Having an internship under your belt provides you with a competitive edge when applying for jobs, and opens doors that may not have otherwise been available to you. Taking this further, international internships can provide benefits like cross-cultural work experience, problem-solving skills, and a global network.
And not to mention the really cool views!
Internships offer you a chance to discover more about your chosen career path while helping you learn more about yourself, while international experience adds an entirely different and exciting layer to an internship program (and makes your resume stand out)!
Many internship opportunities are offered to international students around the world, but the United Kingdom offers some of the very best; a UK internship looks great to potential employers and living in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland is an incredible cultural experience.
Take a cruise on the Thames beneath the Tower Bridge, cheer on a local football team (soccer to us Americans) with locals in a stadium or cozy pub, explore haunting castles and manors, and set out for weekend adventures in western Europe—just a train trip away.
Living and interning in the UK may just be your cup of tea! But how do you go about getting an internship in the UK? Let us explain.
Are there paid internships in the UK for international students?
While internship types vary, there are paid opportunities in the UK. For example, BUNAC offers sponsored, paid internships in Great Britain. While there may be initial fees involved, a paid internship will help you cover your visa, flight, and program costs while allowing you to experience all of the wonderful sights, food, and activities your new home has to offer.
Paid internships are available in many fields including communications, marketing, economics, business, and technology. Since you may also need to cover accommodation and other living expenses, securing a paid position is ideal!
You should make sure to come up with a budget prior to selecting a program—you’ll need to prove you’re financially stable when applying for your visa.
What kind of visa do I need for an internship in the UK?
Don’t get too ahead of yourself—get that visa sorted ASAP!
To work or intern abroad, you’ll need to secure a certificate of sponsorship and a visa. The most appropriate visa for an internship in the UK for international students is a temporary work visa, which is valid for two years, or the amount of time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus up to 28 days (whichever is shorter).
You can apply up to three months before your first day of work in the UK (which is provided on your certificate of sponsorship) but you should allow more time if possible, given the application requires supporting documentation.
When searching for internship programs, take note of which ones will provide a certificate and assist you with your visa. BUNAC offers both, even if you’ve found an internship independently, but other program providers may not have the same services.
The cost to apply for a temporary work visa is about £260; make sure you have met all the requirements prior to applying!
READ: What to Pack for Interning Abroad
How long are internships in the UK?
Internships in the UK are typically three to six months in length, but you can find some opportunities that are shorter or longer. While you can’t extend your visa after your internship concludes, you could return to your home country and re-apply.
Regardless of how long your internship in the UK lasts, it will look great on your resume and set you up for future success.
When choosing your internship length, consider when you’ll need to be back home, what your budget is, and if you wish to travel before or after your program.
If you’re completing an internship while still in school, make sure to check when classes will start again, or if you have other obligations or commitments that would require you to shorten your stay in the UK.
5 steps to get an internship in the UK
Being an intern in London will be an unforgettable learning experience.
As with all work and travel opportunities, if you’re hoping to score an internship while in school or directly after graduating, it’s best to start early! Follow these steps to get going on your UK adventure:
1. Decide on a program focus
Most likely, you’ll want to decide on a program in the UK that fits your skill set and career goals. Are you in school for marketing and have a real knack for social media management? Perhaps a position at a marketing firm would be a good fit for you!
Or, perhaps you’re majoring in business, have great project management skills, and love to help people—an international nonprofit would be a great choice.
It may also be a good time to try something new, to see if you like the day to day reality of the job. Being open to many types of employers and opportunities will ensure you secure an internship in the UK. (If you need more support on finding an internship that’s the right fit for you, the BUNAC team can help you sort all those details.)
2. Choose when to go
The UK is a great place to live year-round, and although it’s infamous for its gloomy, overcast days, this shouldn’t discourage you from selecting the winter months for your internship. Nothing beats Edinburgh on a magical snowy day, or a walk through London during the holidays.
Summer is a great time to visit Brighton beach, or camp out at a music festival in the rolling green hills of the English countryside. Keep in mind that the timing of your internship may also depend on your program focus and the availability of internships.
3. Apply for a program
Your internship abroad is calling. Will you answer?
The next step is to select a program based on your budget and criteria. Does the program offer assistance securing an internship, a sponsorship certificate, help with your visa application, and on-site support throughout your experience?
You’ll want to compare at least two to three program options to choose the one that’s best for you. Reading program reviews from alumni can offer some insight into the type of experience you can expect to have.
4. Apply for a visa
If your program provider doesn’t provide assistance with your visa application, you’ll want to start it as early as possible. Ensure you’re eligible for a visa and book any appointments you may need to get supporting documentation.
5. Prepare for your internship
Hopefully your internship and program provider offer pre-departure materials to help you prepare for your internship in the UK.
Other things you can do to prepare include reading up about the country and culture you’ll be working in, researching the company or organization you’ll be employed with, and making sure you’ve checked all the boxes when it comes to securing flights, accommodation, and general logistics.
Program providers, like BUNAC, will provide you with loads of additional support ahead of departure, from sourcing accommodation to sorting your travel insurance. Once you’ve landed in the UK, they also offer regular check-ins with their team on the ground in the UK and monthly social events in London.
Get excited by looking into some possible weekend excursions or connecting online with others participating in your internship program!
Our Online Advisor will match you with 5 internships in the UK for FREE
Your resume will shine after an international internship in the UK!
Immeasurable personal and professional growth is right around the corner.
Explore the world while gaining hands-on work experience in a field of your choice. Get paid to work abroad in a place known for its history and culture rooted in tradition. Internships in the UK for international students provide an opportunity to experience employment in the 5th largest economy in the world!
The relationships you foster while abroad will be invaluable; you’ll be expanding your personal and professional network in a profound way. This is a great time to travel and gain international experience for your resume; you’ll be steps ahead of your peers and creating lifelong memories along the way!
Invest in yourself and your future with an internship in the UK.
Explore ALL Internship Opportunities in the UK on GoAbroad.com
This article was written with help from BUNAC. Since 1962, BUNAC has been enabling travelers to work and volunteer around the world, in destinations like Britain, Canada, and Australia. BUNAC goes the extra mile for their participants, providing unrivaled visa and sponsorship support prior to departure.
Look for the Perfect Internship Program Now
Start Your Search