IAESTE International Internships (STEM)

IAESTE has been exchanging students into paid technical internships abroad since 1948, and today lists offers in more than 80 countries across engineering, computer science, chemistry, physics, mathematics and related fields. Host employers pay a salary calculated to cover local living costs, while the receiving IAESTE committee helps with accommodation and runs a social program with interns from around the world.

Applications run year-round through your national committee and the online Exchange Platform, with fresh offers peaking after the November, January and April exchange conferences. Placements last from six weeks to a full year, fitting summer breaks and gap semesters alike.

• Students currently enrolled full time in a bachelor's, master's or PhD program, or graduated within the past year.
• STEM fields are the core (engineering, computer science, chemistry, physics, mathematics, geology, materials), with some offers in business, marketing and languages.
• Aged 18 to 30 for the non-member-country route; member-country committees set their own detailed rules.
• English proficiency evidenced by a certificate no older than three years for most offers (IAESTE, TOEFL or equivalent).
• Residence or enrollment in a country with an IAESTE committee for the classic exchange route; students elsewhere use the open global route.
• Willingness to pay the modest national fees that fund the committee system (for example a EUR 30 nomination fee on the non-member route).
• Complete nomination documents assembled quickly once you claim an offer, since per-offer deadlines are firm.

• Work as a paid trainee inside a company, university lab or research institute abroad on tasks matched to your field of study.
• Deliver the technical work described in the offer, from engineering and lab work to software development.
• Adapt to the host workplace's standards, language and safety culture.
• Engage with the local IAESTE committee's social program alongside interns from around the world.
• Complete a short feedback report within 30 days of finishing to receive your certificate.
• Represent your country's committee professionally throughout the placement.

• A salary from the host employer calculated to cover the cost of living in the host country.
• Reception, accommodation support and a social program organized by the receiving IAESTE committee.
• Offers in more than 80 countries across six continents, refreshed continuously with peaks after the November, January and April exchange conferences.
• A structure that has exchanged hundreds of thousands of students since 1948.
• Exchange-route applications compete only against students from your own country, improving odds.
• Durations from six weeks to twelve months fit both summer breaks and gap semesters.

• Find your national IAESTE committee through the country list on iaeste.org and register on the Exchange Platform.
• Browse open internships year-round; note that the date shown on each offer is the nomination deadline for complete documents, so start earlier.
• Tell your committee which offer you want; they guide selection and, if chosen, forward your nomination (cover letter, CV, transcripts, language certificate, enrollment proof) to the employer.
• Expect the employer's decision within about five weeks of the nomination deadline, sometimes after an interview.
• On acceptance, pay the applicable fee, confirm within two weeks, and start visa and insurance arrangements immediately.
• Students in countries without a committee can apply to open offers through the global route on the IAESTE website.