The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. We accomplish our mission by providing objective and reliable information and analysis to the Congress, to federal agencies, and to the public, and recommending improvements, when appropriate, on a wide variety of issues to make government work better.
This vacancy is for Fall internship positions. The anticipated start dates begin in August 2026.
Summary
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. We accomplish our mission by providing objective and reliable information and analysis to the Congress, to federal agencies, and to the public, and recommending improvements, when appropriate, on a wide variety of issues to make government work better.
This vacancy is for Fall internship positions. The anticipated start dates begin in August 2026.
This announcement is open to current students enrolled in an accredited educational institution or certificate program at least half-time, leading to a degree or graduate/professional certification.
As a GAO Graduate Intern (Management and Program Analysis), you will work within one of GAO's Chief Administrative Offices or Staff Office to increase your knowledge, skills, and abilities. The work assignments may involve any of the following tasks:
Works on assigned, structured segments of projects
Uses analytical techniques collect, research, and develop data-based findings and conclusions related to projects.
Participates in providing recommendations for alternative solutions for problems targeted by projects.
Uses office automation software to produce and prepare various materials such as spreadsheets, plans, procedures, memoranda, letters, charts, databases, and presentations
Edits or drafts documents to ensure accuracy and clarity and correct formatting, grammar, and spelling for inter-office written products.
Contributes to team efforts through participation in activities/meetings, soliciting and listening to others' opinions, and working collaboratively to accomplish team goals.
We have 16 operations and staff offices that work to support the agency's mission teams and Executive Committee, Congress, and the American people. For detailed information regarding the Operational and Staff offices at GAO, please click here. Note: At the time of application, you will be provided with additional descriptors of the specific offices that are seeking student trainees positions. Please review each descriptions before making your desired selection. Office preferences are not guaranteed.
This position is a temporary excepted service appointment, Not-To- Exceed (NTE) for one year with the possibility of being extended for an addition year.
Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
Must provide all transcripts/proof of enrollment/acceptance, and/or current class schedule in an accredited degree program throughout the duration of the internship.
You MUST complete a minimum of 400 hours to be considered for conversion after your degree has been conferred.
Qualifications
All qualification requirements must be met by the start of the internship. To qualify for the GS-7 level, you must be enrolled in a graduate or equivalent degree seeking program, and meet one of the following criteria:
You must have completed between 18 to 35 semester hours or 27 to 53 quarter hours of graduate level education; OR
You must possess a Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (defined below).
Superior Academic Achievement: Superior academic achievement (SAA) recognizes individuals who have achieved superior academic standing. S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses. Grade-point average (G.P.A.)-- Applicants must have a grade-point average of: a.3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum. To qualify for the GS-9 level, you must be enrolled in a graduate or equivalent degree seeking program, and meet one of the following criteria:
You must have completed 36 or more semester hours or 54 or more quarter hours of graduate level education; OR
You must possess a Master's Degree or equivalent Graduate degree.
NOTE: You must be a current student enrolled in an graduate program seeking a degree from an accredited educational institution on a full or half-time basis. If at any point during the internship (and for any reason) your status as a student changes to that of a non-student, your internship will be terminated.
Education
All applicants must submit their academic transcripts in order to be eligible. The transcripts may be unofficial or official and must show your status as a student, as well as support your educational claim.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog
Additional information
GAO student intern positions are temporary appointments and may last up to one year, at the agency's discretion, with the possbility of an extension for an additional year. Student Interns on a temporary appointment may NOT be promoted; may NOT be converted to a new appointment at a higher grade; and is not eligible for within grade increases.
This position is NOT in the bargaining unit. This position does NOT have promotion potential.
Student interns may have an opportunity for a permanent position based on a successful intern experience (completion of a minimum of 400 hours) and successful completion of degree requirements. The ability to convert to a permanent position is contingent upon budgetary conditions and staffing needs at the time of eligibility.
Applicants who are selected for this position will be required to provide an official transcript on the day of your orientation or within 3 business days after orientation. This transcript must show that you meet the education requirements for the GS-7 or GS-9 grade level, and that you are currently enrolled through at least December 2026. Failure to meet the requirements or provide the transcript will result in termination of your internship.
Form I-9, Employment Verification and the Electronic Eligibility Verification Program - GAO participates in the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers. If selected, the Form I-9 will be required at the time of in-processing. Click here for more information about E-Verify and to obtain a copy of the Form I-9.
Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying to a job.
OPTION FOR ADDITIONAL SELECTIONS: Based on the staffing needs, additional selections may be made through this vacancy announcement.
You MAY be required to file a financial disclosure report. Travel and relocation expenses will NOT be paid for by the GAO.
Selectees will be required to complete questions contained on the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) at the time a tentative job offer is made. If selected, at the time of appointment, selectees will be required to update the OF-306.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: GAO provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees (and interns) with disabilities. To request an accommodation, please email ReasonableAccommodations@gao.gov.
If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office's policy is to provide equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The questionnaire will assess your qualifications for the job. If you meet all of the qualification requirements, your application will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. All applicants will be rated based on their responses to the assessment questions and the essay question. Please make sure that your responses to the assessment questions are supported in your resume. Follow all instructions carefully as incomplete answers, errors, or omissions may affect your rating. Your rating will be invalid if you fail to include a narrative reply to any assessment question(s) that requires further explanation or your reply is "see resume."
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Oral Communication
Research
Self-Management
Teamwork
Writing
Veterans' preference applies to this vacancy. The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. For more information regarding veterans' preference please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted to our automated system by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Resume - must be no more than two pages in length; resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Resume should include applicants' name, email address, phone number, relevant work/volunteer experience, education and training. Include the start and end dates (from month/year to month/year), work schedule (e.g. part or full-time), the number of hours per week worked/volunteered, job title and description of duties performed. Education/Certification/Licensure when relevant or required for position. See Guidance for Applicants on 2-Page Resume and visit the USAJOBS Help Center for more information.
Transcripts, if applicable and you are qualifying based on education. See the Qualification and Education sections of this announcement for more information. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable: The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three," but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent or higher will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).
To claim 5-point preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
To claim 10-point preference, submit the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference)AND all required documentation outlined on the form to support your claim (e.g., DD-214, official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs, etc.). If we cannot verify your 10-point preference claim, your application will be reviewed for 5-point preference.
To claim 10-point derived preference (i.e., spouses, widows, widowers or mothers of veterans), submit a completed SF-15andall required documentation listed on the SF-15 to support your claim.
To claim 0-point Sole Survivorship preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation showing that your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
For all preference claims:
DD-214 must show the dates of service, type of discharge, and any qualifying service campaign medals.
If you are currently on active duty and applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must provide a certification on letterhead from your military branch which contains your military service dates, expected date of discharge or release, and the character of service to show that your military service was performed under honorable conditions. The expected date of discharge or release must be no later than 120 days after the certification is submitted for consideration for this vacancy announcement.
4. Other Qualification Documentation (e.g. certificates, certifications, etc.), if applicable.See the Qualification section of this announcement for more information.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Government Accountability Office
Human Capital Office
441 G Street NW
Washington, DC 20548
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email.
Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. Applicants who are determined to be "best-qualified" may be contacted for an interview.
GAO may contact applicants to determine the most appropriate method for conducting the virtual interview. If you do not meet the key requirements, basic qualifications or fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered.
You can check the status of your application at any time through your personal USAJOBS account.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted to our automated system by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Resume - must be no more than two pages in length; resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Resume should include applicants' name, email address, phone number, relevant work/volunteer experience, education and training. Include the start and end dates (from month/year to month/year), work schedule (e.g. part or full-time), the number of hours per week worked/volunteered, job title and description of duties performed. Education/Certification/Licensure when relevant or required for position. See Guidance for Applicants on 2-Page Resume and visit the USAJOBS Help Center for more information.
Transcripts, if applicable and you are qualifying based on education. See the Qualification and Education sections of this announcement for more information. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable: The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three," but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent or higher will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).
To claim 5-point preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
To claim 10-point preference, submit the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference)AND all required documentation outlined on the form to support your claim (e.g., DD-214, official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs, etc.). If we cannot verify your 10-point preference claim, your application will be reviewed for 5-point preference.
To claim 10-point derived preference (i.e., spouses, widows, widowers or mothers of veterans), submit a completed SF-15andall required documentation listed on the SF-15 to support your claim.
To claim 0-point Sole Survivorship preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation showing that your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
For all preference claims:
DD-214 must show the dates of service, type of discharge, and any qualifying service campaign medals.
If you are currently on active duty and applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must provide a certification on letterhead from your military branch which contains your military service dates, expected date of discharge or release, and the character of service to show that your military service was performed under honorable conditions. The expected date of discharge or release must be no later than 120 days after the certification is submitted for consideration for this vacancy announcement.
4. Other Qualification Documentation (e.g. certificates, certifications, etc.), if applicable.See the Qualification section of this announcement for more information.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Government Accountability Office
Human Capital Office
441 G Street NW
Washington, DC 20548
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email.
Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. Applicants who are determined to be "best-qualified" may be contacted for an interview.
GAO may contact applicants to determine the most appropriate method for conducting the virtual interview. If you do not meet the key requirements, basic qualifications or fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered.
You can check the status of your application at any time through your personal USAJOBS account.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
