Top Tips to Find Internships in the UK

 logo

Aarushi Jain
Updated on Feb 17, 2023 03:24 PM IST

Internships in the UK for international students are abundant, with options for international students coming for higher education and/or permanent employment. Let us learn some of the best tips to find internships in the UK for international students.

Top Tips to Find Internships in the UK

Tips to Find Internships in the UK: Internships are an important component of a student's educational experience. Typically, students begin with an internship and then progress to a full-time position after graduating from university.

Students sometimes confuse internships with work placements. Internships are typically performed during the summer or after graduation to obtain experience in the field. On the other hand, work experiences are required as part of the degree, students gain academic credit for the year as a result of them.

An internship gives students a taste of what it's like to work in their desired industry. It also provides trainees with a competitive advantage when applying for graduate positions. If you're lucky, you might even be able to earn some money while interning at a company. If you are on the hunt for internships for international students, then here are some of the best tips to find internships in the UK along with added extra information.

Related Reads:

Job Opportunities in UK for International Students

Part-Time Jobs in the UK for International Students

Highest-Paying Part-Time Jobs for Students in the UK

Stay Back Period and Post Study Work Permit in the UK

What are Internships? 

An internship is a short-term work opportunity for students enrolled in a higher education programme to put their newly acquired abilities to use in a professional setting. Internships are now available in both office and work-from-home settings. Furthermore, some internships are paid, while others are unpaid. If the employer is pleased with the intern's performance, these internships are frequently transformed into full-time positions. In addition, several courses or programmes have made internships a required part of the curriculum to guarantee that every scholar receives industry exposure. 

How do Internships Work?

Unlike work placements that are part of a degree programme, most internships in the UK allow you to obtain valuable industry experience outside of your studies by placing you in a specific company or workplace.

These internships function in many respects just like real jobs, and you may expect to get compensated for your time. You will be assigned to a certain team or department, and you'll be expected to be as eager, adaptable, and industrious as the rest of the team.

This will provide you with valuable real-world experience in your chosen field. It will also assist you in making key new relationships within the company and the larger sector, giving you a significant advantage when interviewing with other companies and recruiters in the future.

Why do they Take Place?

In contrast to work placements as part of a degree programme, most internships in the UK allow you to gain significant industry experience outside of your studies by placing you in a specific company or workplace.

These internships operate in many ways like real jobs, and you can expect to get reimbursed for your time. You will be allocated to a team or department and expected to be as eager, adaptable, and hardworking as the rest of the team.

How Long do they Last?

An internship might last anywhere from a week to a year, depending on your chosen subject or profession. Internships completed during student vacations (such as the UK summer) are frequently shorter in duration than graduate internships, and for some graduates (such as those who have studied medicine), you may be regarded as an 'intern' until you advance to the next professional level. But how do I locate the proper internship for me? Because internships are so vital to your chosen career, you should only apply for assignments in which you are truly interested.

The majority of interns in the UK are classified as employees, which means you should expect to be paid for your time. This amount should not be less than the UK National Minimum Wage for your age group. Interns in the United Kingdom typically earn just under GBP 20,000 per year pro rata.

Some internships may involve being mentored by specific people, observing what their position entails and learning from their skills and expertise. This will provide you with numerous opportunities to ask questions and obtain a thorough grasp of your mentor's career, position, and the broader industry. These internships are sometimes referred to as 'job shadowing,' and the vast majority are unpaid.

Are You Unsure of How to Format Your Masters CV for Studying Abroad?

Can International Students Do Internships in the UK?

Before we dive into some of the top tips to find internships in the UK for international students, let us first clear out one of the most frequently searched doubts about whether international students can or cannot pursue an internship in the UK.

The answer is a simple yes. Internships are available to international students in the UK. Most UK universities permit and even encourage students to perform an internship as long as it does not take up more than one-third of their time.

However, in order to learn how to locate an internship in the UK, students must meet a few conditions. If you are a part-time postgraduate student or your course is below the degree level, and your tier 4 sponsor has probationary sponsor status, you are not permitted to perform an internship.

Are There Any Paid Internships in the UK?

Absolutely true. Although unpaid internships are more common than paid internships, you can easily earn a paid internship if you do your research and study hard. Many major corporations pay trainees a substantial salary to intern with them. This gives students further motivation to learn how to secure an internship in the UK, and in turn, these businesses get the best trainees working for them.

However, several small businesses have recently begun to offer trainees paid UK internships. If you are wondering how to get an internship in the UK, then stick to this article till the end and we will be sharing everything along with the best tips to find internships in the UK for international students.

Why Should International Students Opt For Internships in the UK?

A practical internship can pave the way for a successful career. For international students, a successful and good summer internship in the UK is necessary for the following reasons:

Adds Value to Your CV or Resume

Many employers and companies favour individuals who have past experience in the relevant industry. Student internships provide students with a competitive advantage as well as the necessary industry exposure to help them reach their career objectives. It also provides pupils with an advantage over others when applying for jobs with a corporation.

Generates Extra Source of Income

A paid internship can always help international students supplement their income or earn some additional pocket money and finance their expenditures while studying abroad. It also aids in obtaining work permits after completing your studies.

Helps in Choosing the Right Field

A good internship can assist and help international students to learn their field of study in practical scenarios as per industry standards and decide whether or not they want to pursue a career in it. It can also assist students in selecting master's programmes.

Improve Skill Set

An internship can help you develop both technical and soft abilities that can help you advance in your profession. Additionally, it will

  • Make the transition from academics to employment easier.

  • Increase your grasp of workplace culture.

  • Gives you an understanding of the organisation's activities and issues.

  • Provides real-world work samples for future job interviews.

  • Increases your self-confidence during your placement year.

Helps in Networking

Students meet new individuals and develop close bonds with them. It will also help them in networking and understanding different work ethics among the interns. It also provides you with some useful industry contacts.

Helps in Finding New Job Opportunities

If UK employers believe a student's performance is remarkable, they may offer them a full-time job opportunities. Students must build rapport with coworkers, be enthusiastic, show appreciation, and leave a positive impression.

UK Universities Offering Paid Internships in the UK

Many UK colleges and universities provide paid internships to international students. Here is a list of institutions and colleges in the UK that provides internships to international students:

UK Universities Offering Paid Internships

Location in UK

Anglia Ruskin University

Cambridge

Coventry University

Coventry

University of Sussex

Brighton

University of Salford

Salford

University of Glasgow

Glasgow

Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham

Loughborough University

Loughborough

Queen Mary University of London

London

Sheffield Hallam University

Sheffield

Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester

Know More About Life of an International Student in the UK!

Top Internship Programmes in the UK

Here are the list of universities in the UK that are offering internship programmes to international students: 

Universities in UK

Internship Programmes

Sheffield Hallam University

International Hospitality Management

International Tourism Management

Coventry University

MBA Global Business

International Fashion Management

International Marketing

Middlesex University

International Business Management

MA International Marketing Management

Human Resource Management MBA

Manchester Metropolitan University

International Events Management

International Tourism

Hospitality Management

Queen Mary University of London 

Computer Science

Big Data Science

Artificial Intelligence

Computing and Information Systems

Loughborough University

Biotechnology with Professional Experience

Molecular Biology with Professional Experience

Pharmacology and Drug Discovery with Professional Experience

University of Central Lancashire

Fire Safety Engineering

Maintenance Engineering

Intelligence Maintenance Engineering

Renewable Energy Engineering

University of Leicester 

Advanced Computational Methods

Advanced Software Engineering

Cloud Computing

Advanced Mechanical Engineering

Royal Holloway, University of London

Data Science and Analytics

Artificial Intelligence

Information Security

Computation Finance

Machine Learning

Distributed and Networked Systems

Tips to Find Internships in the UK

Finding a suitable or ideal internship in a new country is not an easy cakewalk for any international student. Here are a few tips to find internships in the UK for international students:

Keep Hunting for Internships on Pages and Groups

Different professional websites, social media platforms and other applications are mainly for professional networking. These platforms have various pages and organizations that might help students enhance their careers. They often offer post-internship opportunities. International students should definitely use such platforms to look for internships in the UK.

Check Internship Portals

In the UK, there are various internship portals where students can search and apply for internships from a pool of thousands of job and internship opportunities. Such internship portals really come in handy when international students are unable to find internships related to their domain or field of study.

Check Government Websites

Students can also visit the official government website of the United Kingdom Council. They advertise full-time, part-time, paid internships, apprenticeships, and other opportunities for students. Through the website, you can simply identify and apply for internships in the UK for international students.

Get Internships through Universities

As previously stated, many universities and colleges in the UK have a placement cell and offer paid internships to students. International students can inquire about internship opportunities with these placement cells. They will make recommendations and assist you with resources and papers.

Check Different Company Websites

Students can apply for paid or unpaid internships directly on the company website. Internships are available at KPMG, Deloitte, EY, Bank of America, Rolls Royce, Barclays, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and many other companies.

Use Social Media and Use Your Network

Nowadays, every major corporation has a social media presence. They post internship opportunities on their social media platforms. You can apply for such internships using the power of social media. Furthermore, if you have a connection in the UK, such as family or friends, use them to see if they may assist you in finding an internship.

Points to Remember While Applying for Internships in the UK

Now that you are aware of all the best possible tips to find internships in the UK for international students, here are some important points to always remember while applying for internships in the UK:

Length of the Internship Programme

Most summer internships last 2 to 3 months, which is enough time to get a feel for the job and gain skills. However, depending on the company and the sector, they might last anywhere from a week to a year.

Stipend Payment

In the UK, a paid internship should pay at least the National Minimum Wage for your age. Employers can also determine hourly rates, however, interns are entitled to pay until the following conditions are met:

  • Working with charitable organisations

  • When it is part of a higher education course

  • Work shadowing

  • When collaborating with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)

Documentation

For international students, the application process for internships in the UK can be tough. To avoid missing out on the opportunity, apply at least six months in advance. Applicants will also require the following documents to pursue internships in the UK:

Internships are short-term job experiences provided by numerous companies to both national and international students. In some courses, an internship is required as part of the curriculum. It assists students in developing important technical and soft skills. Furthermore, finding a suitable graduation job is challenging.

Hence using the best tips to find internships in the UK for international students can provide an advantage when interviewing for the desired employment. And a little more cash from a paid internship never hurts!

If you have any queries ask then drop us a line at abroad@collegedekho.com to resolve them right from our experts.

Are You Unsure of How to Format Your Masters CV?

FAQs

Can foreigners intern in the UK?

As per the United Kingdom Labour Laws, international students are permitted to perform both paid and unpaid internships in the UK. Because paid internships are far more popular than unpaid ones, students frequently hunt for part-time work in the UK to earn some extra pocket money.

Do I need sponsorship to intern in the UK?

Yes, you would need sponsorship to intern in the UK. To complete the internship, a Temporary Worker-Government Authorised Exchange Visa (T5) is necessary. To apply, students will need a Certificate of Sponsorship. The visa application can be submitted once the Certificate of Sponsorship has been issued.

Is there any age limit to applying for internships in the UK?

Yes, there can be an age limit to applying for internships in the UK. Many internships are for college students, so the age range is 18 to 25 years. If you are a mature student or looking for alternative job prospects, make sure to verify the age limit before applying.

Do internships in the UK require any previous experience in the field?

Employers do not anticipate students seeking internships in the UK to have prior work experience. They will search for talents you have gained while studying. Also, it is not so much about your technical skills as it is about your soft skills. In addition, some internships require certain prior experience. For example, if you are seeking graphic designer internships, you will most likely need Adobe Illustrator skills.

Can I do an internship that is different from my studies?

You can absolutely be a full-time University student while also applying for an internship in the UK that is different from your studies. But, you are allowed to work only part-time during the term (up to 20 hours a week). During vacation periods, you will be permitted to work full-time hours.

Are unpaid internships legal in the UK?

Unpaid internships are legal in the UK if the intern is the “primary beneficiary” of the employment. If an intern is classified as a worker, they are usually entitled to the National Minimum Wage. Internships are sometimes known as work placements or job experience. These terms are not legally binding on their own. 

What should I do if I cannot find an internship in the UK?

If you cannot find an internship in the UK, you need to network. If you are unsure where to begin your internship hunt, reach out to people in your network who have jobs or vocations you respect. If you do not know someone in your desired field, work with your college to discover a link that can provide you with helpful guidance.

How can I get an internship in London?

One of the most popular ways to find an internship in London is making effective use of the internet, especially if you live outside of the UK and intend to travel to London. Because you will not have access to local newspapers, job boards, or adverts, you will have to rely on the internet to find such chances.

You can share this post!

Admission Open 2024

Glasgow Caledonian University

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Coventry University

Coventry, United Kingdom

Lancaster University

Lancaster, United Kingdom

Related Articles

Aug 18, 2023 04:28 PM IST

How to Apply for Masters in USA?

Aug 03, 2023 01:18 PM IST

Documents Required for TOEFL

Our Study Abroad Offerings

Related Articles

Related Institutes

Planning to study abroad?

Interested in Studying Overseas?

Connect with us and kickstart your learning journey for a rewarding experience!

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekhoAbroad Terms of Use & Privacy Policy.