Funding for Professional Internships

Welcome to the Division of Undergraduate Education's Funding for Professional Internships page at the University of California, Riverside! Our program provides financial support to undergraduate students who want to engage in professional internships that enhance their academic and career goals.

Internships are an essential component of a well-rounded undergraduate education. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 91% of employers prefer to hire candidates who have had internship experience. Furthermore, students who complete internships are more likely to be employed after graduation and to earn higher starting salaries compared to those who do not.

In addition to the professional benefits, internships provide students with an opportunity to explore their interests and passions, gain practical experience, and develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Internships also provide networking opportunities and access to mentors who can offer guidance and support as students navigate their academic and career paths.

At UC Riverside, we are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed. That's why we offer funding for professional internships that can help students offset the costs associated with these valuable experiences. Our program provides up to $2,000 in funding to support students who have secured unpaid or underpaid internships with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and small businesses*.

Application Opens: January 4th, 2027 and Application Closes: March 31st, 2027

To be eligible for funding, students

Be a full-time UCR undergraduate student enrolled in at least 12 units per quarter.
Be in good academic standing, with a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.7.
Remain an enrolled undergraduate student for the duration of the internship and the subsequent fall term.
Have not previously received this award. Awards are limited to one per undergraduate student.

*Awards are limited to one per undergraduate student.

Program Requirements

A complete application must include the following:

Completed application: Submit all required questions through the online Qualtrics application.
Signed offer letter: Provide an official offer letter signed by the internship supervisor. To view an example of an offer letter.
Supervisor contact information: Provide an email address and phone number for a direct supervisor who can verify the internship. Human Resources contact information may be used when a supervisor has not yet been assigned, although a direct supervisor familiar with the student is preferred.
Financial need: Demonstrate financial need as part of the application.

TILGA Internship Award Application Guidelines

Internship Resources

FAQ

Is there a deadline?

Yes applications will close, March 31st, 2027 at 11:59 pm
How long is the review process?

Final decisions may take up to 4 weeks*. Once the committee approves you, verification of employment will follow. Your financial aid must also be verified. *This does not begin until we receive a complete application*
Do paid internships count?

Yes!
What if I don’t have a supervisor yet?

The application must be complete in order to move forward. We need to be able to verify your internship. You may provide HR's contact information, but we recommend waiting for a direct supervisor that knows who you are. (Email AND Ph. #)
My internship ends next week, does that qualify?

Unfortunately, no. The internship must be current/ongoing. You can extend your current internship or apply for a new one.

At UC Riverside, we believe that internships are an essential part of the undergraduate experience, and we are committed to providing our students with the support they need to succeed. If you are interested in learning more about our funding for professional internships program, please contact tilgaprogram@ucr.edu.