Top 10 Free Internship Programs for Computer Science Students in 2025

Sharon Rajendra Manmothe
Jun 20
5 min read

If you're a computer science student looking to build real-world experience without breaking the bank, you're in luck. There are several high-quality internship programs available for free (and many even offer stipends) to help you boost your resume, gain practical skills, and network with industry professionals. Here's a curated list of the top 10 free internship programs in 2025 for computer science students, complete with links to apply.

1. Google Summer of Code (GSoC)

A prestigious open-source internship program by Google where students work with open-source organizations for 10–12 weeks. Includes mentorship and a generous stipend.

Apply Here: https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/

What is Google Summer of Code

Google Summer of Code: A Launchpad for New Open Source Contributors

Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is a flagship program by Google aimed at bringing new developers into the world of open source. Since its inception in 2005, GSoC has helped over 21,000 contributors from 123 countries get hands-on experience contributing to real-world software projects. With guidance from experienced mentors across 1,000+ open source organizations, GSoC participants engage in meaningful, community-driven development over a 12+ week period.

Why GSoC?

Global Reach: Welcoming contributors from over 120 countries.
Mentorship: Work under expert mentors and improve coding and collaboration skills.
Diverse Projects: Choose from thousands of innovative projects in AI, web dev, databases, graphics, operating systems, and more.
Stipend Provided: Contributors receive a stipend for successful participation.
Online & Flexible: Fully remote, so you can participate from anywhere in the world.

GSoC 2025 Highlights:

1272 Contributors Accepted
185 Mentoring Organizations Participated
23,559 Proposals Reviewed
68 Countries Represented

How to Get Started

Explore Organizations: Visit the GSoC organizations list to find communities and projects that interest you.
Engage Early: Communicate with organization members, ask questions, and understand their project needs.
Submit a Proposal: Carefully write and submit your project idea during the application period (Mar 24 – Apr 8, 2025).
Get Selected and Start Coding: If accepted, you'll collaborate on a real-world software project under the guidance of mentors.

Real Impact

46M+ Lines of Code Written
20K+ Mentors Have Participated
1,000+ Organizations Involved

Watch & Learn

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a student or a beginner to open source (18+), GSoC is your opportunity to make an impact, learn from the best, and become part of the global open source community.

Apply Here: https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/

Stay curious. Code open. Grow together.

2. Outreachy

A remote, paid internship program that supports underrepresented groups in tech. Interns work with open-source projects and receive mentorship.

Apply Here: https://www.outreachy.org/

Outreachy Internship Program: Advancing Diversity in Open Source

The Outreachy Internship Program is a global initiative led by the Software Freedom Conservancy to promote inclusion and diversity in the open source ecosystem. Designed for individuals who face systemic bias, underrepresentation, or discrimination in the technical industry of their region, Outreachy offers paid, remote internships in open source and open science projects.

Program Overview

Outreachy internships are structured, three-month engagements where selected participants work closely with mentors on impactful open source projects. These internships are designed to build skills, foster community involvement, and improve representation in technology.

Key Features:

Paid Internship: Each intern receives a stipend of USD 7,000.
Remote Format: Interns and mentors collaborate entirely online.
Duration: Internships last three months and are offered twice per year.
Areas of Contribution: Projects may involve software development, user experience design, documentation, data science, community management, and more.

Eligibility Criteria

Outreachy welcomes applicants aged 18 and above who face barriers to entering the technology industry in their country. This includes, but is not limited to:

Women (cisgender and transgender), transgender men, and non-binary individuals
Individuals who are Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, or from disadvantaged castes or tribes

Applicants do not need to be students or have prior professional experience. The program is inclusive of individuals from various educational and professional backgrounds.

Application Timelines

June 2025 Internship Cohort:

Application Window: February 7–15, 2025
Project Contribution Period: March 17–April 15, 2025
Internship Period: June 2–August 29, 2025

December 2025 Internship Cohort:

Application Window: Early to mid-August 2025
Project Contribution Period: Late September–Late October 2025
Internship Period: December 2025–March 2026

How to Apply

Interested candidates should review the detailed applicant guide and begin exploring available projects and communities. Early engagement with mentors and communities is encouraged to enhance the strength of the application.

Applicant Guide: https://www.outreachy.org/apply/

Mentorship and Community Involvement

Outreachy also invites open source communities to mentor interns. Organizations must register and propose internship projects according to the posted deadlines. Participating as a mentor provides an opportunity to support the next generation of contributors and promote diversity in tech.

Mentor Guide: https://www.outreachy.org/mentor/mentor-guide/

Sponsorship and Support

Outreachy is funded by sponsors committed to building a more inclusive technology sector. Organizations and individuals can support the program through sponsorship, donations, or outreach.

For details: https://www.outreachy.org/sponsor/

Impact and Reach

Since its inception, Outreachy has supported thousands of interns from around the world. The program has made notable progress in increasing participation from historically marginalized communities and continues to be a leader in open source diversity initiatives.

Contact and Further Information

To apply, mentor, or support Outreachy: Visit: https://www.outreachy.org/ Subscribe to updates: https://www.outreachy.org/subscribe/

Outreachy is more than an internship program—it is a step toward a more inclusive and equitable technology ecosystem. For those who aspire to contribute meaningfully to open source, Outreachy provides the platform, resources, and mentorship needed to succeed.

Outreachy? Lets understand about this.

3. AP-AICTE Summer Internship (India)

A government-backed internship portal for Indian students with virtual, free, and stipend-based internships offered by institutions like ISRO, DRDO, and IITs.

Apply Here: Search for "AICTE internship portal" or visit https://internship.aicte-india.org/

4. NASA Internship Programs

NASA offers STEM-based internships, including software engineering, data science, and AI roles for students.

Apply Here: https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs/

5. Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS)

A US federal internship initiative offering remote internships in data science, web development, and IT.

Apply Here: https://vsfs.state.gov/

6. Coding It Forward – Civic Digital Fellowship

Paid internships in U.S. government departments focused on data, design, and software development.

Apply Here: https://codingitforward.com/

7. Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors

While not a traditional internship, this program provides free training, Microsoft certifications, Azure credits, and leadership opportunities.

Apply Here: https://studentambassadors.microsoft.com/

8. Ada Developers Academy

An intensive, tuition-free training and internship program for women and gender-expansive adults in the U.S. looking to start a career in software development.

Apply Here: https://adadevelopersacademy.org/

9. Kode With Klossy

Free summer coding camps (virtual and in-person) for girls and non-binary teens aged 13–18. Focuses on web dev, mobile apps, and ML.

Apply Here: https://www.kodewithklossy.com/

10. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)

A highly competitive research internship program for high school seniors, including CS and AI tracks.

Apply Here: https://www.pathwaystoscience.org/

These free internship programs are golden opportunities for computer science students to grow professionally, build strong portfolios, and connect with global tech communities. Start preparing early, polish your resume and GitHub profile, and apply to multiple programs to maximize your chances. Looking for help writing a resume or project proposal? Reach out or comment below!