Last verified: 25 August 2026
If you are searching for internships in the UK still open in 2026, you have not necessarily missed your chance. Several employers are accepting applications now for programmes that begin in 2027. Others have confirmed when their next application windows will open.
The start year matters. An internship may be open for applications in August 2026 but take place between January and August 2027. Therefore, this guide separates opportunities that are open now from programmes that are opening soon.
It also explains eligibility, rolling recruitment, pay, Student visa rules and the checks you should complete before applying.
Vacancies can close or change quickly. Every opportunity in the table below was checked on the employer’s official website on 25 August 2026. Check the live page again before you apply.
Internships in the UK Still Open in 2026
The tables include only opportunities supported by a current employer page. Open now means that the page displayed an application route when it was checked. It does not guarantee that the vacancy will remain available.
Open now
| Employer and opportunity | Position on 25 August 2026 | Main eligibility points | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon UK, Operations and Logistics Internship | Open now. Roles are available across several field based locations in South East England. Start dates run from January to July 2027. | Applicants must be in the penultimate or final year of a relevant degree, be available for a full time internship lasting three to six months and have the right to work in the UK by the start date. | Amazon UK internship |
| BlackRock, 2027 Summer Internship Programme, EMEA | Open now. London and Edinburgh are listed. The deadline for both locations is 30 September 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. | Applicants should be in the penultimate year of an undergraduate or master’s degree and expect to graduate in 2028. The programme lasts eight weeks between June and August 2027. | BlackRock summer internship |
| Bank of America, Global Investment Banking 2027 Summer Analyst, London | Open now. The published deadline is 11 October 2026, but assessments can begin before that date. | Applicants should be completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree between June 2027 and July 2028, be available from June to August 2027 and be on track for at least a 2:1 or equivalent. | Bank of America London vacancy |
| Goldman Sachs, 2027 EMEA Summer Analyst Programme | Open now. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. | Applicants must be studying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree and be in their penultimate or final year. Available UK locations must be checked in the live application. | Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Programme |
Opening soon or not yet open
| Employer and opportunity | Position on 25 August 2026 | Main eligibility points | Official page |
| Deloitte UK, 2027 Summer Vacation Scheme and Industrial Placement | Opening soon. Scotland opportunities are expected to open on 21 September. Several business areas are scheduled for 28 September or 5 October. | Dates vary by business area, programme and location. Some vacancies may close early if Deloitte receives a high volume of applications. | Deloitte application timetable |
| KPMG UK, 2027 Vacation and placement programmes | Not open yet. KPMG is asking students to join its Talent Community to hear when 2027 programmes open. | Vacation programmes normally suit students in their penultimate year. Applicants must also check the work permission and sponsorship rules for the particular programme. | KPMG Student Talent Community |
Why the University of Leicester programme is not in the table
The University of Leicester’s Graduate Internship Programme page still contains an expression of interest form. However, the university says its 2026 programme runs from 19 August to 25 September 2026.
The programme had already started when this article was checked. A form remaining online does not prove that a new applicant can still join. For that reason, the Leicester programme should not be presented as a current vacancy.
A 2025 Leicester graduate may still contact the university’s careers team, but should treat the programme as already under way.
What Open in 2026 Means
The application year and start year are not always the same.
BlackRock, Bank of America and Goldman Sachs are recruiting in 2026 for summer 2027 programmes. Amazon is also advertising internships with start dates between January and July 2027.
Meanwhile, Deloitte has published September and October opening dates for many of its next early careers opportunities.
This means August is not automatically too late. In finance and some large graduate recruitment programmes, it is the beginning of the next cycle.
Smaller employers often follow a different pattern. They may advertise an internship when a team has a specific project or short term need. Therefore, check local employers and university careers services throughout the year instead of relying only on large annual programmes.
When Should You Apply?
Apply as early as you reasonably can after confirming that the role fits you.
BlackRock and Goldman Sachs review applications on a rolling basis. Bank of America says assessments may begin before the published deadline.
KPMG also explains that it recruits on a rolling basis and that some programmes fill faster than others. Deloitte warns that it may close applications early when it receives a high volume of submissions.
An October deadline does not always mean the employer will wait until October before assessing candidates or filling places.
However, applying early should not mean submitting an unfinished CV. First check your eligibility, prepare clear evidence and proofread the application. Then submit it without unnecessary delay.
Six Checks Before Starting an Application
Spending ten minutes on these checks can prevent you from wasting an hour on a role that does not accept someone in your position.
1. Confirm that the vacancy is open
Start on the employer’s own careers website. A job board, social media post or university newsletter may still show an advert after the employer has closed it.
Look for an active application button, a current programme year and a deadline. If the employer only offers an interest form, do not describe that as a confirmed vacancy.
2. Check your study year and graduation date
Large internship programmes often use specific study stage rules.
BlackRock’s 2027 programme targets penultimate year students who expect to graduate in 2028. Goldman Sachs accepts bachelor’s and master’s students in their penultimate or final year. Bank of America uses a degree completion window rather than only the words penultimate year.
Read the exact condition on the vacancy. Do not assume that every summer internship accepts the same group of students.
3. Confirm the programme dates
A summer internship lasting eight weeks is different from a three to six month internship or a one year industrial placement.
Check whether the dates fit your course, examinations, dissertation timetable and other work. International students must also confirm that the hours fit their immigration conditions.
4. Consider the location and cost
Before applying, estimate travel, temporary accommodation and relocation costs. A paid London internship may still be difficult if the salary does not cover short term rent and transport.
Amazon also states that the final location depends on both the applicant’s preference and role availability. Read location wording carefully instead of assuming that your first choice is guaranteed.
5. Check your right to work
Some employers require applicants to hold suitable UK work permission by the start date. Others may accept particular visa holders but impose programme specific conditions.
A company’s name on the Skilled Worker sponsor list does not mean every internship provides sponsorship.
6. Check application limits
Some employers restrict how many programmes, locations or business areas one person can choose. Read these limits before submitting several applications to the same organisation.
Choose the role that matches your study stage, evidence and interests most closely.
Paid and Unpaid Internships in the UK
The word “intern” does not create a separate legal employment status. If an intern is legally classed as a worker, the person is normally entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage.
The main rates from 1 April 2026 are:
| Age | Minimum hourly rate |
| 21 and over | £12.71 |
| 18 to 20 | £10.85 |
| 16 to 17 | £8.00 |
There are exceptions. For example, a student who must complete a placement lasting less than one year as part of a UK further or higher education course is not entitled to the minimum wage for that placement. Genuine work shadowing can also be unpaid when the person only observes and does not perform work.
Voluntary workers for charities, voluntary organisations, associated fundraising bodies and statutory bodies can fall under another exemption, although the actual arrangement still matters.
Do not assume that an employer can make an ordinary working internship unpaid simply by calling it “work experience”. If the role involves fixed hours and productive work, read the GOV.UK guidance on intern pay and employment rights before accepting it.
How to Decide Whether an Internship Is Worth Applying For
An open vacancy is not automatically a useful opportunity. Ask these questions:
| Question | What to look for |
| Will I complete real work? | The advert names projects, duties or responsibilities rather than promising only “exposure”. |
| Will I learn relevant skills? | It identifies training, tools, processes or professional knowledge. |
| Will I receive support? | A manager, supervisor, mentor or structured programme is clearly mentioned. |
| Are the pay and hours clear? | The employer explains the salary, working pattern or lawful placement status. |
| Can I explain the experience later? | The work should produce examples that you can discuss in a CV or interview. |
| Does it support my direction? | The role offers relevant experience or useful transferable skills. |
Not every answer must be perfect. However, investigate further if the advert is vague about the duties, hours, supervision and pay.
Where Else to Find UK Internships
Large employers should not be your only route. Also check:
- Your university careers portal
- Local technology and engineering firms
- Accountancy practices
- NHS organisations
- Councils and public bodies
- Charities and research organisations
- Marketing and design agencies
- Start ups and regional businesses
A smaller employer may give you more direct responsibility. Instead of asking only whether the company is famous, ask what you would be able to explain that you completed after the internship.
Internship, Placement or Apprenticeship?
These terms describe different arrangements.
An internship is usually short term and designed to provide work experience. An industrial placement often lasts longer and may form part of a university course. An apprenticeship is a paid job combined with structured training towards occupational competence and sometimes a qualification.
If you want a paid training route into nursing, read the Nursing Degree Apprenticeships UK 2026 guide. It covers that route separately because apprenticeship funding, entry requirements and employment conditions are different from ordinary internships.
How to Apply for Internships in the UK Still Open in 2026
Finding a vacancy is only the first step. Your application must show that you meet the employer’s conditions and can provide relevant evidence.
Make the first half of your CV useful
A recruiter should be able to find the main evidence quickly. Depending on the role, include:
- Your degree and expected graduation date
- Relevant modules or university projects
- Part time employment
- Volunteering or society responsibilities
- Technical or professional skills
- Evidence of analysis, communication, teamwork or problem solving
You do not need years of professional experience. You do need examples that you can explain honestly.
Replace general duties with evidence
This statement gives little information:
Helped with a university project.
A clearer version would be:
Worked with four students to clean survey data in Excel, summarise the findings and present the results to the class.
The second version shows the task, the tool and the outcome. Use the same approach for employment, volunteering, society work and personal projects. Do not invent figures or responsibilities.
Match your evidence to the vacancy
Read the advert again and highlight the compulsory requirements. Then decide where each relevant piece of evidence appears in your CV or application.
If the advert repeatedly mentions stakeholder communication, analysis and teamwork, make those skills easy to find when you genuinely have them.
For SQL, Python, dashboards, data portfolios and technical interview preparation, use the separate Data Analyst Internships UK 2026 guide. This general guide does not repeat that specialist material.
Applying Without Previous Internship Experience
You can use evidence from other parts of your life, including:
- Part time work
- Academic assignments
- Volunteering
- Student societies
- Community responsibilities
- Sports teams
- Caring responsibilities
- Freelance or personal projects
A supermarket job may not relate directly to finance or consulting, but it can show reliability, customer communication, teamwork and the ability to work under pressure.
The job title matters less than the evidence you can provide. If you need paid experience alongside your studies, the Student Jobs in the UK 2026 guide covers part time options separately.
Track Your Applications
Use a simple spreadsheet:
| Employer | Role | Official URL | Deadline | Rolling? | Eligibility checked? | Date applied | Current stage | Next action |
This record helps you see where your application process may need attention.
If you repeatedly receive rejections before an assessment or interview, check whether you meet the compulsory requirements and whether your CV proves the requested skills.
If you reach interviews but do not receive offers, spend more time reviewing your examples and practising interview answers. This is not a mathematical rule. It is a practical way to identify patterns.
International Students and UK Internships
The statement international students can work 20 hours is incomplete. Work permission depends on the course, education provider, term dates and the conditions attached to the student’s immigration permission.
Term time work limits
A student on a full time degree level course or above can normally work up to 20 hours a week during term time when sponsored by a higher education provider with a track record of compliance.
A full time course below degree level at such a provider normally carries a 10 hour term time limit. Some students, including people on certain part time courses, have no permission to work.
Check your own eVisa or immigration conditions before accepting work.
The Home Office defines a week for this purpose as Monday to Sunday. The limit applies to all your employment combined, not separately to each employer.
For example, working 12 hours for one employer and 10 hours for another during the same term time week gives a total of 22 hours.
Full time work during vacations
An eligible Student visa holder can normally work full time during an official vacation. However, the university decides its term and vacation dates.
Do not assume that summer is automatically a vacation. A master’s student may still be in a dissertation period when undergraduate students are on holiday. Ask your university for written confirmation if you are considering a full time internship.
Course placements
A work placement can be permitted when it is an integral and assessed part of the course. At degree level with an eligible higher education provider, the placement can normally form up to 50 per cent of the course. Different limits and exceptions can apply in other circumstances.
The university remains responsible for sponsorship during an approved placement. An ordinary internship does not become a course placement simply because the employer uses that description. Obtain confirmation from your university first.
Restricted types of work
Student permission normally prevents self employment and business activity. It also restricts work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.
A freelance internship may therefore create an immigration issue even when the number of hours appears acceptable.
Sponsorship at Deloitte and KPMG
A large employer’s ability to sponsor some graduate jobs does not mean it sponsors every internship.
Deloitte says it cannot provide sponsorship for Spring into Deloitte, the Summer Vacation Scheme or Industrial Placements. A Student visa holder may apply in qualifying circumstances when the visa remains valid for the programme and the dates fit the university’s official vacation where required.
Deloitte also limits Student visa applications to locations where the equivalent graduate conversion role is eligible for sponsorship.
KPMG welcomes international applicants to its Vacation, Insight and One Year Business Placement programmes, but applicants must have suitable existing permission to work. KPMG says it cannot sponsor these undergraduate programmes.
Always ask whether your immigration status fits the exact programme. Do not rely only on the employer’s general sponsorship position.
Right to Work Checks
An employer must complete an appropriate right to work check before employment begins.
Many people with digital immigration status can generate a share code. The employer uses the code and the applicant’s date of birth to check the permitted work and any time limit.
A share code remains valid for 90 days and can be used more than once during that period. Confirm that a vacancy is genuine before sending identity information. Do not send passport copies, eVisa screenshots or bank details to an unverified recruiter.
The Graduate Visa
The Graduate route provides more flexibility than the Student route because holders can work in most jobs and can be self employed.
The duration depends on the application date:
- Two years when the application is made on or before 31 December 2026
- Eighteen months when the application is made on or after 1 January 2027
- Three years for a PhD or another doctoral qualification
The Graduate visa cannot be extended. A holder may later qualify to switch to another immigration route, such as Skilled Worker, but that depends on meeting the relevant rules.
Civil Service Nationality Rules
Having permission to work in the UK does not automatically make someone eligible for every Civil Service vacancy.
UK, Irish and qualifying Commonwealth citizens can apply for many posts. Certain EEA, Swiss and Turkish nationals may also qualify under protected status rules. Some posts are reserved for UK nationals.
Read the nationality section of the actual vacancy before applying.
A Seven Day Application Plan
If you are looking for internships in the UK still open in 2026, use a focused week instead of checking job boards without a plan.
| Day | Action |
| 1 | Choose two realistic job areas, such as finance and business operations. |
| 2 | List 20 employers and save their official careers pages. |
| 3 | Update your CV with evidence from study, employment and volunteering. |
| 4 | Check each vacancy’s study stage, location, dates, work rights and deadline. |
| 5 | Submit your strongest two or three suitable applications. |
| 6 | Practise one assessment format, such as numerical reasoning, situational judgement or a recorded interview. |
| 7 | Update your tracker and set reminders for programmes that have not opened. |
Repeat the process the following week. The aim is not to send the highest possible number of applications. It is to build a realistic list and submit strong applications before rolling programmes fill.
How to Identify a Suspicious Internship Advert
Check the following before sharing documents:
- Does the vacancy appear on the employer’s official careers website?
- Does the email come from a genuine company domain?
- Does the advert explain the role, location and recruitment process?
- Is anyone asking you to pay a fee to secure the internship?
- Is a recruiter requesting identity or bank documents before a normal application or interview?
- Can you find the employer independently instead of relying only on the link you received?
A genuine employer may eventually need evidence for a right to work check. That does not make every request for sensitive documents genuine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are internships still open in the UK in August 2026?
Yes. Amazon, BlackRock, Bank of America and Goldman Sachs displayed active internship application routes when checked on 25 August 2026.
Several programmes recruit now for 2027 start dates. Deloitte has also published dates for its next application windows, while KPMG is inviting students to join its Talent Community.
Am I too late for a summer 2027 internship?
No. However, finance employers have already started recruiting and several use rolling assessment. Apply once you have confirmed your eligibility and prepared a strong application.
Do UK internships have to pay the minimum wage?
An intern who is classed as a worker is normally entitled to the National Minimum Wage. Exceptions include certain required course placements lasting less than one year, genuine work shadowing and some voluntary work arrangements. The duties and employment relationship matter more than the title intern.
Can an international student complete a full time summer internship?
Sometimes. An eligible Student visa holder can normally work full time during an official vacation. The university’s term dates and the person’s immigration conditions remain important. Master’s dissertation periods may still count as study time.
Can a Student visa holder complete a full time placement during term time?
It may be possible when the placement is an integral and assessed part of the course and meets the immigration rules. Obtain written confirmation from the university. An ordinary internship is not automatically a course placement.
Do Deloitte and KPMG sponsor their internship programmes?
Their current guidance says they do not sponsor the undergraduate vacation and placement programmes discussed in this article. Applicants need suitable existing work permission and must meet the programme’s other immigration conditions.
Does a Graduate visa make internships easier?
It removes the Student route’s normal term time working limit and permits work in most jobs. However, it is time limited and cannot be extended.
How many internships should I apply for?
There is no single correct number. Apply to enough suitable roles that one rejection does not end your search, but do not submit large numbers of identical applications. Eligibility, evidence and timing matter more than the total.
Final Advice on Internships in the UK Still Open in 2026
There are genuine internships in the UK still open in 2026, but many will begin in 2027. Other programmes have published their next opening dates, while smaller employers may recruit when a particular need arises.
Use the employer’s official careers page. Check the study stage, programme dates, location, pay and work permission before applying. Treat rolling vacancies as time sensitive and keep a record of every application.
Most importantly, judge an internship by the work and skills it offers, not only by the employer’s name.
Vacancies, deadlines and immigration rules can change. The opportunities and rules in this guide were checked on 25 August 2026. Confirm the current position on the employer’s official website and check your own immigration conditions before applying or accepting an offer.