Many Indian students dream of gaining International Internships exposure through internships abroad. The good news is that several fully funded or partially funded opportunities are available for students in diverse fields such as research, economics, technology, and finance.

Last year, I shared information about a United Nations Internship, and three of my students successfully secured it. One of them, Apoorva, messaged me recently saying, “You changed my life. Thank you so much for bringing this opportunity in front of me.”

That made me realize: there isn’t just one, but many such internships out there waiting for ambitious students. So, I’ve compiled a list of seven amazing international internships that Indian students can apply for.

Yes, these opportunities are competitive. But if you prepare well, network, and apply strategically, they can be life-changing.

Let’s dive right in!

1. OIST Research Internship, Japan

One of the easiest and most accessible opportunities on this list is the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Research Internship.

Key Highlights:

• Type: Fully funded research internship
• Duration: 3–6 months (April 1 – September 30, 2026)
• Benefits:
  • Daily allowance of ¥2,400
  • Free furnished accommodation
  • Round-trip airfare
  • Shuttle bus pass for local travel
  • Visa support
  • Access to labs, workshops, mentorship, and cultural exploration in Okinawa

Eligibility:

• Final 2 years of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree OR recent graduates
• Open to all nationalities
• Must be from a STEM field
• Not open for PhD students
• Permission letter required from your university

2. WTO Internship, Switzerland

The World Trade Organization (WTO) offers a highly reputed internship in Switzerland.

Key Highlights:

• Duration: 6 months
• Deadline: December 31, 2025
• Fields Available:
  • Economics & Finance
  • Trade, Law & Policy
  • Statistics
  • IT & Communication
  • Human Resources & Administration
  • Language Services
  • Information Management

Note: This internship is not open for all fields, only for specific areas mentioned above.

3. Max Planck Internship, Germany

Germany has a growing demand for computer science professionals, and the Max Planck Internship is a golden opportunity for students in this field.

Key Highlights:

• Duration: 12–14 weeks
• Field: Computer Science only
• Benefits: Direct mentorship with academic supervisors
• Deadline: November 1, 2025

4. Hange Global Internship, Japan

Japan actively encourages international students and professionals, especially in IT and tech-related fields.

Key Highlights:

• Fields: Computer Science, IT, Frontend & Fullstack Development
• Pathways:
  • Fullstack: Python or Go
  • Frontend: React or Vue with TypeScript
• Benefits:
  • Monthly stipend
  • Round-trip airfare
  • Medical insurance
  • Pre-arrival support & guidance
  • Free Japanese SIM with data
  • Cultural event access
  • Possibility of full-time job offers

Pro Tip: Learning Japanese significantly increases your chances of success.

5. OECD Internship, France

The OECD Internship in France is prestigious but very competitive.

Key Highlights:

• Duration: 1–6 months (depending on project size)
• Stipend: €1,000 per month
• Application: Rolling basis (no fixed deadline)

Note: Very few Indian students have secured this, but it’s worth applying.

6. Morgan Stanley Investment Banking Internship, Global

For students in finance, the Morgan Stanley Internship is one of the best opportunities worldwide.

Key Highlights:

• Duration: 6 months (off-cycle)
• Deadline: October 26, 2025
• Field: Investment Banking & Finance
• Competition: Extremely competitive

Pro Tip: Build strong networks. Attend coffee chats, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and leverage alumni connections to stand out.

7. Microsoft Global University Internship, Worldwide

Microsoft offers research and business internships across the globe.

Key Highlights:

• Type: Rolling application (no deadline)
• Eligibility: Open only to PhD, JD, and MBA students
• Fields Available:
  • Research Science
  • Data Science & AI
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Policy & Business Roles

Benefits: Fully funded with strong mentorship and global exposure.

Bonus: Sales Internship in Japan

For those fluent in English (and preferably Japanese), several Japanese companies offer sales internships targeted at international markets.

Fields Available:

• Consumer Sales
• Education Sales
• iPhone Sales
• Sales Planning
• Customer Experience Programs
• Enterprise Sales

Eligibility:

• Enrolled in BA, BSc, or MBA program during the internship
• Ability to commute to Apple Japan offices (or similar corporate hubs)

Why Apply?
Japan faces a shortage of professionals fluent in both English and Japanese, making bilinguals highly valued.

Final Thoughts

These seven internships (plus the bonus opportunity) are some of the best global programs Indian students can apply for in 2025–26. They are competitive, but the rewards—global exposure, funding, mentorship, and career growth—are worth the effort.

If you’re serious about international internships:

• Start preparing early
• Learn relevant skills (and languages like Japanese, if possible)
• Build strong networks
• Apply strategically and confidently

Your dream internship abroad might just be one application away!