U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Student Internship 2026: Administrative Internship with the U.S. Federal Government
Overview
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is accepting applications for a Student Intern (Administrative) through the federal Pathways Internship Program. The position is in the Office of the Secretary, under the Assistant Secretary for Administration, and the announcement may fill multiple positions in different locations. Interns gain practical experience and on-the-job training in administrative and program support, organizational management, reporting, meeting coordination and stakeholder engagement.
Administrative duties include receiving and recording documents, planning, scheduling and coordinating meetings, compiling information for reports and metrics and supporting administrative services. Program support duties include working with management and stakeholders, supporting new systems and programs, and preparing reports, position papers, briefing materials, talking points and presentations for senior leadership.
What you get
The job is full-time at GS-4 to GS-5, with salary of $31,103 to $45,239 per year adjusted for duty location. The appointment is an internship of up to 13 months and may be extended case by case. It is telework eligible depending on agency policy but not remote, requires no travel and does not reimburse relocation. Eligible interns may be converted to a permanent or term HHS position after completing requirements, including 480 hours of work and their degree, though conversion is not guaranteed. Locations include Denver, Washington DC, Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, Boston and Dallas County, with others negotiable.
Who can apply
U.S. citizenship is required. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a qualifying school and pursuing a degree, diploma or certificate, in good academic standing. Minimum GPA is 2.5 for undergraduates and 3.0 for professional master's students. GS-4 needs two years of post-high-school education and GS-5 needs four years. Foreign education requires a course-by-course evaluation showing U.S. equivalency. Paid and unpaid experience, including volunteering, can count.
How to apply
Applications go through USAJOBS with a resume of up to two pages, an occupational questionnaire, proof of student status and transcripts. Some applicants must complete USA Hire assessments, for which about three hours should be set aside. Selected candidates face a suitability background investigation, and a selection is expected about 45 days after closing.
Key dates
Applications opened August 10, 2026, and close August 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, or earlier if the applicant limit is reached.