10 Internships in Scotland for International Students

Being an international student interning in Scotland offers a mixture of opportunities for professional development, networking, cultural immersion, and adventure. It’s an experience that has the potential to influence both your personal and professional futures while also forging lasting memories. The best internships in Scotland for international students connect you to a fascinating past, thriving culture, stunning scenery—and career-launching benefits.

Living and working in Scotland will provide you the chance to get fully immersed in Scottish culture, discover its customs and traditions, and take in its breathtaking natural beauty. Not to mention, an internship in Scotland is a fantastic way to practice your English if it isn’t your first language. Daily practice in speaking, writing, and listening to English will even allow you to improve your confidence and language skills!

Are there paid internships in Scotland?

The compensation offered for internships in Scotland varies depending on a number of factors, including the industry, employer, and length of the internship. While some internships are unpaid, there are some that include compensation.

In Scotland, any internship lasting more than 12 weeks is required by law to adhere to National Minimum Wage requirements. You can select the position that best suits your interests and goals by investigating alternative options and comprehending compensation plans before applying.

It’s worth noting that some companies may choose to offer to cover expenses only, or offer a small stipend to cover travel costs, rather than paying the full NMW rate. This practice is legal but should still be clearly communicated upfront to potential interns.

READ: Paying for Internships Abroad: Your New How-To Guide

10 best international internships in Scotland

1. Global Experiences: Intern Abroad in Scotland

• Why it’s the best: Global Experience helps match your talents and goals with a job. Get 24/7 assistance, one-on-one coaching, and resume and interview prep to progress professionally. The program price includes a guaranteed internship, lodging, social activities, professional development, 24/7 staff assistance, health and travel insurance, and more.
• Where? Edinburgh
• Duration? 8 or 12 weeks
• Read Global Experiences reviews

2. Observation and Research in Scotland - Adelante Abroad

• Why it’s the best: Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is home to intriguing historic monuments, and participants in this program will have many opportunities to immerse themselves in the city’s culture and history. This internship in Scotland is for international students interested in doing 240 hours of research during the summer through Adelante LLC’s Observation and Research Program. Psychology, horticulture, ecology, and veterinary and animal sciences are just a few of the placements offered to interns.
• Where? Edinburgh
• Duration? 6 weeks
• Read Adelante Abroad reviews

3. BUNAC - Intern in Britain

• Why it’s the best: The UK is home to some of the world’s most ambitious minds in fields as diverse as science, technology, journalism, and the arts. It's not just forward-thinking, influential, and artistic, but also global. This region is well-known for luring top professionals from all over the world. You’ll gain insight from top industry professionals, expand your network, and hone several transferable skills, which makes this program one of the best internships in Scotland for international students. Plus, BUNAC Job Hub, a completely new resource for seeking a career, is now available.
• Where? Edinburgh
• Duration? 1-12 months
• Read BUNAC reviews

4. Paid Business Placements in Australia, Nepal, Thailand & UK

• Why it’s the best: Placement Year International’s business placements will help you get your desired business position. After you enroll into the program, you will be matched based on your personal preferences, training, and experience with the best host firm. Their personalized placement strategy gives you the experience and training you want and gives the host organization the capabilities they need. Placements are available in business development, HR, sales and marketing, IT, graphic or web design, and many more areas!
• Where? Edinburgh, Glasgow
• Duration? Up to 12 months
• Read Placement Year International reviews

5. Speech Pathology & Hearing Sciences in Scotland

• Why it’s the best: Stay in Scotland and pursue your passion for the study of speech and hearing. Get placed at a prestigious institution in Edinburgh and study hidden speech phenomena, normal and disordered speech and hearing, and more. There are only two available slots for this internship in Scotland for international students at a prominent Edinburgh university’s graduate lab, and candidates will be involved in numerous active research projects at the Clinical Audiology, Speech and Language Research Centre (CASL).
• Where? Edinburgh
• Duration? 6 weeks
• Read Adelante Abroad reviews

6. USAC Scotland: Stirling - Undergraduate Courses & Internship

• Why it’s the best: Internship opportunities are available to students enrolled in both Summer Session 1 and 2, so it makes sense to sign up for both if you can. If you decide to do an internship, the University of Stirling’s Career Team can help you choose a position that fits your preferences. There might be openings in fields including green tech, heritage tourism, the arts, startup companies, and computer programming. Previous interns have been placed at Basketball Scotland, Creative Stirling, and Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration.
• Where? Stirling
• Duration? 8 weeks
• Read University Studies Abroad Consortium reviews

7. Agriculture Business in Scotland with Adelante Abroad

• Why it’s the best: Internships like this are highly sought after by students as they may be tailored to the individual’s academic interests. While doing challenging work, you’ll be surrounded by other high-caliber experts, so you’ll develop skills in your area of interest. Apply early since there are limits to the number of students who can be placed in these internships. Depending on summer priorities, you can learn about a company’s agricultural division, market development plans, and more.
• Where? Edinburgh
• Duration? 6 weeks
• Read Adelante Abroad reviews

8. Study, Experience, & Intern in Scotland

• Why it’s the best: St. James Research Centre (SJRC) is part of Global Family Care Network, an organization working in nine countries that focuses on preventing trafficking and abuse while strengthening families and communities. Edinburgh and Glasgow are easily accessible from Falkirk by train. SJRC provides four authorized courses, monthly cultural outings, joint project design, personal mentorship, journaling, self-reflection, shared dialogues, and final presentations.
• Where? Falkirk
• Duration? 5 months
• Read St. James Research Centre reviews

9. Psychology Placements in Scotland with Adelante Abroad

• Why it’s the best: There are six slots available for psychology students interested in experimental psychology, social perception and cognition, political psychology, leadership, and/or educational psychology. Placement supervisors are experts in memory retention, manipulation of information, social inclusion, bullying, and peer rejection. Students may choose from three research areas and can expect to work a rigorous 32 to 40 hours per week.
• Where? Edinburgh
• Duration? 6 weeks
• Read Adelante Abroad reviews

10. Experience Edinburgh, Scotland with API

• Why it’s the best: API will find you an internship in Scotland with an organization that suits your professional, academic, and personal goals. While you’re interning, API programming will help you develop specialized skills. Their on-site team provides support as you learn about international working culture through in-person and virtual cultural courses and local excursions. Full-time internships demand up to 35 hours each week. Work with the Careers team to locate an internship in Edinburgh that matches your abilities and advances your career!
• Where? Edinburgh
• Duration? 8-12 weeks
• Read Academic Programs International reviews

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Scotland is one of the BEST places to get work experience!

A successful internship in Scotland can lead to a successful career. You’ll acquire the skills to adapt to different social contexts, engage in fruitful intercultural dialogue, and open your mind to alternative points of view.

Capture those memories and make the most of your time interning in Scotland.

But lastly, let’s not overlook the enjoyable aspect! Scotland is a beautiful place to call home because of its thriving cities, quaint rural communities, and breathtaking scenery. Take this opportunity and run with it as far as you can!