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Free letter template · Word

Unpaid Internship Letter

An unpaid internship letter offers a learning-focused internship without a stipend, usually for academic credit. Because there is no pay, the letter puts learning objectives, limited hours and mentor support at the centre and avoids treating the intern as unpaid labour.

  • Editable Word (.docx)
  • Made for India
  • 18 fill-in fields highlighted
  • Free, no sign-up

Preview of the letter

[Highlighted] = fill in
[Company Logo][Company Name]

UNPAID INTERNSHIP LETTER

Ref. No.:
[Reference Number]
Date:
[Date]

To,
[Intern Name]
[College / University Name]
[Intern Address]

Subject: Academic Internship (Unpaid) with [Company Name]

Dear [Intern Name],

With reference to the request from [College / University Name], we are glad to offer you an unpaid academic internship in our [Department] from [Start Date] to [End Date].

Learning objectives

  1. [Learning Objective 1]
  2. [Learning Objective 2]
  3. [Learning Objective 3]

Terms

  1. Hours: Not more than [Daily Hours] hours a day, [Working Days].
  2. Mentor: [Mentor Name] will guide your learning and share feedback each week. Your faculty guide is [Faculty Guide Name].
  3. Stipend: This internship carries no stipend or salary and is offered for learning and academic credit only.
  4. Expenses: Pre-approved local travel and material costs incurred for internship tasks will be reimbursed.
  5. Evaluation: Your mentor will complete the college evaluation form at the end of the internship.
  6. Certificate: You will receive a certificate describing the work you completed.
  7. Status: The internship is not employment and does not include a job offer.
  8. Conduct and confidentiality: You will follow company rules and the POSH policy and keep information confidential.

Please sign a copy of this letter and bring your college ID on the first day.

Yours sincerely,

For [Company Name]
[Authorised Signatory]
[Designation]
Accepted
[Intern Name]
Signature: ____________
Date: [Date]

What this template includes

  • Learning objectives agreed with the college
  • Limited daily hours
  • Mentor support and feedback
  • Reimbursement of approved expenses
  • Academic evaluation and certificate
  • Statement that no stipend or employment is involved

When to use it

  • Short academic internships for course credit
  • NGO or research internships with a learning focus
  • Job-shadowing programmes for students
  • Internships of a few weeks with limited hours

How to customise this template

  1. 1Write three to four learning objectives
  2. 2Keep hours reasonable for a student
  3. 3Mention the faculty guide if the college requires one
  4. 4Add reimbursement for local travel if possible

HR tips

  • Do not use unpaid interns to replace paid staff
  • Keep internships short when unpaid
  • Reimburse out-of-pocket costs
  • Give a meaningful certificate describing work done

This template is a starting point only for training-only internships. Review it against applicable labour laws (including the Labour Codes in force from 21 November 2025 and the state rules being notified), your Shops & Establishments registration, standing orders and company policies, and take advice from a legal adviser where needed.

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Frequently asked questions

Are unpaid internships legal in India?+

Training-focused internships without stipend are common, especially for academic credit. Avoid using unpaid interns for regular productive work that should be paid.

Should expenses be reimbursed for unpaid interns?+

It is good practice to reimburse approved work-related expenses such as local travel.

Can an unpaid intern be made a paid intern later?+

Yes. Issue a fresh paid internship letter if the scope or duration increases.