Step 1: check if you need a visa to enter the UK

The UK Government offers a quick online questionnaire to help you determine if you need a visa. Most non-UK students will be required to apply for a visa to do an internship or work in the UK.

Step 2: find an employer that accepts to be your sponsor

To obtain a visa to enter the United Kingdom, the future employee needs the sponsorship of an employer that is willing to sponsor him or her. When looking for an internship or job, make sure that your host organization knows about your administrative situation. If the host organization is already registered as a licensed sponsor, then you may proceed with your visa application by visiting the British Government website and completing this online form. To find a list of all of the licensed sponsors, click here.

Alternative solution: government authorised exchange scheme organizations

If your host organization is not registered as a licensed sponsor, government authorised exchange scheme organizations such as GTI or BUNAC can assist you in obtaining your visa. Not only can these agencies act as intermediaries by helping you obtain a sponsorship certificate, but they can also help you find an employer. We recommend applying for a visa through these government authorised exchange scheme organizations 10 to 12 weeks ahead of your desired internship start date.

All documents published by the UK Government on Immigration can be found here.

BUNAC offers two different preferential rates for students from partner universities who have already found their internship and require BUNAC’s support in obtaining the sponsorship certificate:

• For students wishing to complete a 0-6 months internship, please apply here.
• For students wishing to complete a 7-12 months internship, please apply here.

For more information, watch the replay of the latest information session which we co-hosted with BUNAC.

For further information

BUNAC template letter to employers explaining how sponsorship works

List of supporting documents to be sent to BUNAC to obtain sponsorship

Going Global- country guides- visa and work permits UK