How to find an internship in the UK: complete guide for international students

Looking for an internship in the UK? Whether you want a paid internship in London, experience in a UK company, or a placement abroad after university, Teuntje's guide explains how to find internships, apply successfully, secure a visa and improve your chances of getting hired.

First of all, yes! You should! You should do an internship in the UK. My name is Teuntje, a 26-year-old social work student at the University of Applied Sciences in Rotterdam. I did my internship at a social work organisation in the UK from September to January, experiencing the beautiful autumn/winter – my favourite seasons in the UK.

Why do an internship in the UK?

Who wouldn't want to live and work in the place that gave us the steam train, electric kettles and chocolate bars? Oh and the world wide web...jury's out on that one. You'll work with great people (and Gary), fast-track your industry expertise and gain international experience that will stand out to future employers. Outside the obvious benefits to your career, you'll also be close to Europe – Milan, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Lisbon are only a short-haul flight away.

UK internship visa requirements

To do an internship in the UK, you will need the Temporary Work GAE visa. This is available to international students and graduates looking for short-term work experience in the UK. You must be over 18 and a full-time degree student or a recent graduate who can start the internship within 24 months of graduating. You will need to show English language proficiency if it's not your first language and have a UK Government approved sponsor (that’s JENZA). You'll also need to have a paid or unpaid internship placement offer from a UK company.

When to apply for a UK internship

You can apply all year round and start your internship at any time of year, it doesn't just have to be during a summer break. Sorting out the paperwork could take up to 6 weeks so just keep that in mind when planning.

How to find UK internships

You might be wondering: How do I find an internship that allows me to complete the tasks set by my university and where I can actually do the kind of work I'm being trained for? Start by making sure you understand your university’s requirements. Think about the number of hours, any practical exams, or other obligations you need to fulfil in order to pass your internship. When emailing potential employers, include your university requirements so they can immediately see whether they can accommodate you.

Another tip to finding an internship in the UK is to stay in contact with your university or fellow students. Maybe someone has already done a similar internship and can guide you on who and what to ask. And be creative! Maybe post something on Instagram or Facebook. Use LinkedIn to make connections. Even if you get a "no," at least you tried. Maybe someone knows someone who knows someone... who knows someone.

Where to search for UK internships

When I started searching for an internship, I had no idea where to begin, who to contact, or even what to ask. I knew I wanted to work with children, but I had no clue how to get started. I began by searching online and sending emails to various organisations like schools and charities... but I got no response. I experienced that a lot. Don’t be put off. Keep going and don't hesitate to reach out again asking for an update on your previous e-mail. Maybe they didn't see it.

How to contact UK employers

Once I started picking up the phone and calling around, everything changed. I got more information about the possibilities within the social work sector in England and discovered options that matched my study program. I received phone numbers, useful advice, and new contacts. I kept emailing and calling. I even reached out to people on LinkedIn and that’s how I ended up at the organisation where I eventually did my internship.

How to write an email to UK employers

To help you out, here are some tips when reaching out to organisations. I sent emails to a lot of places... and when I say a lot, I mean A LOT – around 30 in total. So, don’t give up.

• Add the internship dates in the subject line (e.g., Internship September 2026).
• Start with a brief introduction about yourself and your study program.
• Summarise what you hope to get out of the internship and what you wish to achieve at the end of it.
• Explain why you believe that specific organisation would be a good fit (tip: check their website and refer to their mission or values if those align with what you are looking for).
• Include the total number of hours you need to complete.
• Add your phone number at the end of the email, so they can reach out to you by phone.
• As for attachments: include your CV, university requirements, and any other relevant documents.

Personally, I kept a record of the organisations that rejected me and their reasons. This gave me a clearer picture of where to focus my search for the right internship.

Be brave and stay curious. That perfect place is out there waiting for you. Just grab that laptop and start writing those e-mails, take your phone and start calling around. Be bold, don’t give up and know what you are looking for. You can do it! Enjoy the ride, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Good luck!

Thinking of interning in the UK? Check out JENZA Intern UK. We can sponsor students and grads of all nationalities to intern in most industries anywhere in the UK for up to one year – making it a great option to get ahead over your summer break, do a semester abroad, or kickstart your training after graduation. You'll also find help finding your placement on our free Intern Hub.. Access a directory of 100+ internships from UK employers who are actively hiring overseas interns, plus downloadable CV templates, cover letters and more.