings, mentorship meetings, and office-wide briefings to build your professional toolkit.
Pay and benefits
This is a paid internship. You will receive a competitive federal hourly rate that varies by duty location, education level, and federal pay policies. The FBI Honors Internship offers:
Paid full-time work over the summer.
Mentorship from experienced FBI professionals.
Professional development workshops and briefings.
Exposure to multiple career tracks across the Bureau.
Housing, relocation, and commuting are typically your responsibility unless your assigned office confirms otherwise. Any travel required for official duties is handled per federal policy.
Who can apply
Criterion
Minimum Expectation
Notes
Citizenship
U.S. citizen
International students are not eligible for this program.
Enrollment
Enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university (undergrad, graduate, or doctoral)
Typically must continue studies after the internship period; see the official posting.
GPA
Minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Verify GPA requirement on the current job announcement.
Age
18 or older
At the time of entry on duty.
Standards
Meet FBI employment standards
Includes suitability review, background investigation, and compliance with the FBI’s drug policy.
Clearance
Eligible for security clearance
Requires detailed background checks; honesty and completeness are critical.
Availability
Full-time for ~10 weeks in summer
Most placements are Monday to Friday, standard business hours.
Veterans
Preference-eligible may apply
Submit DD214 and, if applicable, SF-15 with supporting documents.
Selective Service
As applicable
Male applicants must be registered if required by law.
Available fields and majors
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The FBI hires interns from a wide range of disciplines. You do not need a criminal justice major to be competitive. Strong candidates come from:
Cybersecurity, computer science, information systems, data science, digital forensics.
Intelligence studies, international relations, political science, security studies.
Accounting, finance, auditing, economics, business analytics.
STEM fields including engineering, mathematics, biology, chemistry, forensic science.
Psychology, sociology, communications, journalism, public affairs, graphic design.
Human resources, law, public policy, emergency management, logistics, acquisition.
Your fit is based on skills, not just your major. Clearly show your technical tools, languages, analytical projects, leadership, and results.
Locations and placement
Interns are placed across the FBI’s nationwide footprint: Headquarters in Washington, DC, 56 Field Offices, and select resident agencies. You can indicate preferred locations during application, but final placement depends on mission needs and your skills. Be ready to relocate at your own expense if you select an office outside your current area.
Application timeline and deadline
For the 2026/2027 cycle, applications open in 2026 for internships taking place in summer 2027. The FBI sets exact dates each year.
Application window: Visit the official website for the current deadline.
Interviews and selection: Typically follow soon after the application period closes.
Background investigation and clearance: Can take several months; start paperwork promptly.
Entry on duty: Summer 2027.
Because clearances and onboarding can be lengthy, apply early and respond quickly to all requests.
How to apply (step-by-step)
Review eligibility: Confirm you meet citizenship, GPA, and standards for federal employment.
Create an account: Go to fbijobs.gov/students and find the Honors Internship Program listing for the current cycle.
Prepare a federal-style resume: Include detailed duties, accomplishments, hours per week, tools/technologies, and dates. Quantify results where possible.
Collect documents: Unofficial transcripts, proof of current enrollment, GPA documentation, and veterans’ preference documents if applicable.
Submit the online application: Complete all questionnaires accurately and select your location preferences. Double-check for errors before submission.
Complete assessments or interviews: If shortlisted, you may be invited to interviews or additional screenings.
Respond to a conditional offer: If selected, acknowledge promptly and begin security forms.
Start your background process: Complete e-QIP, fingerprinting, medical/drug testing if required, and a polygraph as directed.
Finalize onboarding: Await clearance adjudication, confirm duty location, and receive your entry-on-duty instructions for summer 2027.
Security clearance and background process
All FBI interns must meet strict suitability and clearance standards. Expect detailed forms about your residences, travel, finances, education, employment, and references. Investigators will verify your information. Transparency is essential.
Disclose fully and honestly. Omissions can disqualify you.
Gather contact details for supervisors, landlords, and references in advance.
Review your credit report and fix errors early.
Follow all instructions and meet every deadline set by the security team.
Documents checklist
Federal-style resume tailored to the FBI Honors Internship.
Unofficial or official transcripts showing cumulative GPA.
Proof of current enrollment at an accredited institution.
Government-issued photo ID and citizenship documentation, as requested.
Veterans’ preference documents (DD214, SF-15, supporting evidence) if applicable.
Any certifications, portfolios, or technical project summaries that strengthen your case.
Tips to stand out
Lead with impact: Show measurable results in your resume bullets. Use numbers.
Match your skills to mission needs: Cyber, data, languages, analytics, and clear writing are highly valued.
Demonstrate integrity: Highlight roles that required trust, compliance, and attention to detail.
Be location-flexible: Wider location preferences can improve your chances.
Apply early and error-free: Small mistakes can slow your clearance or disqualify your application.
For international students and non-citizens
The FBI Honors Internship Program requires U.S. citizenship. The FBI does not offer visa sponsorship for this internship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, consider private-sector cybersecurity, data, or research internships in the U.S. that accept international students on F-1 CPT/OPT, or look for government internships in your home country that align with your field.
FAQ
Is the FBI Honors Internship paid?
Yes. Interns are paid a federal hourly wage that varies by location, education, and federal pay policies.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?
Yes. U.S. citizenship is required. Permanent residents and international students are not eligible for this program.
Is housing provided?
No. Housing and relocation are typically your responsibility unless your assigned office states otherwise.
What GPA do I need?
The minimum is generally 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Always verify the current requirement on the official job announcement.
Can first-year students apply?
You must be enrolled at an accredited institution and meet all eligibility criteria. The most competitive candidates usually demonstrate relevant coursework, projects, and skills. Check the current posting for specific class standing requirements.
Is the internship remote?
The program is primarily on-site. Limited hybrid arrangements, if any, are determined by the office and assignment.
What happens after the internship?
Many interns leverage the experience and clearance process to compete for future federal roles. While no job is guaranteed, successful completion strengthens your candidacy.
Deadline and where to apply
Applications for the 2026/2027 cycle are accepted in 2026 for summer 2027 start dates. Exact dates change each year. Visit the official page for the latest timeline and to submit your application:
This is your moment to gain paid, mission-driven experience and build skills that employers respect. Polish your federal resume, gather your documents, and apply as soon as the window opens. Spots are limited. Apply now and take the first step toward a high-impact career in public service.
