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Yatin Kumar Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
The UK is a top destination for international students, attracting over 1,10,000+ Indian students annually. Internships in the UK can significantly boost your resume, offering both professional experience and potential job placements. As of 2024, around 25% of international students in the UK engage in internships, with many securing paid roles that cover living expenses. Common internship roles include SDE interns (earning between £2,800 - £3,500 per month), financial analyst interns (£2,500 - £3,900 per month), and marketing interns (£1,800 - £2,700 per month). Top recruiters like Goldman Sachs, Barclays, Deloitte, and Google frequently offer internships, making the UK’s diverse workforce and world-class industries a prime destination for ambitious students.
Also Read: Student guide to Study in UK
Eligibility for Internships in the UK
International students on a Tier 4 Student Visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. Internships must comply with visa regulations, ensuring they don’t exceed one-third of your academic study time.
Intern Rights in the UK
Intern rights depend on their employment status, which can be categorized as:
- Worker: Entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
- Volunteer: Not entitled to NMW.
- Employee: Eligible for full employment rights.
National Minimum Wage (NMW)
Interns classified as workers are entitled to the NMW. Employers cannot bypass this by:
- Declaring the NMW doesn’t apply.
- Using agreements that label someone as a volunteer. If an intern is promised future employment, they must receive the NMW.
Exceptions to NMW:
- Student Internships part of a university course.
- School Work Placements.
- Voluntary Workers and Work Shadowing roles.
Paid vs. Unpaid Internships
Paid internships are common in the UK, especially with top-tier companies. Here's a snapshot of the highest-paid internships:
| Company | Monthly Stipend (GBP) | Monthly Stipend (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Goldman Sachs | £3,900 | ₹4,28,694 |
| Citi Bank | £3,706 | ₹4,06,418 |
| Nomura International | £3,675 | ₹4,02,977 |
| Bank of America | £3,500 | ₹3,83,810 |
| Barclays | £3,422 | ₹3,75,409 |
Unpaid internships are more common in industries like creative arts, media, non-profits, and start-ups. While they offer valuable exposure and networking opportunities, students must assess if the learning benefits outweigh the lack of financial compensation. Unpaid roles are legal under UK law only if:
- The internship is part of a university course (work placement).
- The intern is classified as a volunteer without contractual obligations.
- The role is strictly observational (work shadowing).
However, these internships often lack accessibility for students from underprivileged backgrounds. To support interns, some employers cover travel and meal expenses, while universities promote fair treatment guidelines.
For alternatives, students can consider paid part-time jobs in related fields, remote projects, or volunteering roles.
Top Resources to Find Internships
There are several internship portals in the UK where students can find and apply for internships. Some of the portals are:
Online Portals
These platforms are key for securing internships in the UK:
- Milkround: A popular student job portal offering thousands of internship posts.
- Student Circus: Specializes in internships for students with Tier 4 visas.
- TARGET Jobs: Provides industry-specific listings and professional guidance.
- Rate My Placement: Allows students to find internships, read company reviews, and access career advice.
- E4S (Employment for Students): Offers listings for short-term internships, part-time, and full-time jobs.
- GOV.UK: The official government site provides opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and part-time jobs across the UK.
Networking Platforms
- LinkedIn: Networking with professionals, joining groups, and applying directly for internships.
- University Placement Cells: Universities often have placement teams dedicated to connecting students with employers.
Specialized Organizations
- AIESEC UK: Facilitates international internships and student exchange programs.
- The Intern Group: Offers both in-person and remote internships across several industries.
- Absolute Internship: Connects students with internships in various sectors, often globally.
Industry-Wise Stipend & Top Jobs
Internship stipends vary significantly across industries. Here's an overview:
| Industry | Top Job Roles | Stipend Range (GBP/Month) | Stipend Range (INR/Month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance | Financial Analyst, Investment Intern | £2,500 - £3,900 | ₹2,74,150 - ₹4,28,694 |
| Software Development | Software Developer, SDE Intern | £2,800 - £3,500 | ₹3,07,048 - ₹3,83,810 |
| Design | UX/UI Designer, Graphic Design | £2,200 - £3,000 | ₹2,41,252 - ₹3,28,980 |
| Human Resources | HR Intern, Talent Acquisition | £1,800 - £2,700 | ₹1,97,388 - ₹2,96,082 |
| Medical | Research Assistant, Medical Intern | £2,500 - £3,200 | ₹2,74,150 - ₹3,50,912 |
| Engineering | Mechanical, Civil Engineer Intern | £2,600 - £3,400 | ₹2,84,700 - ₹3,72,844 |
Top Internship Programs in the UK
Some of the popular university-led internship programs are listed below:
| Internship Program | University | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Internship Programme | Richmond American University London | 6-12 weeks |
| B-Experienced Internship Programme | University of Birmingham | 10-20 days |
| Summer Internship Program | University of Oxford | 2-12 weeks |
| Engineering Internship Program | Imperial College London | Varies (often summer) |
| Summer Internship in Investment Banking | University of London | 10 weeks |
Tips for Securing an Internship
Finding the right internship can be competitive, especially in a foreign country. Here are some tips:
- Start Early: Begin your search at least six months in advance. Many companies have early application deadlines.
- Tailor Your Applications: Customize your CV and cover letter for each role. Highlight relevant skills, academic projects, and previous work experience.
- Leverage Networking: Use platforms like LinkedIn and industry events to connect with professionals. Personal referrals can often be the key to landing an interview.
- Prepare for Interviews: Research the company, role, and industry thoroughly before attending interviews. Practicing common interview questions helps boost confidence.
- Focus on Visa Requirements: Ensure your visa allows internships. Some companies may require specific work permits or sponsorship, so clarify these details upfront.’
Also Read:SOP for UK
Post-Internship Opportunities
Internships often serve as a gateway to full-time employment. Many UK employers offer pre-placement offers (PPOs) to interns who excel in their roles. Key companies such as Goldman Sachs, Barclays, Deloitte, and KPMG are known for retaining talented interns.
Also Check: UK List of Shortage Occupations
Internships in the UK offer international students, especially from India, invaluable work experience and a chance to transition smoothly into full-time roles. With a variety of paid and unpaid options available across industries, students can boost their skills, network with professionals, and improve their chances of landing full-time jobs after graduation.
FAQs
Ques. How long are internships in the UK?
Ans. The duration of an internship in UK can widely vary between 1 week to 1 year. Internship duration in the UK depends on your chosen professional field. Summer internships or other internships taken during the time of student holidays are generally shorter than the graduate scholarships.
Ques. How to find internships in UK?
Ans. Here are a few common routes to look for suitable internships in the UK for Indian students:
- Use online platforms and hashtags like #internshipsUK on LinkedIn or Twitter.
- Explore employer profiles for internship opportunities.
- Consult your university's career service for guidance.
- Leverage your personal network for potential leads.
- Reach out to companies directly with speculative applications
.
Ques. Are internships mandatory in UK?
Ans. For some courses in UK, internships are a part of the curriculum. In these cases, you might need to undertake an internship of 1 year (approx.) as a part of the UK based higher educational course. However, internships will prepare you well for future jobs. You will earn both the skills, and experience in your relevant field of work through the internships..
Ques. What industries in the UK offer the most internship options for international students?
Ans. Popular industries for internships in the UK are engineering, technology, finance, and healthcare. Some of the top companies hiring students or graduates for internships are, Google, Amazon, Walt Disney Company, JPMorgan Chase, L'Oreal, HSBC, EY, Meta, Barlays, and Goldman Sachs, among others.
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