LAS Unpaid Internship Scholarships

The College of Liberal Arts and Science awards a limited number of scholarships to LAS undergraduate students who secure an unpaid internship with a non-profit or government employer; on-campus positions will not be considered. Student teaching is not eligible for this scholarship, however there is a separate scholarship available for student teaching.  Award amounts are based on financial need and total hours worked.  The application for the scholarship must be submitted prior to beginning the internship.  Scholarships will be awarded in the same semester as the internship.  The application for Spring 2026 can be completed here. The application will close on Friday, January 23rd.

Eligibility

To apply for an LAS unpaid internship scholarship, an applicant must:

  • Be an undergraduate student in a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences major.
  • Be registered for an internship course through the student’s major department or through LAS Career Services.
  • Be working at least 10 hours per week for 8 weeks or a total of 180 hours.
  • Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher.

Note: Student must maintain and finish enrollment during the scholarship period.  Students who drop, withdraw, or do not pass the internship are required to repay funds to Iowa State. Should an internship be cancelled by the employer prior to the start date, funds must be returned to Iowa State. In addition, if the internship is cancelled prior to the 8 week mark or before 180 hours is accrued, the funds will be prorated.  If a student is fired, the funds will need to be repaid to Iowa State.

Applicants must not:

  • Be awarded any other form of monetary value (including stipends, travel reimbursements).
  • Be awarded the scholarship more than one time.

Confirmation of internship placement and verification of unpaid status will be requested and verified from the internship supervisor.

FAQ’s

The scholarship is only valid for the internship listed on your application. Students can edit their application and internship information up until the deadline.

You will be emailed if you are awarded a scholarship. The award will be accepted in OneApp.

Applicants must have a completely unpaid internship experience to qualify. Students with any kind of stipend or reimbursement are not eligible for this scholarship.

Funds will be sent to the Office of Student Financial Aid at least 1 week after notification of award. Processing may take a few days.

Scholarship timeline

Expected dates are posted.  If opening date falls on a weekend, the application will open the following Monday.

Fall Semester

Fall Semester 2025
Dates Status
August 1 Applications open for fall
Friday after classes begin Deadline for submitting applications
3rd week of semester Applicants notified of award status

Spring Semester

Spring Semester 2026
Dates Status
December 1 Applications open for spring
Friday after classes begin Deadline for submitting applications
3rd week of semester Applicants notified of award status

Summer Semester

Summer Semester 2026
Dates Status
April 1 Applications open for summer
Friday before Session 1 begins Deadline for submitting applications
2nd week of Session 1 Applicants notified of award status