CSIS Internships 2025 in USA | Apply Online

Applications are now open for the CSIS Internships 2025, inviting aspiring minds from across the globe. Based in Washington, D.C., the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) offers a dynamic platform for undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent alumni to explore critical issues in international affairs, global policy, and governance. The program is open to both U.S. and international applicants. Also Check: Max Planck Summer Internship in Germany (Fully Funded)

Details Of Internships Program:

  • Hosted by: CSIS
  • Eligibility: Open to all nationalities
  • Educational Requirement: Varies by position
  • Compensation: Paid internship
  • Location: United States
  • Application Deadlines: February, July, and October

CSIS is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank committed to delivering strategic insights and practical policy solutions to help leaders address the pressing challenges of a complex global landscape. The internship offers more than just clerical experience it’s an immersive opportunity that places interns at the center of critical international discussions. Participants actively contribute to impactful research and policy development, gaining firsthand experience in shaping thoughtful strategies for a more equitable and stable global future.

What You’ll Take Away from the CSIS Experience:

Interns enjoy a host of valuable benefits, both practical and experiential. One of its highlights is a 10% discount on accommodation in Washington DC. a notable advantage in one of the nation’s most expensive cities. But this perk merely scratches the surface of what the CSIS experience offers.

Participants engage in:

  • Hands-on experience with pressing, real-world policy issues
  • Enhanced critical thinking and refined communication abilities
  • Opportunities to build lasting connections with global policy experts
  • Exposure to a broad spectrum of perspectives and geopolitical frameworks
  • A platform to transform personal conviction into work that leaves a lasting mark on global discourse

Gateways and Requirements for 2025 Cohort:

To enter this enclave of influence:

  • To be eligible, applicants must have completed a minimum of two semesters at the undergraduate or graduate level, or have recently earned their degree.
  • International applicants may apply using a J-1 visa; however, CSIS does not offer visa sponsorship.
  • Both U.S. citizens and international candidates with valid external sponsorship are welcome to apply.
  • Applicants must possess the legal authorization to work in the United States.

Submission Arsenal:

Applicants are expected to submit a carefully curated set of three materials:

  • A polished résumé that highlights more than just experience—telling the story behind the milestones
  • A purpose-driven cover letter that reflects clarity of intent and personal authenticity
  • A well-structured writing sample that showcases intellectual depth and articulate expression

Internship Portfolios & Remunerative Structure:

A wide array of departments awaits, each providing compensation aligned with the position’s demands and area of focus. Hourly pay ranges from $16.10 to $18.10, varying by department and the complexity of the role.

Openings include:

  • Intern – Renewing American Innovation Project ($18.10/hour)
  • Intern – Indian States Program –
  • Intern –Wadhwani Chair in U.S.-India Policy Studies
  • Intern – Strategic Planning
  • Intern – ideas Lab / Multimedia Production
  • Intern – Congressional & Government Affairs
  • Intern – Australia Chair
  • Intern – Africa Program
  • Intern – Transnational Threats Project
  • Intern – Global Health Policy Center
  • Intern – China Power Project
  • Intern – Freeman Chair in China Studies

Each of these roles offers compensation within the $16.10–$18.10, hourly range, ensuring a fair and motivating experience for candidates fueled by intellectual drive and meaningful engagement.

Seasonal Cycles of Opportunity:

The internship program is divided into three separate application cycles:

  • Summer Term – Application period begins in February
  • Fall Term – Applications accepted until July
  • Spring Term – Final deadline falls in October

How to Apply?

All applications must be submitted online via the official CSIS portal using their structured application system. Both U.S. and international candidates are welcome to apply, provided they meet the established eligibility requirements.

At its heart, the CSIS Internships 2025 program offers more than a stepping stone it’s a launchpad for those driven to decode global complexity and contribute to the architecture of real-world policy. Here, your intellect is not only welcomed but actively honed through challenge, engagement, and purpose. Apply now and be part of the dynamic conversation that is shaping the future of international affairs.

APPLY NOW