Stipend Increase Request Letter for Interns

When and how to use this letter

Time this request after you have completed at least two to three months and have concrete contributions to show. A request in the first few weeks reads as premature, while one backed by months of solid work reads as earned. Address it to your direct supervisor rather than HR, since supervisors recommend stipend changes and HR merely processes them.

Frame the request around the value you deliver, not just your expenses. Mention the responsibilities you have taken on, the quality of your output, and any initiative you have shown. It is fine to mention commuting or living costs briefly, but the core of your case should be your contribution. Keep the tone humble and appreciative; you are asking as a learner who has proven useful, not as an entitled employee.

If a stipend increase is not possible, ask about alternatives such as a completion bonus, a strong recommendation letter, or a pre-placement offer discussion. One non-obvious tip: request the increase alongside a performance review conversation rather than as a standalone demand. Supervisors find it much easier to say yes when the raise is the natural conclusion of a positive review.

Whatever the outcome, thank your supervisor for considering the request and continue delivering strong work. Internships are extended interviews, and the impression you leave matters more than any single month's stipend. Many interns who handle this conversation well receive pre-placement offers.

Frequently asked questions

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