Your placement has to be a supernumerary internship for a maximum of 6 months. It cannot be an unskilled position and should be for a minimum 25 hours a week. The internship may perhaps be arranged by your university as part of your course requirements, via a placement agency, or one which you have organised for yourself. BUNAC does not yet find placements for you, but we may be able to offer some advice or assistance to help in your search.

All work in the UK (including internships) is subject to National Minimum Wage legislation. Minimum wage is currently £5.80 per hour for someone 22 or older and £4.83 for 21 or younger. Your employer must comply with government regulations – see the direct.gov website. In certain circumstances this may permit an unpaid internship as a volunteer. However, being a volunteer does not simply mean that you are willing to work for no pay. You and your employer must agree that you have no contract or formal arrangements and you are under no obligation to perform any specific work or carry out instructions. You are able to come and go to work as you please and will have no expectation of, and will not receive, any payment or tangible benefit (including accommodation) for the work you do. BUNAC will verify this with your employer before issuing the Certificate of Sponsorship.

The employer must be a UK registered company, a UK registered charity or registered with a UK government department. If the company or organisation is not registered in the UK then BUNAC can not offer sponsorship. if you are in any doubt please ask the employer to contact BUNAC for more information before you apply.

The internship should aim to help you build relevant skills and overseas experience. It must be outlined in the Employer Application and Agreement. This can be downloaded as part of the Application Pack and is submitted to BUNAC for approval as part of your program application. The Certificate of Sponsorship cannot be issued without it.

This visa is valid only for the position described in the internship agreement. You must leave the UK on the visa expiry date but you may then be able to re-enter the UK as a tourist (not to work). Participants cannot take dependents (spouse, children) with them on this visa.

NB. It is not possible to take an internship on this program in the Channel Islands or on the Isle of Man.

Preparing for life in the UK

Before departure you should do some research about the local accommodation options, cost of living, local transport and so on. Ask your employer about these issues. It is important to plan ahead so that you know what to expect and can budget finances and time accordingly. BUNAC will send you a program Handbook when you have been accepted on to the program. A compulsory arrival orientation is provided in London to give you additional information about all aspects of living and working in the UK.

During your internship

You are required to keep BUNAC informed at all times of your residential address, e-mail and contact phone number. You will need to liaise with BUNAC throughout the internship to help you and your employer get the most out of the placement. As part of your visa obligation you will also be asked to complete an evaluation form at the end of the placement.