Can You Do SIWES Online or Remotely? What Schools Accept

Quick summary:

Sometimes, but only if your school's SIWES unit approves it first. SIWES is designed as physical work in an organisation, so many schools still expect you to be on site. Remote placements are most likely to be accepted for courses like Computer Science, IT and Software Engineering, when the company is real, gives you real work, and a named supervisor will sign your logbook and forms.

More students now ask about remote SIWES or online SIWES, especially in tech. Some companies work fully remote and are happy to take interns. The question is not whether a company will take you online. It is whether your school will accept it.

What SIWES expects

SIWES is meant to give you practical experience in a real working environment. Your school and the ITF usually expect:

• an organisation with an address
• a supervisor who watches your work and signs your logbook
• visits from a school supervisor
• ITF forms completed by the employer

A fully remote placement can make visits and supervision harder, which is why some schools say no.

When remote SIWES may be accepted

Your chances are better if:

• your course is Computer Science, IT, Software Engineering, Data Science or Cybersecurity, where the work is done on a computer anyway
• the company is registered (CAC) and has a real office address, even if staff work remotely
• you will have a named supervisor with a work email and phone number
• the company will sign your acceptance letter, logbook and ITF forms
• your SIWES unit approves it in writing before you start

When it is likely to be rejected

• Courses that need labs, sites, hospitals or workshops (most sciences, engineering, health courses)
• "Internships" that are really unpaid online courses or bootcamps
• Companies with no address, no registration or no supervisor
• Placements where you pay to join

If a "remote internship" asks you to pay, treat it as a red flag. See how to spot fake adverts.

How to ask your school

1. Go to your SIWES coordinator before you accept the offer.
2. Bring the company's details: name, address, CAC number, website, and your supervisor's contact.
3. Explain what work you will do and how your supervisor will check it.
4. Ask whether they accept remote, hybrid (part remote, part on site) or only on-site training.
5. If they agree, get the approval in writing or in an official message.

A middle option: hybrid

Many schools are more comfortable with hybrid placements. You go to the office some days and work from home on others. This keeps the supervisor relationship and makes school visits possible.

Keeping your logbook valid

If you work remotely:

• Fill your logbook every day, like any other student. The MonoEd SIWES Logbook helps you turn your work notes into proper entries.
• Keep evidence: screenshots of your work, task boards, commits, or emails assigning tasks.
• Arrange how your supervisor will sign the logbook, for example by visiting the office every two weeks.
• Be ready to show your school supervisor what you did.

Not sure? Look for on-site options too

Apply to a few on-site companies at the same time, in case your school says no. The SIWES Finder lists organisations that take Computer Science and IT students, by state.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is online SIWES allowed in Nigeria?

It depends on your school. Some schools accept remote or hybrid placements, especially for tech courses. Others only accept physical placements. Ask your SIWES coordinator before you start.

Can I do SIWES with a foreign company online?

Only if your school approves it and the company can complete your logbook and forms. Many schools prefer Nigerian organisations they can contact.

Will the ITF pay my allowance if I do SIWES remotely?

The ITF allowance depends on your school submitting your documents correctly. A remote placement your school did not approve may cause problems. See do SIWES students get paid?

Is an online course the same as SIWES?

No. A course teaches you. SIWES is work experience in an organisation, under a supervisor.

How do I get my logbook signed if I work remotely?

Agree a schedule with your supervisor, for example visiting the office every week or two. Do not wait until the end to get everything signed at once.