The Unpaid Internship Agreement template provides a clear, legally sound framework for defining the relationship between an intern and an organization when the internship is unpaid. It's designed to protect both parties while ensuring the intern gains valuable learning experience and the organization maintains professional standards.
Key Elements of this Unpaid Internship Agreement Template
- Scope & Learning Objectives
Define what the intern will do, what skills or knowledge they'll gain, the expectations for projects, supervision, and feedback. - Duration & Schedule
Specify start and end dates, weekly hours, timeline of tasks or milestones — making sure both sides understand the time commitment. - Nature of the Relationship
Clarifies that this is an unpaid arrangement, not an employment contract. No payroll, benefits, or implied employment status. Helps avoid misunderstandings or legal issues. - Confidentiality & Intellectual Property
Protects proprietary information: any confidential materials the intern accesses remain the organization’s property; defines whether work produced is owned by the organization. - Termination Conditions
Outlines how either party can end the agreement early — with what advance notice, for what reason, etc. - Governing Legal Terms
Covers applicable law, dispute resolution, academic credit (if relevant), and integration with institutional requirements if the intern is doing this for school/university.
Why Use This Template
- Clarity & Professionalism — Setting clear expectations from the outset helps avoid conflicts down the line.
- Legal Protection — Helps ensure both parties are protected, especially in jurisdictions where unpaid internships may carry legal risks.
- Standardized Format — MS Word (or equivalent) template means you can edit to your organization’s specs (names, dates, jurisdiction, roles).
- Flexible & Adaptable — Useful across industries (nonprofits, startups, corporations), and customizable for specific requirements.
How to Use
- Download the template and open in Word or compatible editor.
- Fill in specific details: company name, intern name, start/end dates, duties, jurisdiction, etc.
- Review with legal counsel (if necessary), especially if your region has specific laws about unpaid internships.
- Share with the intern ahead of time — it’s best if both have space to read, ask questions, and suggest edits.
- Sign (physically or digitally) before the internship begins.
Who This is For
- Employers & Organizations offering unpaid internships (startups, nonprofits, businesses).
- Educational Institutions helping students secure internships.
- Interns wanting to ensure their learning experience is structured and the agreement is fair.
