10 High-Paying Internships for University Students in 2025 (That Can Launch Your Career)
Table of Contents
- Why High-Paying Internships Matter
- What Makes an Internship “High-Paying”?
- How to Get Selected for Top Internships
- 10 Best High-Paying Internships for University Students in 2025
- 1. Google STEP Internship
- 2. Meta University Internship
- 3. Microsoft Explore Internship
- 4. Palantir Path Internship
- 5. Amazon Software Development Internship
- 6. Apple Summer Internship
- 7. Bloomberg Engineering Internship
- 8. NASA Internship Program
- 9. Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program
- Tesla Internship Program
- Tips for Applying to These Internships
- Final Thoughts
1. Why High-Paying Internships Matter
If you’re a university student in 2025, chances are you’re thinking beyond just passing classes. You’re building a portfolio, networking, and trying to land a role that’ll put you ahead of your peers. That’s where high-paying internships come in.
These internships don’t just give you a paycheck—they often include housing stipends, networking opportunities, and even a path to a full-time job offer.
2. What Makes an Internship “High-Paying”?
While the average internship in the US pays around \$20 per hour, high-paying internships can go up to \$8,000/month or more.
Factors that determine this include:
- The industry (tech, finance, and consulting are top-paying)
- The company size and prestige
- Whether housing and relocation costs are covered
- Location (San Francisco, New York, and London tend to pay more)
3. How to Get Selected for Top Internships
To get into these highly competitive roles, you need:
- A strong GPA (usually 3.5+)
- Hands-on experience (personal projects, GitHub, hackathons)
- Great communication and teamwork skills
- A solid resume and cover letter
- To apply early (as early as August–October for summer internships)
Tip: Internships in the US, UK, and Canada often have visa support for international students, especially for STEM roles.
4. 10 Best High-Paying Internships for University Students in 2025
Let’s get into the list. These internships are not only financially rewarding but also open doors to future career success.
1. Google STEP Internship (Student Training in Engineering Program)
Pay: \$7,000–\$8,500/month
Location: USA, UK, Canada
Eligibility: First- or second-year students pursuing computer science
Google’s STEP program is tailored for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Interns work on real-life engineering projects, and many get return offers.
Why it’s great:
- Paired mentorship
- Intern benefits like housing, meals, and travel
- Resume goldmine
2. Meta University Internship
Pay: \$8,000–\$8,800/month
Location: US and international offices
Eligibility: First- or second-year university students, particularly in CS or related fields
Meta offers hands-on experience in building production-level software. You’ll also receive mentorship from experienced engineers.
Perks:
- High pay + travel and housing coverage
- Strong peer network
- Priority for full-time return offers
3. Microsoft Explore Internship
Pay: \$7,000–\$7,900/month
Location: US, UK, Canada
Eligibility: Second-year students in CS or related fields
Microsoft’s Explore internship offers a mix of software development and project management training. It’s designed for those early in their CS journey.
Highlights:
- Rotational teams
- Professional development
- Great springboard for a future role
4. Palantir Path Internship
Pay: \$8,000/month
Location: US and remote
Eligibility: Underrepresented students in tech
Palantir is known for its elite engineering culture. Path is a paid, multi-year internship that can lead to full-time offers.
Best parts:
- High compensation
- High-impact projects
- Access to engineers and mentors
5. Amazon Software Development Internship
Pay: \$7,500–\$8,200/month
Location: US, UK, Canada
Eligibility: Enrolled in a CS or engineering program
Amazon’s internship program is among the largest in the world, with thousands of interns joining each summer.
Why it stands out:
- Leadership Principles integration
- Projects used by millions
- Competitive salary and relocation benefits
6. Apple Summer Internship
Pay: \$30–\$40/hour (~\$6,000–\$8,000/month)
Location: Cupertino, CA and global locations
Eligibility: All university students (engineering, design, marketing, etc.)
Apple interns are treated like full-time employees. You’ll work in teams across hardware, software, and services.
Bonus:
- Housing and relocation assistance
- Staff discounts
- Potential job offers
7. Bloomberg Engineering Internship
Pay: \$8,000/month
Location: New York, London, and global offices
Eligibility: CS majors and strong coding background
Bloomberg focuses on finance tech and data. Interns create tools that analysts and traders use daily.
Reasons to apply:
- High intern satisfaction
- Downtown New York housing
- Finance + tech exposure
8. NASA Internship Program
Pay: \$7,000–\$8,000/month (stipend-based)
Location: US facilities or remote
Eligibility: US citizens (STEM fields)
NASA internships let students work on space missions, software systems, or climate science projects.
Why it’s amazing:
- Prestigious brand
- Cross-disciplinary learning
- May count for university credit
9. Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program
Pay: \$9,000–\$10,000/month
Location: US, UK, global offices
Eligibility: Business, finance, or tech majors
Goldman Sachs pays one of the highest intern salaries in the finance sector. The internship is competitive but worth it.
Highlights:
- Immersive finance training
- High placement into full-time roles
- Global exposure
10. Tesla Internship Program
Pay: \$6,000–\$8,000/month
Location: US, Canada, Europe
Eligibility: Business, design, engineering, energy, or policy students
Tesla’s interns help develop real products—from battery packs to self-driving features.
What to expect:
- Fast-paced innovation
- Potential to convert to full-time
- Elon Musk’s empire on your resume
5. Tips for Applying to These Internships
Landing one of these positions takes preparation and strategy. Here’s how to stand out:
1. Start Early
Applications open as early as August for the following summer. Some roles close by October.
2. Perfect Your Resume
Tailor it for each role. Use quantifiable results (“Increased user sign-ups by 40% through redesigned UI”).
3. Build a Portfolio
For tech roles, a GitHub profile is essential. For business/finance, highlight case studies or projects.
4. Network on LinkedIn
Connect with former interns or current employees. Many get referrals this way.
5. Practice Interviewing
Use platforms like LeetCode, Glassdoor, or Pramp for mock interviews.
6. Final Thoughts: Land the Internship, Launch Your Career
Securing a high-paying internship as a university student in 2025 isn’t just about the money—it’s about experience, mentorship, and long-term career growth. With the rise of remote work and hybrid opportunities, students from all over the world—including Africa, South Asia, and Latin America—can now compete globally.
Start early. Stay consistent. And most importantly, apply even if you’re not 100% sure you’re ready. Many of these roles are designed to help you grow into the job.
Internal Links
- How to Apply for Tech Internships in Canada (Step-by-Step)
- Top Internships for Matriculants in 2025
- SETA Learnerships for Students Without Degrees