How to Negotiate Your Internship Stipend (Yes, You Can!)
Most students accept the first offer without negotiating. Here's how to professionally ask for more—without jeopardizing your opportunity.
Negotiation Statistics
The idea of negotiating your internship stipend can be intimidating. Many students worry about seeming greedy or losing the offer entirely. But with the right approach, you can professionally advocate for yourself—and often succeed.
This guide will walk you through the exact process, with scripts and templates you can use.
1. Can You Actually Negotiate an Internship Stipend?
Short answer: Yes, in many cases.
When Negotiation Is Possible
- Startups and smaller companies (more flexibility)
- Non-campus placements (direct applications)
- Roles requiring specialized skills (data science, ML, etc.)
- When you have competing offers
- Extended internships (6+ months)
When Negotiation Is Harder
- Large corporate campus programs (fixed stipends)
- Government/PSU internships (standardized pay)
- Mass hiring programs
2. Know Your Market Value
Knowledge is power. Before negotiating, understand what's normal for your role and location.
Indian Internship Stipend Ranges (2025)
| Industry/Role | Average Stipend | High End |
|---|---|---|
| Software Development | ₹15,000 - ₹40,000/month | ₹80,000+ |
| Data Science/ML | ₹20,000 - ₹50,000/month | ₹1,00,000+ |
| Marketing | ₹8,000 - ₹20,000/month | ₹35,000+ |
| Finance | ₹15,000 - ₹35,000/month | ₹60,000+ |
| Content/Writing | ₹5,000 - ₹15,000/month | ₹25,000+ |
| Design (UI/UX) | ₹12,000 - ₹30,000/month | ₹50,000+ |
Research Resources
- Glassdoor/AmbitionBox: Search "[Company] internship"
- LinkedIn: Ask connections who've interned at similar companies
- College seniors: Ask recent graduates about their internship pay
- Internshala/LetsIntern: Browse similar listings for ranges
3. Timing Is Everything
✅ Best Time to Negotiate
After you have a written offer, but before you've accepted it. This is when you have maximum leverage.
⚠️ Okay to Negotiate
During final interview stages when they ask about salary expectations.
❌ Too Late
After you've already accepted the offer in writing. The deal is done.
Golden rule: Never negotiate before you have an offer. Don't bring up money until they've decided they want you.
4. Build Your Case
Negotiation isn't about what you want—it's about demonstrating your value. Here's how to build leverage:
Strong Leverage Points
- Competing offers: "I have another offer at ₹X, but I prefer your company because..."
- Relevant experience: Previous internships, significant projects
- Specialized skills: Machine learning, cloud certifications, rare tech stacks
- Strong interview performance: They know you're valuable if interviews went well
- Market data: "Similar roles at comparable companies pay ₹X..."
Weak or Risky Arguments
- ❌ "I need more money for rent" (personal expenses aren't their concern)
- ❌ "My friend got more at another company" (vague, unverifiable)
- ❌ "I deserve it" without justification
- ❌ Threatening to walk away (unless you're truly willing to)
5. The Conversation
Key Principles
- Express enthusiasm first: Make it clear you want the role
- Be collaborative, not adversarial: Frame it as working together
- Be specific: Ask for a specific number or range
- Give them time: Don't demand an immediate answer
- Be gracious regardless: Accept the outcome professionally
Sample Script (Phone/Call)
"Hi [Name], thank you so much for the offer! I'm really excited about the opportunity to work with [Company] on [specific project/team].
I did want to discuss the stipend. Based on my research of similar roles and my experience with [specific skill/project], I was hoping we could discuss a stipend closer to ₹[X].
Is there any flexibility on the compensation?"
If They Say No
Accept graciously. The goal was to try, not to win at all costs:
"I completely understand. I appreciate you considering it. I'm still very excited about this opportunity and would love to accept the offer as-is."
6. Email Templates
Template 1: Simple Negotiation Request
Subject: Re: Internship Offer - [Your Name]
Dear [Recruiter Name],
Thank you so much for the internship offer for the [Role] position. I'm genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company] and work on [specific area].
Before I formally accept, I wanted to discuss the stipend. Based on my research of similar roles and my relevant experience in [skill/project], I was hoping we could explore a stipend of ₹[Y] per month.
I understand there may be constraints, and I'm certainly open to discussing this further. Please let me know if there's any flexibility.
Looking forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Template 2: With Competing Offer
Subject: Re: Internship Offer Discussion
Dear [Recruiter Name],
Thank you for extending the offer for the [Role] internship. [Company] is my first choice because of [genuine reason - team, product, culture].
I want to be transparent: I've also received another offer with a stipend of ₹[X]. While compensation isn't my primary factor, I wanted to check if there's any possibility of matching or getting closer to that figure.
I'm happy to discuss this further or provide any additional information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
7. Beyond Money: What Else to Negotiate
If they can't budge on stipend, consider negotiating other valuable benefits:
🏠 Work Flexibility
- • Remote work options
- • Flexible hours
- • Compressed work week
📚 Learning & Development
- • Conference attendance
- • Online course budget
- • Certification reimbursement
💼 Experience
- • Work on specific projects
- • Mentorship from senior staff
- • Cross-team exposure
🚗 Practical Benefits
- • Transport allowance
- • Housing stipend
- • Meal allowance
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Negotiating Too Early
Wait until you have an offer in hand. Bringing up money before they've decided they want you weakens your position.
❌ Being Aggressive or Demanding
Negotiation is collaborative. Aggressive tactics can cost you the offer entirely.
❌ Not Having a Number Ready
Know exactly what you want to ask for. Vague requests like "more" aren't effective.
❌ Lying About Competing Offers
If caught, you'll lose the offer and damage your reputation. Only mention real offers.
❌ Burning Bridges If They Say No
Accept graciously. The experience matters too, and you might convert to full-time.
Negotiation Checklist
Conclusion: Always Ask
The worst they can say is no—and most employers respect candidates who professionally advocate for themselves. Negotiation is a valuable career skill that will serve you throughout your professional life.
Even if you don't succeed this time, you've practiced asserting your value. That's a win in itself.
Know your worth. Ask for it professionally. Accept the outcome gracefully. 💰
📚 Related Resources
Written by Sproutern Career Team
Our team has coached thousands of students through salary negotiations, helping them secure better offers across industries.
Last updated: October 1, 2025