Interested in building a cybersecurity career in public service? Several paid federal internships, scholarships, and career-development pathways are accepting applications.
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency is accepting applications for its paid Summer 2027 Student Experience.
Students can gain experience in counterintelligence, industrial security, personnel security, security training, and other national-security mission areas. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in an eligible undergraduate or graduate program, and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Applications close September 30, but individual announcements may close as soon as they receive 100 applications.
Review DCSA opportunities and apply
The Department of War SMART Scholarship provides funding for students pursuing eligible STEM degrees, including cybersecurity and related technical fields.
Recipients can receive academic funding, internships with a DoW sponsoring facility, mentorship, and employment after graduation. Each year of scholarship support carries a corresponding government-service commitment.
Applications are open through the first Friday in December.
The National Security Agency is accepting applications for its paid 2027 Summer Internships and Cooperative Education Program.
Summer internships provide 12 weeks of experience in areas such as cybersecurity, computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, intelligence analysis, and security.
The Co-op Program allows eligible freshmen and sophomores to alternate semesters of full-time study with paid NSA employment. Participants complete at least 52 weeks of work experience before graduation.
U.S. citizenship and security processing are required.
The Air Force Premier College Intern Program is a paid 12-week internship generally completed between a student’s junior and senior years.
Successful interns may receive an opportunity to enter the Air Force’s three-year Palace Acquire career-development program after graduation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, meet academic requirements, and be able to obtain a security clearance.
Applications are accepted from August through November.
Explore Air Force student and internship programs
Government hiring and security-clearance processes take time. Read the requirements carefully, prepare your résumé and transcripts, and apply early.