UK Professional Work Experience bursary scheme

It is highly recommended to read each section of information in detail to ensure you complete your application to a suitable standard. If you have any questions or require further information, you can contact the Careers Network Internship Officer responsible for managing the bursary for which you are applying, by emailing internships@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

• What are Work Experience Bursaries (PDF -120KB)
• Application Process (PDF - 39KB)
• How and when to apply (PDF - 149KB)
• Example work experience opportunities and internships (PDF - 160KB)
• Eligibility for the bursaries (PDF - 109KB)
• Support with completing your application form (PDF - 344KB)
• Example work experience budget planner (PDF - 966KB)
• Blank Budget Template (DOC - 21.9KB)

Once the application deadline has passed, all applications received on-line will be assessed by Careers Network staff. Applicants who are successful in passing this first assessment stage will then be invited to attend a short panel interview and to deliver a five minute presentation, training for which will be provided. If you pass both of these stages, you may then be granted a bursary.

The scheme is open to all undergraduate students, including international students, except those in their final year. You must source your own internship / work experience. 

The scheme provides you with a bursary of up to £800 for undergraduates (except final years) to undertake work experience in the UK in the summer vacation. The amount you apply for will depend on the individual circumstances of your proposed work experience. In the past awards have ranged from £100 to £800 to help with expenses including:

• Accommodation costs
• Travel expenses
• Living costs and utilities bills
• Insurance

If you are successful in your initial application, you will be invited to attend an interview. For more information about interview skills, visit our interview resources:

• Preparing for an interview 

We advertise a range of internship opportunities exclusive to current students and graduates of the University of Birmingham; take a look at some of the great positions available. You can also try logging on to our jobs database on Careers Connect - there are lots of internships on offer and more are added regularly so do keep checking! 

See details of previous winners of our work experience funding schemes and their experiences.

Each year many students fundraise themselves  to cover all or part of their costs, particularly for opportunities overseeas. ICS is a UK Government funded programme providing overseas volunteer placements to 18-25 year olds and Team Leader placements to 23-35 year olds. They have put together a handy guide on how to fundraise yourself (PDF - 673KB).

Find out more information on ICS and the opporunities they offer.