Application & Deadlines

Opens
08/30/2026 at 12:00am EDT
Closes
09/14/2026 at 11:59pm EDT
Offers
Applications will be reviewed after the application deadline and offers will be made within three weeks of the application deadline. If you are offered a stipend, you will have three days to accept or decline that offer.
Apply Here

Overview

The Institute of Politics offers term-time internship stipends for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors who will be enrolled in coursework full-time during the Fall and Spring semesters and accept unpaid term-time internships in politics and public service. Eligible internships include: local, state, or federal government, public interest groups, non-governmental organizations, campaigns, political organizations, advocacy work, direct service, research, and education.

Eligibility

All Harvard College undergraduates (freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors) who will be enrolled in coursework during the semester in which they are applying for a Term-Time Stipend. Eligible internships include: local, state, or federal government, public interest groups, non-governmental organizations, campaigns, political organizations, advocacy work, direct service, research, and education.

Program Details

Application Opens: August 30, 2026 at 12:00am (Midnight) ET
Application Deadline: September 14, 2026 at 11:59pm ET

Application Opened: January 18, 2026 at 12:00am (Midnight) ET
Application Deadline: February 01, 2026 at 11:59pm ET

FAQ

  • Internship Position: Students are responsible for securing their own internship.

  • Internship Length: Selected students are expected to work 100 hours over the semester (first day of classes to last day of classes), or an average of 7-10 hours/week.

  • Resume: One page maximum. 1" margins, 11-12 point font. No exceptions.
  • Statement of Interest: One page maximum.
  • CARAT Application
  • Proof of Internship: Please submit documentation (e-mail, scanned letter, etc.) from the organization with whom you intend to intern that confirms your internship offer and acceptance. This documentation must include the following:
    • Work schedule: hour/week, days of the week, start and end dates

A selection committee comprised of Institute of Politics staff will review all submissions. Applications are reviewed on an individual basis.

All applications will be assessed with regard to how the proposed internship aligns with the IOP's mission to inspire students to pursue opportunities in politics and public service.

Stipends will be awarded in the amount of $1,250.

Awards granted through the Term-Time Stipend Program are to be used to support student expenses so that they, personally, can have an educational experience. Students may use funding to cover costs including transportation, food, and incidentals.

The stipend cannot be used to pay others to provide services, or be given to an organization; for example, hiring third-party researchers or clinicians, or making charitable or political donations.

Students who are selected to receive funding from the IOP for their term-time internship must report any additional sources of funding for this internship and are not allowed to accept additional Harvard funding for the same internship. Failure to report additional funding for this internship or complete IOP program requirements may result in the revocation of funding.