Yes, you need a cover letter for an internship. Many employers still prefer that candidates submit a cover letter for an internship, even if it’s not stated as a requirement.
Including a cover letter with your internship application gives you an opportunity to highlight your passion for the role and important details about your experience, academic career, and skills.
Explaining your qualifications is especially important when applying for internships because you likely don’t have much experience yet. When employers view your application, they use your cover letter to decide whether you’d be a good fit.
Additionally, because many applicants don’t include a cover letter when applying for an internship, your chances of landing an interview are greatly increased as long as you also write a great resume.