Offering the potential to gain hands-on experience, earn competitive pay, and unlock networking opportunities with top industry leaders, internships are an essential launchpad for business school students.

For those aspiring to build careers with some of the world's most dynamic and renowned companies, Vault’s annual ranking of the Most Prestigious Internships provides valuable insights into the best places to gain experience and a boost to their future career prospects.

The 2026 Vault ranking reflects a wide range of industries, from tech and finance to government and sports, with each program offering unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. While the list spans a range of functions and includes areas like animation and engineering, the majority of the internships included are in divisions typically of interest to business school students.

Some of the top companies included in the list include consultancies such as McKinsey, sports associations such as the NBA, and tech companies including Google, Apple, and Microsoft—all highly popular firms among business school students.

To compile its list, each year Vault surveys thousands of both current and former interns, quizzing them on how they would rate their own internship experience as well as the prestige of other employers. Each company is then attributed a score out of 10, with the highest scores earning a spot among the list of the most prestigious internships. 

So, here’s a closer look at the best internships when it comes to prestige, and what sets them apart, according to Vault.

Best internships for 2026: Vault

25. KPMG Internship Program

2025 Ranking: 27

Coming 25th in Vault’s ranking is KPMG, one of the Big Four accounting firms, which scored 8.037. KPMG interns are each paired with an individual mentor, and will receive professional training to develop business skills across a range of professional services including audit, tax, advisory, and business support.

Past interns say their time at KPMG provided “an immersive experience that allowed you to meet mentors as well as other interns,” and acted as “a great way to learn about life at a Big Four firm.”

24. PwC Strategy & Summer Internship Program

2025 Ranking: 28

The accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) rose four places to 24th in the 2026 list, with a score of 8.049. PwC offers a range of internships focused on leadership experience, client services, and on-the-job training.

There is also a specific MBA internship available, where students interact with senior-level clients, manage team tasks, create solutions and methodologies, and help develop proposals and thought leadership. Interns are assigned to client projects and work alongside specialists in their chosen business area, with graduate-level responsibilities.

Past interns say there is “plenty of opportunity to network within and outside of the firm” and that PwC puts “a big emphasis on bringing your whole, true, authentic self to work every day.”

23. Bank of America Internship

2025 Ranking: 30

The Bank of America internship program made a leap from 30th place in 2025 to 23rd in 2026, scoring 8.080. Internship programs are available across all areas of the bank, including consumer and commercial banking, technology, small business, investment banking, and wealth and risk management.

Bank of America also has programs specifically for underserved groups, including women, LGBTQ+, minorities, and veterans. Employment rates for interns are high, as around three-quarters are hired for full-time positions once they graduate.

22. The World Bank Internship

2025 Ranking: 26

The World Bank broke into Vault's top 25 best internships for prestige in 2026, with a score of 8.115. Its Bank Internship program, designed for graduate students, immerses students into the company through its five internal institutions, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IDA), the International Development Association (IDA), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The program is well-suited to those with an interest in finance, and interns will be surrounded by a team of financial gurus, bankers, and political experts.

21. Bain & Company Summer Associate Program

2025 Ranking: 21

For the 2026 list, Bain maintained its position in 21st, scoring 8.198. One of the Big Three consulting firms, Bain offers internships that immerse students in consulting projects with close mentorship, offering one of the more traditional post-business school pathways on this list.

Through real casework, interns gain a thorough understanding of a client’s operations, industry, and the business challenges it faces. From participating in board meetings to team meetings, interns will get a first-hand look at every side of life at the consulting company.

READ: Bain Consultant Salary | What Could You Earn At Bain & Company?

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20. Netflix Internship Programs

2025 Ranking: 22

Netflix rose by two places for the 2026 ranking, landing in the top 20 most prestigious internships with a score of 8.213. This 12-week program is a great fit for business school students, with roles in operations, marketing, machine learning, data science, and software engineering—giving interns a firsthand look at the company’s unique culture and commitment to storytelling and innovation.

19. Deloitte LLP Internship

2024 Ranking: 19

As one of the Big Four consulting firms, Deloitte stayed at 19th in the list of the best internships for 2026, with a score of 8.266. Deloitte interns gain experience in technology, business, finance, human capital, social change, or innovation. They work on real client projects and gain insights into Deloitte’s wide-reaching impact.

The program is ideal for students with strong analytical skills and a desire to solve complex business challenges.

18. Intel Internship Program

2025 Ranking: 16

In this ranking of the best internships according to prestige, Intel came 18th, scoring 8.267 overall. One for the more technically-minded, Intel’s program offers interns responsibility on impactful projects in hardware, software, and AI development.

Interns earn many of the benefits available to full-time employees, including real-world experience with leading-edge technologies, competitive salaries, networking with Intel managers and executives, access to Intel University classes for professional and personal development, and consideration for full-time employment after graduation.

17. Bloomberg Global Summer Internship Program

2025 Ranking: 15

Within the Vault list, Bloomberg dropped two places from 15th to 17th in 2026, scoring 8.268. This program is popular among finance and tech students, who gain experience in areas including analytics and sales, customer support, engineering, and global data.

After training, interns start contributing to projects immediately. Managers will give constructive feedback and career advice throughout, and interns also have access to work seminars and cultural and philanthropic events.

16. Amazon Internship Program

2025 Ranking: 20

Big tech company Amazon rose by four places for this year's list to rank 16th overall, with a score of 8.336. At Amazon, interns take on complex and challenging projects that directly contribute to Amazon’s customer-centric goals and impact customers.

The internship consists of a strategic project that is data intensive, analytical, centered on a real business issue, and representative of a full-time role. Interns will have ownership of a high-profile project where they will partner with key business groups and clients.

15. Dow Jones Internship

2025 Ranking: 17

Dow Jones came 15th in this list of the best internships to start your career, with a score of 8.361. Known for its news and media opportunities, this program is tailored for students interested in media. Business school students who are interested can find opportunities to join a team such as marketing, HR, or technology with other students as well as team professionals.

At the end of the summer, intern teams take on a summer business competition where they create a solution for a pressing issue and present their results to real Dow Jones executives.

14. SpaceX Internship Program

2025 Ranking: 11

When it comes to the best and most prestigious internships, SpaceX ranks 14th this year with a score of 8.390. Known for innovation in aerospace, SpaceX offers a high-intensity environment where interns gain real-world engineering experience, from rocket design to launch preparation.

Interns will be tasked with taking on direct roles in major projects, including the design, development, testing, and manufacture of spaceflight technology. For b-school students, there are also opportunities to participate in the company’s day-to-day business operations. SpaceX also has a good track record for hiring interns.

13. Berkshire Hathaway Internship Program

2025 Ranking: 13

Maintaining its position in 13th with a score of 8.523, Berkshire Hathaway’s internship appeals to students interested in business strategy and corporate management. The company offers internships for a range of different functions, including accounting and finance, actuarial science, claim operation, marketing, IT systems and programming, legal, and underwriting.

While working alongside top professionals in these areas, interns gain insight into the operations of a major holding company.

12. McKinsey Summer Associate Program

2025 Ranking: 14

Typically one of the most popular companies among business school students, McKinsey rose two places in 2026, with a score of 8.593.

Known for its rigorous, high-impact projects, McKinsey’s internship provides students with valuable consulting experience. The Summer Associate program is specifically designed for MBA students, where they will work on challenging client cases, honing skills in analysis, communication, and strategy.

Past associates say their time at McKinsey offered “unparalleled opportunity” to "engage with clients, build out deliverables, [and] brainstorm with partners" in a company whose name "opens up basically every door in the world".

11. IBM Internship Program

2025 Ranking: 9

In the 2026 best internships list, IBM ranked 11th with a score of 8.660. IBM’s global reach allows students to join a network of scientists, engineers, and business professionals, while engaging in real projects and developing relevant professional and scientific skills through internship programs in cybersecurity, strategy, and analyst roles.

10. BlackRock Summer Analyst Program

2024 Ranking: 10

BlackRock’s highly prestigious program lands in the top 10 again this year with a score of 8.760. This internship is ideal for finance enthusiasts, offering an eight-week deep dive into asset management and investment. Interns will have real-world responsibilities throughout the summer, in addition to professional development, networking, and social events.

Interns gain valuable experience and develop key skills for financial careers, making this an ideal program for financially-minded b-school students.

9. Meta Internship Programs

2025 Ranking: 12

Meta’s internship scored 8.788 in the list of most prestigious internships for 2026, claiming a spot in the top 10. As a leader in social networking technology, Meta provides interns with opportunities to contribute in a number of areas such as electro-mechanicals, computational imaging, and research. The program is fast-paced and focuses on hands-on learning, problem solving, and networking with some of the top minds in tech.

8. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Internship

2025 Ranking: 6

The CIA falls slightly in 2026 with a score of 8.856, but its internship offers an unmatched experience for students interested in intelligence and national security. The program encourages diverse skill sets, giving interns a chance to dive into real intelligence issues and develop solutions through a number of possible roles suited to interested business school students, including analytic methodologist and leadership analyst.

7. Morgan Stanley Summer Analyst & Associate Internship Programs

2025 Ranking: 8

Morgan Stanley scored 8.862 in 2026, rising one place from last year. Interns at Morgan Stanley gain exposure across fields like technology, investment banking, and wealth management, with flexible programs designed to match individual career interests.

6. J.P. Morgan Internship Programs

2025 Ranking: 7

With a score of 8.914, JP Morgan’s programs continue to offer an immersive experience. Interns are exposed to a range of career opportunities within the firm, combining hands-on work with training, networking, and building relationships with senior leaders with the global financial powerhouse.

The bank hires most of the full-time analysts and associates from its intern class, so interns may find themselves returning to school with a full-time offer.

5. Microsoft Engineering Internships

2025 Ranking: 4

Microsoft’s internship program holds steady in the top five most prestigious internship programs according to Vault, with a score of 9.115. Known today for its ambitious goals in cloud and AI technologies, Microsoft offers interns the opportunity to engage in critical work and exciting projects, guided by mentors from across the Microsoft team.

4. Goldman Sachs Global Summer Internship

2025 Ranking: 5

Goldman Sachs continues to rank highly among the best internships, rising from fifth place last year to fourth and earning a score of 9.139. Interns in this program gain a front-row seat to financial innovation, with hands-on experience through the company’s Summer Associate program, designed for students studying advanced degrees including MBA programs. Interns will receive division-specific training and join the team on real, meaningful projects.

Goldman’s internship prioritizes professional development opportunities and high exposure to financial markets, making it a great fit for business school students looking to kickstart their careers in finance.

Best internships for 2026: Top 3 

3. Apple Summer Internship Program

2025 Ranking: 3

Within Vault's 2026 list, Apple secured third place for the second year running, achieving an overall score of 9.208. Apple interns are valued as essential team members and encouraged to bring innovative ideas to the table. The program aligns with the firm's culture of excellence, pushing interns to achieve their full potential while contributing to cutting-edge projects.

Apple emphasizes collaboration and networking and there are programs available in business, marketing, and financial development—ideal fits for b-school students looking to enter the technology sector—as well as software or hardware engineering.

2. Google Internship Program

2025 Ranking: 2

Google’s internship program scored 9.415, earning it a spot as the second most prestigious internship for the third year in a row. Internship positions at Google range across areas, from software engineering to sales, finance, HR, and advertising.

The various programs are fast-paced and interns get all the Google perks—company lectures, a mentor, intern events (such as a night at the theater, rock-climbing, bowling, or a cruise), and continuous training during their stay at the Googleplex.

1. NASA OSTEM Internship Program

2025 Ranking: 1

With a Vault score of 9.426, NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) internship remains the gold standard for those looking to take part in the best internships for 2026. The program offers students the chance to work directly with NASA engineers and scientists.

NASA’s OSTEM internship builds on the agency's unique missions and programs to expand and diversify the future STEM workforce. Whether remote or on-site, interns dive into real-world STEM challenges that foster innovative problem-solving skills and prepare them for advanced careers in science and technology.