15 Best Data Science Internships for Beginners in 2025 (With Application Tips)

Data science internships are the golden ticket for anyone looking to break into this booming field. IBM reports that a mind-blowing 90% of the world’s data has been created in just the last two years.

My experience shows how data science expertise creates opportunities in industries of all types. These internships are a vital first step into the professional world, whether you’re a high school student curious about data or an undergraduate ready for your first role. Most programs run for about four months and help you get real-life experience, develop technical skills, and connect with industry professionals.

View my most recent Data Science Project here!!

Data science stands out because of its versatility. With proper training, you can work in countless sectors, from tech giants to healthcare startups, while earning competitive pay. Many beginners wonder how to secure one of these sought-after positions.

This piece covers the 15 best data science internships for 2025. You’ll discover everything from fully-paid opportunities like the University of Chicago’s DSI Summer Lab with its $4,800 stipend to remote options that let you work from anywhere. My insider application tips will help you stand out from other candidates and create a clear path to launch your data science career.

Ladder Internship

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Ladder Internship, created by Harvard entrepreneurs, runs a selective program that pairs driven students with startups of all sizes. Students get a chance to work on meaningful data science projects under professional guidance.

Ladder Internship Overview

Ladder pairs students with growing startups to work on real-world projects in machine learning, AI, health tech, and environmental science. Students work with a company manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach during the 8-week program. The coach mentors and helps direct them through the startup environment. Students showcase their completed project through a final presentation to the startup team. Ladder maintains high selection standards – their summer 2023 cohort picked only 70 students from over 700 applicants.

Ladder Internship Eligibility

High school students (14 years or older), undergraduates, and gap year students can join the program. Students must dedicate 10-20 hours each week for 8 weeks. Some positions need specific residency requirements. To cite an instance, student lead positions need California residency.

View my most recent Data Science Project here!!

Ladder Internship Cost

The startup internship program starts at $2,490. Qualifying students can get full or partial financial aid, especially those from families earning $50,000 or less annually. Ladder’s financial aid has helped more than 150 students so far.

Ladder Internship Location

Students can join from anywhere since the program runs completely online. This virtual setup offers flexibility while providing structured mentorship and hands-on experience.

Ladder Internship Application Deadline

Regular admission for Fall 2025 cohort closes on August 24, 2025. Students can choose from multiple cohorts throughout the year, with several application windows based on preferred start dates.

Ladder Internship Program Dates

Fall 2025 cohort starts September 14, 2025. Programs run for 8 weeks and need 10-20 hours weekly commitment. Students progress from project definition to final presentation, building valuable skills and creating measurable results.

DSI Summer Lab – University of Chicago

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The University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute runs one of the most respected summer research programs in the field. This program stands out from typical internships that focus only on industry experience. The DSI Summer Lab puts real research development at its core.

DSI Summer Lab Overview

The DSI Summer Lab gives students an immersive 8-week paid summer research experience. Undergraduate students and Chicago-area high school students work alongside data science mentors in a variety of domains. Students can explore computer science, data science, social science, climate policy, public policy, materials science, and biomedical research. The program helps students develop research methods and team skills. On top of that, it features weekly talks by leading researchers, and students present their work at an end-of-summer symposium that mirrors a professional conference.

DSI Summer Lab Eligibility

High school students must live and attend school in the Chicago area. College applicants need to be enrolled for fall 2025, but graduating seniors can’t apply. High school seniors starting college in fall 2025 count as high school applicants, so they must live in the Chicago area. International students can apply if they have proper work authorization in the United States. Note that while students from all backgrounds are welcome, you’ll need to know at least one programming language (Python, Java, C++).

View my most recent Data Science Project here!!

DSI Summer Lab Stipend

Students receive a $4,800 stipend for the 8-week program. This makes it one of the best-paying data science internships for newcomers.

DSI Summer Lab Location

Students will work at the Ryerson Laboratory on UChicago’s Hyde Park campus for the 2025 program. College students can stay in free dormitory housing, but high school participants need their own accommodation.

DSI Summer Lab Application Deadline

You must submit your application by January 12, 2025 at 11:59 pm CT.

DSI Summer Lab Program Dates

The program runs from June 16 to August 8, 2025. Students work full-time, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship

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Stanford’s Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging is a chance for aspiring data scientists to explore healthcare applications. This two-week program focuses on AI and medical imaging, setting it apart from other offerings.

Stanford AIMI Internship Overview

The AIMI Summer Research Internship lets high school students dive into technical and clinical aspects of AI in healthcare. Students attend introductory lectures about AI healthcare basics and work with Stanford researchers. They tackle hands-on group research projects and join virtual “Lunch and Learn” career events with speakers from academia, industry, and government sectors. Students who finish the program receive a Certificate of Completion. Those who show exceptional motivation might qualify for extended independent research opportunities.

Stanford AIMI Internship Eligibility

Students must enter grades 9-12 in Fall 2025 and be at least 14 years old when the program begins. Stanford looks for students with strong math and computer programming skills or experience with healthcare projects. Students must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or have valid visa documentation. The program requires full-day attendance (9am-1pm PT) during the two-week period.

Stanford AIMI Internship Cost

Students pay a $40.00 application fee and an accepted student fee of $850.00. Students who need help can apply for financial aid to waive both fees. Aid eligibility requires family income below $80,000 yearly, enrollment in low-income family support programs, or proof of financial need.

Stanford AIMI Internship Location

The virtual format makes this program available to qualified students across the country. Students need to feel comfortable with online learning and collaboration. Daily camera-on participation is required.

Stanford AIMI Internship Application Deadline

Summer 2025 applications open December 9, 2024. Students seeking financial aid must apply by February 21, 2025. The regular application window closes February 28, 2025.

Stanford AIMI Internship Program Dates

The program runs from June 16-27, 2025, with daily sessions from 9am-1pm Pacific Time. This schedule helps students learn effectively without feeling overwhelmed.

NASA Virtual Internships

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NASA’s prestigious internship program gives students a chance to work on groundbreaking space-related data science projects. Data scientists at NASA get experience that’s nowhere near what other internships provide.

NASA Internship Overview

Students across academic levels can get hands-on research experience through NASA internships. The projects range from data analytics and algorithm development to visualization tools and technical documentation. Research scientists and engineers mentor interns who work in a digital-first environment that embodies NASA’s innovative culture. Students contribute to actual NASA missions while developing a lasting interest in STEM fields.

NASA Internship Eligibility

U.S. citizens with a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) can apply. Candidates must be at least 16 years old when they apply. The program welcomes full-time students from high school through graduate level and part-time college students taking at least 6 semester hours. Data science positions typically need skills in Python, node, react, cloud deployment, and Docker.

View my most recent Data Science Project here!!

NASA Internship Stipend

Academic level and session duration determine the intern stipend. The Europa Clipper ICONS program pays $12,000 for a 10-week period.

NASA Internship Location

Work options include virtual, in-person, or hybrid arrangements. Centers exist nationwide, and many data science internships offer remote work options that are available to everyone.

NASA Internship Application Deadline

The 2026 session deadlines are: Spring 2026 (September 12, 2025), Summer 2026 (February 27, 2026), and Fall 2026 (May 22, 2026). Students must apply by February 28, 2025 for Summer 2025 positions.

NASA Internship Program Dates

Three sessions run each year: Spring (16 weeks, mid-January to early May), Summer (10 weeks, late May/early June to August), and Fall (16 weeks, late August/early September to mid-December).

After School Matters (Chicago)

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After School Matters helps Chicago teens develop skills in data science, technology and many other fields through paid opportunities.

ASM Internship Overview

After School Matters (ASM) helps up to 19,000 Chicago teens annually earn money while they develop talents and learn critical career skills. The program has three paths: Apprenticeships (hands-on programs that teach specific skills to students 14+), Assistantships (team-based projects in workplace settings for ages 16+), and Internships (traditional project leadership roles for high schoolers 16+). ASM focuses on STEM fields and uses data to assess their programs’ effectiveness.

ASM Internship Eligibility

Teens must live in Chicago or attend a Chicago Public High School to qualify. The internship programs need participants to be 16 years old when the program begins (June 23, 2025, for Summer 2025). ASM works with high school students between 14-18 years old.

ASM Internship Stipend

The 2025 programs pay interns $16.60 per hour, which is higher than previous rates. Students who meet stipend requirements can earn between $275-$725, based on their program level and schedule.

ASM Internship Location

Programs run at more than 60 locations across Chicago. These include public high schools, Chicago Park District facilities, Chicago Public Library branches, community organizations, and the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts downtown. Some programs might be available online.

ASM Internship Application Deadline

Applications work on a rolling basis with specific windows for each season: Spring (opens late November), Summer (opens early April), and Fall (opens late August). Students have 72 hours to accept their offers after selection.

ASM Internship Program Dates

The program runs in three sessions throughout the year: Spring (late February to mid-May), Summer (early July to mid-August), and Fall (late September to mid-December). Most students attend three-hour sessions, three days a week for 10 weeks.

Microsoft Explore Internship

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Microsoft’s Explore program gives data science enthusiasts a perfect start at the beginning of their academic trip. Students can get practical experience in multiple technical roles through this sought-after program.

Microsoft Explore Overview

The Explore Microsoft program provides a complete introduction to software development for early-career college students. You’ll work in collaborative “pods” with other participants and experience the main phases of product development: Design, Build, and Quality. The program lets you explore both Software Engineering and Program Management roles instead of focusing on just one area. This structure helps you understand how data science fits within Microsoft’s broader technical ecosystem.

Microsoft Explore Eligibility

You need to meet these requirements:

• A first or second-year student in a bachelor’s degree program
• Currently enrolled in a program within the United States, Canada, Mexico, or India
• Pursuing or interested in technical disciplines such as Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields
• Completed an Introduction to Computer Science course and one semester of calculus by the program start

Second-year applicants should graduate between December 2025 and August 2026.

Microsoft Explore Stipend

The program pays interns between $24.08 to $49.11 per hour based on location. This equals an annual salary of $50,000 to $100,000, making it one of the best-paying data science internships for beginners.

Microsoft Explore Location

The program runs mainly at Microsoft’s campuses in Redmond, Washington and Atlanta, Georgia. Additional positions are available throughout India. Currently, interns work mostly on-site rather than remotely.

Microsoft Explore Application Deadline

The 2025 program will start accepting applications in early February 2025. First-year and second-year students have different application timelines, with first-year applications typically starting in November.

Microsoft Explore Program Dates

The US program runs for 12 weeks in summer, while the India program lasts 8 weeks. This timeframe helps interns absorb Microsoft’s culture and develop technical and collaborative skills needed for a data science career.

Google STEP Internship

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Google’s Student Training in Engineering Program (STEP) serves as the life-blood of their initiative to boost diversity in computer science and software development by connecting academic learning with professional experience.

Google STEP Overview

The STEP internship runs as a 12-week program tailored for first and second-year undergraduate students, with special attention to groups traditionally underrepresented in technology. Students cooperate on software projects in pairs and receive guidance from Google’s full-time engineers and dedicated mentors. The program includes specialized training sessions to boost both technical and professional skills. This approach builds student’s confidence, technical abilities, and creates valuable professional connections early in their academic trip.

Google STEP Eligibility

Students must meet these requirements:

• Current enrollment in first or second year of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related technical field
• Knowledge of at least one programming language (Java, C++, or Python)
• Availability for the entire 12-week internship period
• Legal authorization to work in the internship location

Google STEP Stipend

Google matches competitive compensation rates of leading tech internship programs, though specific amounts remain private.

Google STEP Location

The 2025 program welcomes applications for multiple international locations. Indian positions are available in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune. Past internships have opened spots at Google offices in Zurich, Dubai, and Mexico City.

Google STEP Application Deadline

Applications for the 2025 cycle close on October 25, 2024. Early applications have better chances due to high competition.

Google STEP Program Dates

The 2025 internship runs from June 30 to September 26, 2025. This 12-week full-time commitment gives interns enough time to complete substantial projects and develop technical skills with professional guidance.

Meta University Internship

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Meta University Internship is a paid summer program that helps students from different backgrounds develop technical skills and get real work experience.

Meta Internship Overview

Meta University runs a 10-week internship program starting with computer science training before students move on to hands-on projects. Each intern works with Meta engineers who mentor them throughout the program. Students contribute to meaningful projects in AI, machine learning, and data science. The program includes professional networking events and social activities to help build lasting connections.

Meta Internship Eligibility

Students must meet these requirements:

• Current first-year (Class of 2028) or second-year (Class of 2027) college students enrolled at a four-year university in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico
• Age 18 or older by May 1, 2025
• Eligible to work in the country of employment

First-year students should complete one college-level CS course by their first year’s end (AP/IB courses from high school count), while second-year students need two college-level CS courses. Knowledge of at least one programming language is required.

Meta Internship Stipend

Meta University interns earn between $5,363 and $6,325 monthly with benefits. Regular Meta interns can earn up to $11,293 monthly plus benefits and housing support.

Meta Internship Location

The program runs at Meta’s campuses in Menlo Park (CA), Bellevue (WA), Seattle (WA), and New York (NY).

Meta Internship Application Deadline

Students can apply through Meta’s careers page until December 23, 2024.

Meta Internship Program Dates

The program lasts 10 weeks from June to August 2025. Students get both training and practical work experience during this time. Regular Meta internships run between twelve to sixteen weeks, and some positions can extend to twenty-four weeks.

IBM Accelerate Program

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IBM Accelerate is a virtual learning program that helps college students kickstart their tech careers. Students can join this program while managing other commitments.

IBM Accelerate Overview

IBM Accelerate runs as an early career summer program for college students from all walks of life. Students get to network with peers from all over the US and IBM staff. They receive guidance from industry experts and learn tech industry basics while working on their career growth. This eight-week remote program with live classes gives students ground application skills. Students who complete the program earn an industry-recognized IBM digital credential to add to their LinkedIn profiles and resumes.

IBM Accelerate Eligibility

Any undergraduate student can join, but the program works best for second-year university students. Students need to be enrolled in college and working toward their undergraduate degree. They must have their own computer with internet access. The program aims to help students from groups that aren’t well-represented in tech. Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and Native American students should definitely think about applying.

IBM Accelerate Stipend

This learning program doesn’t include pay [link_2] since it’s meant to work alongside students’ courses and summer activities. In spite of that, students gain valuable skills, build their network, and might catch IBM’s eye for future internships.

IBM Accelerate Location

Everything happens online. Classes run three hours each week in the evening (7-8pm ET Mondays and 6-8pm ET Wednesdays). Students can join from anywhere in the country.

IBM Accelerate Application Deadline

Past application windows have opened in early spring, with deadlines usually in March. Students interested in the 2025 program should keep an eye on IBM’s careers page.

IBM Accelerate Program Dates

Summer is program time, running from early June through late July. The 2024 program ran from June 3rd to July 24th. Students must attend classes to get their IBM badge when the program ends.

Data Science for All Fellowship

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Correlation One’s Data Science for All (DS4A) Fellowship helps professionals from underrepresented backgrounds revolutionize their careers in data fields.

DS4A Fellowship Overview

This 13-week applied data fellowship creates equal access to “jobs of tomorrow”. Students participate in complete training that has live online lectures from professors at Harvard, Columbia, and MIT. Each member gets one-to-one coaching from instructors and teaching assistants. The program ends with capstone projects showcased to active data science leaders and hiring managers.

DS4A Fellowship Eligibility

The fellowship welcomes people from underrepresented communities – Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, women, military veterans, and military spouses. You need 2-3 years of experience in a data role or working with data in your current position. The technical requirements ask for skills in Python, R, SQL, or SageMath. You must live and be authorized to work in the United States.

DS4A Fellowship Cost

The best part? The program is completely free if you qualify. Strategic collaborations with employers like SoftBank, BlackRock, Match Group, Johnson & Johnson, and Citadel make this possible.

DS4A Fellowship Location

Classes happen online. The schedule works well for professionals with sessions during weeknight hours.

DS4A Fellowship Application Deadline

The program accepts applications on a rolling basis. Early applications get priority review from the admissions committee.

DS4A Fellowship Program Dates

Summer 2025 cohort runs from July 13 to August 15, 2025. Program length varies between 8-13 weeks depending on the variant. You should plan to spend about 15 hours each week on the program.

Girls Who Code Summer Immersion

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