The UKRI Policy Internships Scheme 2026/27 is now open for applications, offering an exciting opportunity for doctoral researchers to gain first-hand experience of policymaking.
This prestigious scheme enables UKRI-funded doctoral students to undertake a three-month placement within a selected group of highly influential policy organisations. Internships are designed to take place alongside a student’s existing doctoral award, providing a unique chance to apply academic research in real-world policy contexts.
The scheme is open to current WGSSS students. Internships must take place during a PGR’s funded period. If the internship is in the final year of the studentship, the internship must start before the end of the current funded period of award (before any extension period is applied). For students whose funding began after October 2024, the internship can also count as a Research in Practice placement.
Students who are studying on a student visa must check their eligibility to undertake a studentship placement, particularly where this requires an extension to the studentship period.
The internships are coordinated by UKRI Talent and Skills and the ESRC Public and Policy Engagement teams, on behalf of all UKRI Research Councils.
How to Apply
Full details, including:
- Available host partner organisations
- Specific placement opportunities
- Application guidance and forms
are available via the UKRI Funding Finder and the UKRI Policy Internships Scheme webpage.
Stage 1 – Students should contact their School or departmental research office at the earliest opportunity to establish whether an internal submission deadline applies.
EOI: Applicants must complete the WGSSS UKRI Internship 2026 EOI form. This must be sent to enquiries@wgsss.ac.uk no later than Monday, 24 August 2026. This is the latest deadline; we strongly encourage early applications. Late applications will not be considered.
Stage 2 – WGSSS will email you the outcome of your request by Tuesday, 1 September 2026. If you are successful, the WGSSS will return the application form template to you with the required Training Grant holder supporting statement
Stage 3 – Follow your university’s internal process to submit your application online via the UKRI Funding Service’s Policy Internships scheme webpage. Your application will be sent to your university’s research office for checking, and then it will be submitted to UKRI. The overall deadline for applications to be received by UKRI is 16:00, Tuesday 8 September 2026. You must submit your application to your university in plenty of time, to ensure it is submitted to UKRI in advance of the deadline.
For queries about the application process, students can contact: PolicyInternships@ukri.org.
Contact details for individual host partners are provided in the Host Partner Information document.