The Temporary Work GAE visa: coming to the UK for a short-term internship

The UK is one of the leading places in the world to do a professional internship. From NGOs to multinational giants and creative start-ups - every sector and type of business is represented here. As a government approved sponsor for the visa required to intern in the UK, our BUNAC and JENZA team are here with all the intel.

What is the Temporary Work GAE visa?

Formerly known as the Tier 5 visa, the Temporary Work Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa allows international students and recent graduates to come to the UK to do short-term work experience. To apply for a Temporary Work GAE visa, you need to go through a UK Government authorised exchange scheme. Our sibling brand BUNAC is one of the largest A-rated sponsors for this visa.

What is a Sponsorship Reference Number (SRN)?

A Sponsorship Reference Number (SRN) for the Temporary Work Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa is a reference number on a digital document issued by an approved employer or organisation in the UK. It acts as confirmation that you have been offered a temporary internship placement.

The sponsorship includes details about your role, the duration of your placement, and other necessary information for your visa application. It's not a physical certificate, but rather a reference number you’ll use to apply for your visa. The sponsoring organisation must be authorised by the UK Government to issue these certificates.

What are the benefits of doing an internship in the UK?

Interning abroad offers a ton of benefits. You'll get exposure to different cultures and ways of working, get hands-on work experience and professional references, and grow personally as well as professionally by living overseas. Along the way, you’ll improve language skills (if English isn't your first language), make life-long connections, and gain insights from diverse perspectives. Plus, there’s the chance to travel and explore new places in your downtime (looking at you low-cost flights to Europe...). Whether it's building a network in your chosen field or working in industries unavailable at home, these experiences can greatly enhance your employability and boost your personal development.

Who is eligible for a Temporary Work GAE visa?

Excluding UK passport holders, we can sponsor most nationalities to intern in the UK. You must also:

• Be 18+ with a valid passport
• A full-time degree level student or have graduated within the last 24 months at the start of your internship
• If English isn't your first language, you must have or be willing to obtain a SELT certificate with equivalent IELTS score of 5.5 or above 
• Have insurance coverage (including a minimum of $100,000 USD medical coverage and repatriation of mortal remains)

How much does it cost to intern in the UK?

For the program cost, visa fee, proof of funds and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) - check out our Intern UK page for the most up-to-date costs.

When do I need to apply to intern in the UK?

You're not limited to summer internships on this visa, so you can start your internship at any time of the year. Once you’ve found your internship, it can take 4-6 weeks to sort your paperwork. We’ll always work as quickly as we can on your application – with additional options for priority processing along the way.

What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?

The IHS is a visa requirement and gives you access to NHS (National Health Service) treatment while you're in the UK. If you are interning in the UK for more than six months, you will need to pay the IHS fee.

Who are JENZA and BUNAC, and what do they sponsor?

Founded by British students in 1962, BUNAC is our sibling summer camp brand. We're the same team behind the scenes, but due to its heritage as a UK Government sponsor (BUNAC has held its A-rated sponsorship since 2009 – humble brag), BUNAC acts as the visa sponsor for our JENZA Intern UK program.

BUNAC is authorised by UK Visa & Immigration to sponsor work experience opportunities (internships), enabling students and graduates to secure a Temporary Work GAE visa.

What are the internship requirements to do Intern UK?

Other than working in the hospitality or healthcare sector, we can sponsor international students and graduates to intern for between 1-12 month in most industries anywhere in the UK - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our BUNAC and JENZA team in the UK will vet your placement to make sure it meets all the requirements for this visa, visit your UK host employer for a site visit (if required), and have regular check-ins while you're in the UK with you and your supervisor to make sure your training is going to plan.

Check out our Intern UK page for the full criteria for your internship - including working hours, pay and your training plan.

Does JENZA find me an internship?

Due to the breadth of degree topics and possible sectors you can work in in the UK, you're responsible for finding your own internship. However, we have a ton of tools and resources to help. From visa letters to CV templates, you'll find step-by-step guidance on how to find your placement on our Intern Hub and videos from past participants about their placements.

Ready to put your career on the map with an internship in the UK? Find out more.