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🎓 Employment & HR

Free Internship Agreement Template

Free internship agreement for e-signature. Define scope, payment and terms. Download, customize and sign with WPsigner.

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Full Template Text

Copy the usable agreement below, replace every [BRACKET] placeholder, then customize for your situation.

Internship Agreement
INTERNSHIP AGREEMENT This Internship Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of [Effective Date] (the "Effective Date"), BETWEEN: [Company Name], with a principal place of business at [Company Address] (the "Company"); AND [Intern Name], with a principal place of business at [Intern Address] (the "Intern"). The Company and the Intern may be referred to individually as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties." 1. INTERNSHIP DURATION AND SCHEDULE The internship runs from [Internship Start Date] to [Internship End Date], with schedule [Work Schedule]. Extensions require written agreement. 2. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Intern will perform educational tasks including [Intern Role Description], under supervision. The Intern is not guaranteed employment at conclusion. 3. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Compensation: [Compensation Terms]. If unpaid, the Parties acknowledge the internship is structured for educational benefit to the Intern consistent with applicable labor laws. 4. SUPERVISOR AND MENTORSHIP [Supervisor Name] will supervise and provide feedback. The Company will offer learning opportunities aligned with [Learning Objectives]. 5. CONFIDENTIALITY AND IP ASSIGNMENT The Intern will protect confidential information and assign work product created during the internship to the Company, to the extent permitted by law and academic policies. 6. ACADEMIC CREDIT REQUIREMENTS If applicable, the Intern attends [Academic Institution] and must satisfy [Academic Credit Requirements]. The Company will complete evaluations requested by the institution. 7. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION The Company will provide [Evaluation Frequency] performance feedback. The Intern is expected to meet professional conduct standards and Company policies. 8. TERMINATION CONDITIONS Either Party may terminate on [Termination Notice Period] days' notice, or immediately for misconduct. Upon termination, the Intern returns Company property and materials. 9. GOVERNING LAW This Agreement is governed by the laws of [Governing Law / Jurisdiction], without regard to conflict-of-law principles. The courts located in [Governing Law / Jurisdiction] will have exclusive jurisdiction over disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement, unless the Parties agree in writing to mediation before litigation. 10. GENERAL (a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties concerning its subject matter and supersedes prior or contemporaneous agreements on that subject. (b) Amendments. Modifications must be in writing and signed by both Parties. (c) Severability. If any provision is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect. (d) Assignment. Neither Party may assign this Agreement without the other Party's prior written consent, except to a successor in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of substantially all assets. (e) Counterparts and Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, including electronic signatures, each of which will be deemed an original. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date. COMPANY Name: [Company Name] Signature: _______________________________ Name of Signatory: _______________________ Title: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________________ INTERN Name: [Intern Name] Signature: _______________________________ Name of Signatory: _______________________ Title: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________________

This is a starting template, not legal advice. Have a qualified attorney review it for your jurisdiction and use case before signing.

An internship agreement establishes the framework for a productive learning experience while protecting both the organization and the intern. Whether offering paid or unpaid internships, a clear written agreement sets expectations and ensures legal compliance.

What Is an Internship Agreement?

An internship agreement is a contract between an organization and an intern that outlines the internship’s duration, responsibilities, compensation (if applicable), learning objectives, and legal terms. It differs from an employment contract because the primary purpose is educational rather than productive.

Essential Clauses

1. Internship Details

  • Start and end dates
  • Weekly schedule and total hours
  • Work location (on-site, remote, hybrid)
  • Department and reporting structure

2. Roles & Responsibilities

  • Specific duties and projects
  • Learning objectives and skills to be developed
  • Limitations on tasks (interns should not replace regular employees)
  • Training and mentorship provided

3. Compensation & Benefits

  • Hourly rate or stipend (for paid internships)
  • Payment schedule
  • Expense reimbursement policy
  • Benefits eligibility (if any)
  • For unpaid internships: clear statement of educational benefit

4. Confidentiality & IP

  • Definition of confidential information
  • Obligations to protect company data
  • Intellectual property assignment for work created during the internship
  • Return of materials upon completion

5. Academic Credit

  • Whether the internship qualifies for academic credit
  • Requirements from the educational institution
  • Reporting and evaluation obligations
  • Faculty supervisor contact information

6. Performance & Evaluation

  • Mid-point and final evaluation schedule
  • Criteria for performance assessment
  • Opportunity for intern feedback
  • Letter of recommendation policy

7. Termination

  • Conditions for early termination by either party
  • Notice period required
  • Final deliverables and knowledge transfer
  • Exit interview process

How to Customize This Template

  1. Check labor laws — Ensure compliance with federal and state laws regarding unpaid internships, minimum wage, and worker classification.

  2. Define learning objectives — Especially for unpaid internships, clearly articulate the educational component to demonstrate compliance with DOL guidelines.

  3. Include academic requirements — If the internship is for academic credit, coordinate with the educational institution on required documentation.

  4. Add company-specific policies — Include references to your employee handbook, code of conduct, and workplace policies that apply to interns.

How to Send for E-Signature with WPsigner

  1. Upload — Add this internship agreement template to WPsigner
  2. Customize — Add the intern’s name, dates, and specific terms
  3. Add fields — Place signature fields for the intern, supervisor, and HR representative
  4. Send — The intern receives a secure link to review and sign
  5. Archive — Signed agreements are stored with complete audit trails

WPsigner’s template system lets you onboard multiple interns each semester without recreating the agreement from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a written internship agreement?

Yes. A written internship agreement protects both the employer and intern by clearly defining roles, expectations, compensation (if any), confidentiality obligations, and termination conditions. It is especially important for unpaid internships to demonstrate compliance with labor laws.

What is the difference between a paid and unpaid internship legally?

Under the US Department of Labor Fair Labor Standards Act, unpaid internships at for-profit companies must primarily benefit the intern educationally, not replace regular employees. The DOL uses a "primary beneficiary" test with 7 factors. If the internship primarily benefits the employer, the intern must be paid at least minimum wage.

Can an intern sign an NDA or non-compete?

Interns can sign NDAs (confidentiality agreements) to protect company information. Non-compete agreements for interns are more controversial and may not be enforceable in many jurisdictions, especially for unpaid interns. Consult with an employment attorney for your specific situation.

Should an internship agreement include intellectual property clauses?

Yes, especially for interns working on creative, technical, or product development projects. The agreement should clearly state that work product created during the internship belongs to the company. This is particularly important for software development, design, and content creation internships.

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