Microsoft Explore Internship 2026 is a paid internship created for students who are just beginning their journey in computer science or engineering and want practical exposure to how software is built at Microsoft.
Unlike traditional internships that expect prior experience, the Microsoft Explore program is structured around learning. Interns spend time understanding core engineering concepts, writing production-quality code, and working closely with mentors and peers in a collaborative environment.
The program is designed to help students build confidence in software development while gaining visibility into real engineering teams, workflows, and problem-solving approaches used across Microsoft.
This article provides details on Microsoft Explore Internship application, eligibility, salary, deadline, and internship timeline, as it serves as an entry point into technical roles at Microsoft.
Quick Overview: Microsoft Explore Internship Program 2026
| Internship Name | Microsoft Explore Internship |
| Company | Microsoft |
| Internship Type | Paid internship |
| Target Students | Early-year computer science and engineering students |
| Focus Area | Software engineering fundamentals, coding, collaboration |
| Official Page | Microsoft Explore Internship |
About Microsoft Explore Internship Program
The Microsoft Explore Internship Program is a learning-focused internship designed to help students build a strong foundation in software engineering. It is intended for those who are early in their academic journey and may not yet have formal industry experience.
Explore interns work in small teams and are guided by experienced Microsoft employees. The program emphasises hands-on learning, collaboration, and exposure to real engineering problems rather than independent, role-specific tasks.
What is the Microsoft Explore Internship Program?
It is a paid internship that introduces students to software development through a structured mix of coding, design, testing, and teamwork. Interns learn how products are built end to end while developing core technical and professional skills.
Who is the Microsoft Explore Internship meant for?
The program is meant for students in the early years of a computer science or engineering degree who want guided exposure to software engineering before applying to more specialised internship roles.
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Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Microsoft Explore Internship 2026, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements defined by Microsoft for early-career students.
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
| Academic Status | Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree |
| Year of Study | First-year or second-year undergraduate students at the time of application |
| Field of Study | Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline |
| Programming Experience | Exposure to at least one programming language |
| Enrollment Status | Must be enrolled at a recognised university or college |
| Work Authorisation | Must meet legal work authorisation requirements for the country of application |
The Microsoft Explore internship is intentionally designed for students who may not yet have extensive industry experience. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection.
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What Do Microsoft Explore Interns Do?
Interns in the Mircosoft Explore program work in small, collaborative teams and learn how software products are built from start to finish. The focus is on learning by doing, with continuous guidance from mentors.
- Write and test code as part of a real Microsoft project
- Collaborate with other interns on shared engineering tasks
- Learn software design, debugging, and development workflows
- Participate in code reviews and team discussions
- Work closely with a mentor who provides regular feedback
Rather than being assigned isolated tasks, interns gain exposure to the full development process and understand how engineering teams operate at scale.
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Salary and Benefits
The Explore internship is a paid program. Compensation is designed to support Microsoft interns during the program while they focus on learning, collaboration, and project work.
Students often ask about Microsoft Explore internship salary, but Microsoft does not announce a single global stipend for the Explore program. Intern pay is determined by the location of the internship and follows local employment norms and regulations.
- Paid internship with compensation aligned to local market standards
- Access to Microsoft learning platforms and internal engineering tools
- Structured mentorship from experienced Microsoft engineers
- Hands-on exposure to real products, teams, and development workflows
Beyond pay, the Explore internship is valued for the experience it offers. Many participants use it as a pathway to future Microsoft internships or full-time engineering roles.
How Compensation Varies by Region
Instead of quoting unofficial figures, it is more useful to understand how Microsoft Explore internship salary is structured across regions.
- United States and Canada: Intern pay reflects local cost of living and market benchmarks, often structured as hourly or monthly compensation.
- Europe: Stipend follows country-specific labour laws and internship regulations, which can vary widely between regions.
- Asia-Pacific: Pay structures are determined at a country level and aligned with local employment frameworks.
- India and other emerging markets: Stipend is localised and typically differs from North American benchmarks, reflecting regional standards.
Exact stipend details are shared directly with selected candidates in their Microsoft Explore internship offer letters. Applicants should rely on official communication rather than online estimates or third-party salary claims.
Application Process
The application process for the Microsoft Explore internship is entirely through Microsoft’s official careers portal. Candidates must apply online for the specific Explore role they are eligible for.
- Visit the official Microsoft Careers website for students and search for the Explore Internship role
- Select the appropriate listing based on your location and academic eligibility
- Create or sign in to your Microsoft candidate profile
- Complete the application form with academic, personal, and basic technical details
- Upload required documents such as your resume and academic information
- Submit the application through the portal before the role closes
After submission, shortlisted candidates are contacted directly by Microsoft for the next steps, which may include assessments or interviews depending on the region.
How do I apply for the Microsoft Explore Internship Program?
You can apply by visiting the Microsoft Careers website, locating the Explore Internship role for your region, and submitting an online application through your Microsoft candidate profile.
Can I apply for the Microsoft Explore Internship without a referral?
Yes. A referral is not mandatory to apply for the Explore internship. Candidates can apply directly through the Microsoft Careers portal.
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Application Timeline
The Explore internship follows a standard Microsoft hiring flow. Exact timing varies by role and location, but the stages below are the same in most cycles.
| Stage | What happens | What you should do |
| Role opens on Microsoft Careers | The Explore listing becomes available for your region | Apply early and double-check you’re using the correct listing (first-year vs second-year, where applicable) |
| Application review | Recruiting reviews resumes and basic eligibility | Keep your resume focused on fundamentals: projects, coursework, and impact |
| Interview stage | Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews (format varies by region) | Prepare for a mix of behavioural and technical questions aligned to your current level |
| Decision and offer | Selected candidates receive an offer through official channels | Review role details, location, start date, and compensation as stated in the offer |
| Pre-onboarding | Paperwork and joining steps are completed before the start date | Complete documents on time and respond quickly to recruiter requests |
| Internship start | You join and begin onboarding with your team and mentor | Clarify goals for the first two weeks and align on how feedback will work |
When should you apply for the Microsoft Explore internship?
Apply as soon as the Explore role opens for your region. Listings can close once enough applications are received, even before a public “deadline” is highlighted.
FAQs on Microsoft Explore Internship Program 2026
đź”˝ Who is the Microsoft Explore internship meant for?
The Explore internship is designed for students in the early years of a computer science or engineering degree who want a structured introduction to software engineering.
đź”˝ Is prior internship experience required for Microsoft Explore?
No. The program is learning-focused and does not require prior industry internship experience.
đź”˝ Is the Microsoft Explore internship paid?
Yes. The Explore internship is a paid program. Compensation varies by location and is shared in the official offer letter.
đź”˝ How long is the Microsoft Explore internship?
Internship duration varies by region and hiring cycle. The exact duration is mentioned in the individual job listing on Microsoft Careers.
đź”˝ Is the Microsoft Explore internship available in India?
The Explore internship may be offered in India in some hiring cycles. Availability depends on business requirements and is confirmed only through official Microsoft Careers listings.
đź”˝ Do I need a referral to apply for the Explore internship?
No. A referral is not mandatory. Students can apply directly through the Microsoft Careers portal.
đź”˝ Does completing Explore help with future Microsoft roles?
Many students use the Explore internship as a foundation for future Microsoft internships or engineering roles, though conversion is not guaranteed.
