20+ Open Source Internship Programs that you can Apply to
Tags: opensource, beginners, career
Published: 2021-08-28 12:33:10

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canonical_url: https://navendu.me/posts/open-source-internship-programs/
---

Contributing to open-source is one of the best ways to gain skills and build your resume as a student or as a new developer.

As open-source becomes the norm, more and more big tech companies and non-profit organizations have been investing into open-source projects and into internship programs.

These programs often offer the intern a mentorship opportunity and a stable stipend so that they can invest their time to work on these projects.

This post consists of all the details of these programs. You can [skip to the summary](#summary) for quick access to all these resources.

🤓 You can also [read this post on my blog](https://navendu.me/posts/open-source-internship-programs/).

## Google Summer of Code (GSoC)

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Google Summer of Code (GSOC)](https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/) | 10 Weeks, ˜3 Months | [January 2021 - August 2021](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/timeline) | [$1500 - $3300](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/help/student-stipends#total_stipend_amount) |

This is one of the most popular programs with 700+ participating organizations. The program is organized by Google and each year students identify projects and submit proposals to work on them. Accepted students are assigned a mentor by the participating organization and students spend their summer working with them.

## Linux Foundation Mentorship Program (LFX)

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Linux Foundation Mentorship Program (LFX)](https://mentorship.lfx.linuxfoundation.org/) | 12 Weeks, ˜3 Months | [March 1st - May 31st](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentorship-program-timelines), [June 1st - August 31st](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentorship-program-timelines), [September 1st - November 30th](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentorship-program-timelines) | [$3000 - $6600](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentee-stipends) |

This program is organized by The Linux Foundation and aims to pair open-source talent with experienced mentors. The students identify a project and create a profile to submit an application. Mentees can apply to 3 projects at a time.

## MLH Fellowship

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [MLH Fellowship](https://fellowship.mlh.io/) | 12 Weeks | [September 20th - December 13th (3 batches year round)](https://fellowship.mlh.io/programs/open-source) | [Up to $5000 (need based)](https://fellowship.mlh.io/faq) |

This program will provide you the opportunity to contribute to the type of open-source projects that every company depends on.

There are also non-open-source programs that MLH offers. See [fellowship.mlh.io/#programs](https://fellowship.mlh.io/#programs).

## Google Season of Docs (GSoD)

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Google Season of Docs](https://developers.google.com/season-of-docs) | 6 Months | [May 17th - December 14th](https://developers.google.com/season-of-docs/docs/timeline) | [Depends of budget of the organization](https://developers.google.com/season-of-docs/docs/tech-writer-payments) |

This program gives technical writers an opportunity to gain experience in open-source.

If you are interested in contributing to documentation, this is a really good opportunity to work on some interesting projects.

## Outreachy

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Outreachy](https://www.outreachy.org/) | 3 Months | [May - August, December - March (Applications due September 3)](https://www.outreachy.org/docs/applicant/#application-period) | [$5500](https://www.outreachy.org/docs/internship/#payments) |

> Outreachy is a diversity initiative that provides paid, remote internships to people subject to systemic bias and impacted by underrepresentation in the technical industry where they are living.

## Season of KDE

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Season of KDE](https://season.kde.org/?q=program_home&prg=47) | 3 Months | [January - April](https://season.kde.org/?q=program_home&prg=47) | No |

This program offers an opportunity for people to participate in both code and non-code projects that benefits the KDE ecosystem.

## Free Software Foundation (FSF) Internship

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Free Software Foundation (FSF) Internship](https://www.fsf.org/volunteer/internships) | 12 Weeks | [3 terms yearly](https://www.fsf.org/volunteer/internships) | No |

This program provides an opportunity to work closely with the FSF staff members in your area of interest, such as campaign and community organizing, free software licensing, systems and network administration, GNU Project support, or Web development.

## Linux Kernel Mentorship Program

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Linux Kernel Mentorship Program](https://wiki.linuxfoundation.org/lkmp) | 12 Weeks | [March 1st - May 31st](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentorship-program-timelines), [June 1st - August 31st](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentorship-program-timelines), [September 1st - November 30th](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentorship-program-timelines) | [$3000 - $6600](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentee-stipends) |

This program from The Linux Foundation connects experienced Linux Kernel developers and maintainers with mentees to help the become contributors to the Linux Kernel.

> The program serves as a vehicle to reach out to students and developers to inject new talent into the Linux Kernel community. It aims to increase diversity in the Linux Kernel community and work towards making the kernel more secure and sustainable. We strongly encourage applicants who are from traditionally underrepresented or marginalized groups in the technology and open source communities, including, but not limited to: persons identifying as LGBTQ, women, persons of color, and/or persons with disabilities.

## Linux Foundation Networking (LFN) Mentorship Program

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Linux Foundation Networking (LFN) Mentorship Program](https://wiki.lfnetworking.org/display/LN/LFN+Mentorship+Program) | 12 Weeks FT, 24 Weeks PT | [June 1st - August 21st](https://wiki.lfnetworking.org/display/LN/LFN+Mentorship+Program), [September 1st - ?](https://wiki.lfnetworking.org/display/LN/LFN+Mentorship+Program) | [$3000 - $6600](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentee-stipends) |

This program - also from The Linux Foundation - aims to provide opportunity to gain exposure to LFN's projects and technical communities.

The mentors in this program are active developers and technologists contributing to the industry's leading open source networking projects such as ONAP, OPNFV, OpenDaylight, FD.io.

## GNOME Summer of Code

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [GNOME Summer of Code](https://wiki.gnome.org/Outreach/SummerOfCode/Students) | 10 Weeks, ˜3 Months | [January 2021 - August 2021](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/timeline) | [$1500 - $3300](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/help/student-stipends#total_stipend_amount) |

This is provided through GSoC to help underrepresented groups in free and open-source software to get involved with GNOME projects.

## Alibaba Summer of Code

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Alibaba Summer of Code](https://www.alibabacloud.com/campaign/summerofcode2020?spm=a2c65.11461447.0.0.15b57581lMfzTY) | 3 Months | [May 25th - August 31st (2020)](https://www.alibabacloud.com/campaign/summerofcode2020?spm=a2c65.11461447.0.0.15b57581lMfzTY) | Yes |

Students will receive mentorship from the Alibaba team to work on a series of open-source projects. 

## FOSSASIA Codeheat

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [FOSSASIA Codeheat](https://codeheat.org/) | Year round | [October - June ](https://codeheat.org/#timeline) | [Prizes for winners](https://codeheat.org/#faq) |

This is a coding contest for [FOSSASIA projects on GitHub](https://github.com/search?l=&o=desc&q=org%3Afossasia+org%3Avoicerepublic+label%3Acodeheat+state%3Aopen&s=created&type=Issues) and a jury wil choose winners from the top 10 contributors based on the code quality and the relevance of the commits.

## FOSSASIA Internship Program

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [FOSSASIA Internship Program](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScp8h5SIPVK5G2SAm5vtrv7KLKeOeYTxlZBkDRE6I7Toybt0A/viewform) | 2 - 6 Months | Decided individually | Yes |

> In the program we are looking for people who would like to work on the project they choose continuously. Different to GSoC in the internship it is not only about a specific project proposal. We rather look for participants who are interested to advance the project and solve bugs or add features that are required to bring the project forward.

## Open Summer of Code

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Open Summer of Code](https://osoc.be/practical#Student%20applications) | 16 days | [See Timeline](https://osoc.be/practical#When) | [Yes](https://osoc.be/practical#Student%20applications) |

This program will coach the students into working in different open innovation projects provided by partnering organizations, companies and governments.

## Open Mainframe Project Mentorship Program

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Open Mainframe Project Mentorship Program](https://www.openmainframeproject.org/projects/mentorship-program) | 3 Months | Through [GSoC or LFX](https://github.com/openmainframeproject-internship/resources/blob/master/README.md#mentorship-programs-supported) | [Yes](https://github.com/openmainframeproject-internship/resources/blob/master/README.md#resources) |

This program would help the mentee to expand their knowledge of mainframe technology and would help them contribute to open-source projects that make it easier for infrastructure applications to run on mainframe.

## CNCF Mentoring Initiatives

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [CNCF Mentoring Initiatives](https://github.com/cncf/mentoring) | ˜3 Months | See [Mentoring Programs](https://github.com/cncf/mentoring#mentoring-programs) | Yes |

Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) offers a vibrant community of projects and offers internships throughout the year through different [mentoring programs](https://github.com/cncf/mentoring#mentoring-programs).

## X.Org Endless Vacation of Code (EVoC)

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [X.Org Endless Vacation of Code (EVoC)](https://www.x.org/wiki/XorgEVoC/) | 3 - 4 Months | [Can be initiated anytime](https://www.x.org/wiki/XorgEVoC/) | $3000 |

The EVoC program was initiated to help support more projects that would otherwise go rejected through GSoC. Students are welcome to either come up with an idea on their own or work up a proposal for an idea suggested by someone else.

## Hyperledger Mentorship Program

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Hyperledger Mentorship Program](https://wiki.hyperledger.org/display/INTERN/Hyperledger+Mentorship+Program) | 3 Months FT - 6 Months PT | [June 1st](https://wiki.hyperledger.org/display/INTERN/Hyperledger+Mentorship+Program) | [$3000 - $6600](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentee-stipends) |

This program provides a structured and hands-on opportunity for students and new developers gain exposure to Hyperledger open source development and entry to the technical community.

## Julia Seasons of Contributions (JSoC)

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Julia Seasons of Contributions (JSoC)](https://julialang.org/jsoc/) | - | Through [GSoC or LFX](https://github.com/openmainframeproject-internship/resources/blob/master/README.md#mentorship-programs-supported) | Yes |

A set of seasonal programs for funding or mentoring students and other developers to contribute to the Julia open-source ecosystem.

## Summer of Haskell

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Summer of Haskell](https://summer.haskell.org/) | 10 Weeks, ˜3 Months | [January 2021 - August 2021](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/timeline) | [$1500 - $3300](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/help/student-stipends#total_stipend_amount) |

This program is an effort by Haskell.Org to reach out to students and encourage them to contribute to the Haskell community with the aid of experienced mentors.

## 24 Pull Requests

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [24 Pull Requests](https://24pullrequests.com/about) | 1 Month | December 1st - December 24th | - |

As the name suggests, this program encourages new contributors to make 24 pull requests in the month of December. This is a very beginner friendly program.

## Summary

Here is the entire article summarized into a table:

| Program Name                                                         | Duration            | Timeline                                                                              | Stipend                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Google Summer of Code (GSOC)](https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/) | 10 Weeks, ˜3 Months | [January 2021 - August 2021](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/timeline) | [$1500 - $3300](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/help/student-stipends#total_stipend_amount) |
| [Linux Foundation Mentorship Program (LFX)](https://mentorship.lfx.linuxfoundation.org/) | 12 Weeks, ˜3 Months | [March 1st - May 31st](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentorship-program-timelines), [June 1st - August 31st](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentorship-program-timelines), [September 1st - November 30th](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentorship-program-timelines) | [$3000 - $6600](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentee-stipends) |
| [MLH Fellowship](https://fellowship.mlh.io/) | 12 Weeks | [September 20th - December 13th (3 batches year round)](https://fellowship.mlh.io/programs/open-source) | [Up to $5000 (need based)](https://fellowship.mlh.io/faq) |
| [Google Season of Docs](https://developers.google.com/season-of-docs) | 6 Months | [May 17th - December 14th](https://developers.google.com/season-of-docs/docs/timeline) | [Depends of budget of the organization](https://developers.google.com/season-of-docs/docs/tech-writer-payments) |
| [Outreachy](https://www.outreachy.org/) | 3 Months | [May - August, December - March (Applications due September 3)](https://www.outreachy.org/docs/applicant/#application-period) | [$5500](https://www.outreachy.org/docs/internship/#payments) |
| [Season of KDE](https://season.kde.org/?q=program_home&prg=47) | 3 Months | [January - April](https://season.kde.org/?q=program_home&prg=47) | No |
| [Free Software Foundation (FSF) Internship](https://www.fsf.org/volunteer/internships) | 12 Weeks | [3 terms yearly](https://www.fsf.org/volunteer/internships) | No |
| [Linux Kernel Mentorship Program](https://wiki.linuxfoundation.org/lkmp) | 12 Weeks | [March 1st - May 31st](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentorship-program-timelines), [June 1st - August 31st](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentorship-program-timelines), [September 1st - November 30th](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentorship-program-timelines) | [$3000 - $6600](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentee-stipends) |
| [Linux Foundation Networking (LFN) Mentorship Program](https://wiki.lfnetworking.org/display/LN/LFN+Mentorship+Program) | 12 Weeks FT, 24 Weeks PT | [June 1st - August 21st](https://wiki.lfnetworking.org/display/LN/LFN+Mentorship+Program), [September 1st - ?](https://wiki.lfnetworking.org/display/LN/LFN+Mentorship+Program) | [$3000 - $6600](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentee-stipends) |
| [GNOME Summer of Code](https://wiki.gnome.org/Outreach/SummerOfCode/Students) | 10 Weeks, ˜3 Months | [January 2021 - August 2021](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/timeline) | [$1500 - $3300](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/help/student-stipends#total_stipend_amount) |
| [Alibaba Summer of Code](https://www.alibabacloud.com/campaign/summerofcode2020?spm=a2c65.11461447.0.0.15b57581lMfzTY) | 3 Months | [May 25th - August 31st (2020)](https://www.alibabacloud.com/campaign/summerofcode2020?spm=a2c65.11461447.0.0.15b57581lMfzTY) | Yes |
| [FOSSASIA Codeheat](https://codeheat.org/) | Year round | [October - June ](https://codeheat.org/#timeline) | [Prizes for winners](https://codeheat.org/#faq) |
| [FOSSASIA Internship Program](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScp8h5SIPVK5G2SAm5vtrv7KLKeOeYTxlZBkDRE6I7Toybt0A/viewform) | 2 - 6 Months | Decided individually | Yes |
| [Open Summer of Code](https://osoc.be/practical#Student%20applications) | 16 days | [See Timeline](https://osoc.be/practical#When) | [Yes](https://osoc.be/practical#Student%20applications) |
| [Open Mainframe Project Mentorship Program](https://www.openmainframeproject.org/projects/mentorship-program) | 3 Months | Through [GSoC or LFX](https://github.com/openmainframeproject-internship/resources/blob/master/README.md#mentorship-programs-supported) | [Yes](https://github.com/openmainframeproject-internship/resources/blob/master/README.md#resources) |
| [CNCF Mentoring Initiatives](https://github.com/cncf/mentoring) | ˜3 Months | See [Mentoring Programs](https://github.com/cncf/mentoring#mentoring-programs) | Yes |
| [X.Org Endless Vacation of Code (EVoC)](https://www.x.org/wiki/XorgEVoC/) | 3 - 4 Months | [Can be initiated anytime](https://www.x.org/wiki/XorgEVoC/) | $3000 |
| [Hyperledger Mentorship Program](https://wiki.hyperledger.org/display/INTERN/Hyperledger+Mentorship+Program) | 3 Months FT - 6 Months PT | [June 1st](https://wiki.hyperledger.org/display/INTERN/Hyperledger+Mentorship+Program) | [$3000 - $6600](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/mentee-stipends) |
| [Julia Seasons of Contributions (JSoC)](https://julialang.org/jsoc/) | - | Through [GSoC or LFX](https://github.com/openmainframeproject-internship/resources/blob/master/README.md#mentorship-programs-supported) | Yes |
| [Summer of Haskell](https://summer.haskell.org/) | 10 Weeks, ˜3 Months | [January 2021 - August 2021](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/timeline) | [$1500 - $3300](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/help/student-stipends#total_stipend_amount) |
| [24 Pull Requests](https://24pullrequests.com/about) | 1 Month | December 1st - December 24th | - |