How to Apply for a UK Internship Visa

What is the UK Internship Visa?

The Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange visa (GAE) is designed for individuals coming to the UK for internships, training, research, or work experience as part of a government-authorised exchange scheme. It is not a route to permanent residence but offers valuable experience in a UK-based organization.

However, depending on your circumstances, other visa options might be available:

Youth Mobility Scheme visa: If you are aged 18 to 30 (or 18 to 35 for certain nationalities) you may be eligible for this visa, which allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 can apply under the Indian Young Professionals Scheme.
Standard Visitor visa: In some limited cases, particularly for research internships at a UK higher education institution lasting no more than 6 months, you might be able to enter the UK under the Standard Visitor route. However, it's crucial that the institution recognizes the internship as "research as study" and not "research for work."
Student visa (if already studying in the UK): If you are already in the UK on a Student visa, you might be able to undertake an internship as part of your course, with approval from your educational institution.

Eligibility Requirements for the UK Internship Visa

To be eligible for the UK Internship Visa, you must:

Have a sponsor: You must have a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK sponsor under an approved Government Authorised Exchange scheme.
Be 18 years or older.
Have enough funds to support yourself in the UK
Intend to leave the UK at the end of the internship.
Criminal Record Certificate (if required): For internships involving working with children, adolescents, or in healthcare facilities, you may need to provide a police clearance certificate.

Note: Your internship must not be filling a permanent job vacancy or displacing a UK worker.

Approved Internship Schemes

Internships must be part of an approved Government Authorised Exchange scheme. Some well-known schemes include:

British Council Internships
AIESEC UK
BUNAC Blue Card Internship Programme
TIER (The Intern Group)
Mountbatten Internship Programme

These organizations are licensed to issue sponsorship certificates for internship purposes.

UK Internship Required Documents

When applying for a UK Internship Visa, you need the following:

Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended end date of your internship. Ensure you have a blank page for the visa.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Reference Number: You will need the reference number provided by your sponsor.
Proof of Funds: Bank statements showing that you meet the financial requirements. These statements must cover a consecutive 28-day period ending within 31 days of your application date.
Evidence of Qualifications: Your degree certificate(s) and transcripts. If these are not in English or Welsh, you will need to provide certified translations.
Tuberculosis Test Certificate (if applicable): If you are from a listed country.
Criminal Record Certificate (if required): If your internship involves working in sensitive areas.
English Language Proficiency Evidence (if required by the sponsor or scheme): This could be proof of your degree being taught in English or a specific English language test result.
Visa Application Form: You will need to complete the online visa application form.
Visa Application Fee: You will need to pay the visa application fee online.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): If your internship is for more than 6 months, you will likely need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants you access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

How to Apply for a UK Internship Visa

The process for applying for a UK Internship Visa usually involves the following steps:

Step 1: Get Sponsored

Secure an internship with a UK organization participating in an approved scheme. The sponsor will issue a certificate of sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Apply Online

Complete the visa application form on the official website

Step 3: Pay Fees

The fee is paid online and it include the visa application fee and the healthcare surcharge

Step 4: Book Biometrics Appointment

After submitting your application, schedule an appointment at a local visa application center to provide your fingerprints and photograph.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

You’ll typically get a decision within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK. Some countries offer priority services for faster processing.

Duration and Conditions for UK Internship Visa

UK Internship Visa permits you to stay in the UK for either 12 or 24 months, respectively, depending on which internship program you are being accepted into. During this visa, you can't apply for permanent work or gain access to public funds. On this visa, however, you are able to study, engage in your authorized internship work, and travel in and out as you please over the UK for the duration of time in which your visa grants you permission.

Can the UK Internship Visa Be Extended?

Extensions are only possible if:

Your original internship program duration is less than the scheme’s maximum length.
Your sponsor agrees to issue a new CoS.

Otherwise, you must leave the UK before the visa expires.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for UK Internship Visa Application

When applying for a UK Internship Visa, it's important to be aware of common mistakes that could delay or jeopardize your application. Below is a table highlighting these mistakes and how you can avoid them to ensure a smooth application process:

Common Mistake	How to Avoid It
Applying without a valid sponsorship certificate	Confirm that your sponsor is licensed and ensure you receive a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Insufficient funds in your bank account	Maintain the required minimum balance in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
Incorrect or missing documents	Double-check the document checklist and ensure all documents are accurate, complete, and translated if necessary.
Not checking TB testing requirements	Check the list of countries that require TB testing and complete the test if it applies to you.
Waiting too long to apply	Apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date to allow enough time for processing and biometrics.
Choosing an unapproved internship scheme	Ensure your internship is part of a Government Authorised Exchange scheme with an approved UK sponsor.

Final Tips for UK Internship Visa Applicants

Here are some useful tips for the applicants of UK Internship Visa:

Apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date.
Double-check the authenticity of your sponsor.
Prepare all documents early to avoid last-minute issues.
Keep a copy of your CoS and all application materials for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone aged 18 or older with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved UK sponsor can apply, provided they meet the financial and other requirements.

You can stay for up to 12 or 24 months, depending on the duration allowed by the specific internship or training scheme.

No, you can only work in the role described in your Certificate of Sponsorship and cannot take a permanent or unrelated job.

You can apply up to 3 months before your intended start date. It's recommended to apply as early as possible to avoid delays.

You can extend the visa only if your current scheme allows it and your sponsor issues a new CoS. Switching to another visa (like a Skilled Worker visa) may be possible from outside the UK.

You’ll receive a letter explaining the reasons for refusal. You can reapply after correcting the issues or, in limited cases, request an administrative review.

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in May 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.