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UKRI policy internships 2026

Three-month policy internships for eligible UKRI-funded doctoral students.

OpenUK Research and InnovationUnited Kingdom

This scheme offers existing UKRI-funded doctoral students a three-month internship with one of 16 host partners. The internship is undertaken as part of the existing doctoral studentship.

The scheme is only open to doctoral students funded by the research councils of UKRI: AHRC, BBSRC, ESRC, EPSRC, MRC, NERC and STFC. Students funded through UKRI Centres for Doctoral Training in Artificial Intell…

Internships are available with 16 host partners, including government departments, public bodies and parliamentary organisations. The scheme is for students to gain training and experience in a policymaking environment; it is not open to undergraduate or masters level students, students not currently undertaking doctoral-level study in the UK, or students who are not funded at least 50% by a UKRI doctoral studentship.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.One-off
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.8 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.3 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.—
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

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Last verified: 27 Aug 2026Funder reference: ukri-post-192994Source: www.ukri.org