Matchtern vs Standout Search
Both programs train you and then place you in a real remote internship. StandOut runs a free internship database plus a paid program (StandOut Connect). The differences with Matchtern come down to price, the depth of mentorship, and the guarantee.
| Feature | Matchtern | Standout Search |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | A real internship + work experience | A real remote internship |
| Price | $1,950 | ~$2,950 |
| Internship length | 3 months | 2 months |
| Guaranteed placement | Yes | Offer on graduation |
| Pre-internship training | 1-on-1, 4 weeks | ~5 weeks, group weekend workshops |
| Dedicated mentor during internship | Yes | Group support |
| Professional reference | Yes | Varies |
| Satisfaction guarantee | Full refund | None advertised |
| Starting price | $1,950 | ~$2,950 |
What Standout Search is
StandOut Connect is the paid program behind the free StandOutSearch database. You go through about 5 weeks of remote weekend workshops, interview with partner companies, and graduate with a 2-month remote internship offer. It runs a few times a year and has 500+ partner companies. Tuition is around $2,950.
Choose Matchtern if
Students who want the lowest price, 1-on-1 training and mentorship rather than group workshops, and a money-back guarantee on the placement.
Choose Standout Search if
Students who like the cohort/workshop format, want to start from StandOut's free database, and prefer its specific partner-company network.
Frequently asked
Is StandOut Search free?
The StandOutSearch database is free. The placement program, StandOut Connect, is paid (around $2,950). Matchtern is $1,950 and includes 1-on-1 training, a dedicated mentor, and a money-back guarantee.
How is Matchtern different from StandOut Connect?
Both place you in a real internship. Matchtern is cheaper, uses 1-on-1 training and mentorship instead of group weekend workshops, and backs the placement with a full refund guarantee.
Get a real internship, guaranteed
A hand-picked placement at a venture-backed company, a dedicated mentor, and a money-back guarantee — for $1,950.
Pricing and program details are sourced from each program's publicly available pages as of 2026 and may change. Matchtern is not affiliated with or endorsed by these programs. Comparisons reflect our understanding of publicly stated offerings.