About this opportunity
The Smithsonian Institution offers internships and fellowships across its museums, research centres, collections, and professional fields for students, researchers, and scholars. Hundreds of graduate students and doctorate holders carry out independent research under the guidance of world-class research staff, studying and working intensively with Smithsonian collections and experts in their fields, while more than 1,500 students pursue internships across the organisation. Fellowships span graduate, pre-doctoral, and post-doctoral levels as well as visiting professionals, scientists, and scholars, and internships range from Art History to Zoology, exhibit building to investments, giving workplace-based learning across a wide range of educational and career paths.
The Smithsonian Internships and Fellowships is a internship offered by Smithsonian Institution for applicants heading to United States.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Eligibility depends on the specific Smithsonian internship or fellowship
- Some opportunities serve students, while others serve graduate, predoctoral, postdoctoral, visiting professional, or research applicants
- Applicants should confirm citizenship, academic level, field, and location rules in each official listing
What the opportunity may offer
- Workplace-based learning or research experience with Smithsonian collections and experts
- Potential fellowship or internship support varies by programme
- Access to Smithsonian research, museum, and professional environments
Required documents
- Official Smithsonian application
- Resume or CV
- Academic or research materials where required
- References, statements, transcripts, or portfolio items requested by the listing
Application process
- Start at the Smithsonian fellowships and internships page
- Choose the fellowship or internship portal
- Filter listings by field, level, and location
- Submit the official application and documents by the listing deadline
Before you apply
- □Check the deadline in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by Smithsonian Institution
- □Prepare your 4 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
Deadlines vary by Smithsonian internship or fellowship listing. Confirm the specific opportunity in the official Smithsonian portals.
Frequently asked questions
Does Smithsonian offer both internships and fellowships?
Are all Smithsonian deadlines the same?
Where should applicants apply?
Who are Smithsonian fellowships intended for?
Fellowships suit graduate, pre-doctoral, and post-doctoral students, as well as visiting professionals, scientists, and scholars conducting independent research. The Office of Fellowships can guide you through the process.
What kinds of internships does the Smithsonian offer?
Internships are as varied as the museums and research centres themselves, spanning fields from Art History to Zoology and activities from exhibit building to investments. More than 1,500 students pursue internships across the organisation, gaining workplace-based learning for a wide range of educational and career paths.
What is the SORS Guide?
The Smithsonian Opportunities for Study and Research (SORS) Guide helps you see the scope of possibilities for advisors and research topics in your field of study. The Institution encourages access to its research staff, collections, and reference materials by visiting scholars, scientists, and students.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-27UShireZone is not affiliated with Smithsonian Institution. We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.