Internships

Students who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. may complete a paid internship of 120 hours. Internships are not guaranteed. Students must actively identify, apply to, and interview for internship opportunities. Internships may include private companies, non-profit organizations, and local, state, and federal government agencies. Additionally, students may pursue on-campus career-aligned student internships as well as international internships through UCEAP and other University of California (UC) partnerships. With advising through the Industry Relations & Career Specialist, students will receive guidance, resources and targeted support for pursuing a variety of paid internship opportunities.

How Do Internships Work?

Step 1: Identify Internship Opportunities

Students search for and apply to career-aligned internships and professional experiences. Opportunities may include:

  • Private Companies
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Educational Institutions
  • Local, State, or Federal Government Agencies
  • UC Santa Barbara On-Campus Internships
  • UCEAP or Other International-based Internships

Step 2: Determine If Internship Is Paid Or Unpaid

Once an internship is identified, determine which category best describes the experience:

Paid (employer pays the student directly)

  • Private Companies
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Educational Institutions
  • Local, State, or Federal Government Agencies
  • UC Santa Barbara On-Campus Internships
  • UCEAP or Other International-based Internships

Unpaid (employer joins Degree Plus Internship Network; UC pays the student)

  • Private Companies
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Educational Institutions

Unpaid (student applies for Degree Plus Internship Grant)

  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Educational Institutions
  • Local, State, or Federal Government Agencies
  • UCEAP or Other International-based Internships

Step 3: Review Funding Options For Unpaid Internships (If Applicable)

For unpaid internships, students may still have options for financial support.

Option 1: Degree Plus Internship Network (Coming Fall 2026)

Eligible private companies, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions may join the Degree Plus Internship Network. Students can encourage a prospective employer to join. The student is compensated directly through UC, and UC manages payment processes using established campus student employment guidelines.

Option 2: Degree Plus Internship Grant

If a non-profit organization, government agency, or international-based internship cannot participate in the Degree Plus Internship Network, students may apply for a Degree Plus Internship Grant.

Grant funding may:

  • Provide a financial award during the internship period
  • Help offset living, transportation, or other internship-related expenses
  • Cover passport, visa, or security clearance costs
  • Increase access to unpaid career-building opportunities

Step 4: Report Internship Offer To The Degree Plus Program

All students participating in internships must report their internship offer and complete requirements as dictated by the Degree Plus program. This includes:

  • Completing the Internship Offer Reporting Form
  • Fulfill and submit Mid- and Final Evaluations for both student participants and site supervisors
  • For students who utilize the Degree Plus Internship Grant:
    • Completion and submission of a signed service agreement between the Degree Plus Program, Student, and Host Organization is required.

Internship Resources

PaCE Career Center
Degree Plus students have a dedicated Career Specialist to support their career readiness and internship strategies. 
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UC Santa Barbara Career Services 
Explore your path, build your skills, and connect with opportunities – UCSB Career Services is here to support you every step of the way.
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Handshake
Handshake is UC Santa Barbara’s database of off-campus jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities, and on-campus jobs (including work-study)
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UCEAP International Internships
The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) helps students connect with high quality impactful internship opportunities across the globe. Students may be eligible for a Degree Plus Internship Grant to help cover costs of international travel, passport, visa, living, and other internship-related expenses.
Learn more

Gaucho Network
UC Santa Barbara students can join a community of over 7,000 Gauchos. Find job opportunities, gain career advice, and connect with current classmates.
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Degree Plus Internship Network (Coming Fall 2026)
The Degree Plus Internship Network connects students with eligible private companies, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions that support career-aligned internship opportunities. Students are encouraged to identify and recommend prospective employers interested in joining the network. For participating organizations, students are compensated directly through UC, with payment and employment processes managed in accordance with established campus student employment guidelines.

Degree Plus Internship Grant (Coming Fall 2026)
The Degree Plus Internship Grant helps students pursue meaningful internship opportunities with non-profit organizations, government agencies, and international-based organizations that may not participate in the Degree Plus Internship Network. Grant funding may provide financial assistance during the internship period, help offset living, transportation, and other internship-related expenses, and cover costs such as passports, visas, or security clearances. The program is designed to expand access to valuable career-building experiences, including unpaid internships that support students’ long-term academic and professional goals.

Learn more