Are you a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)-funded doctoral student looking to broaden your career experience beyond academia? The UKRI Policy Internships 2026 offer an exceptional opportunity to spend three months working within some of the UK’s most influential government departments and policy organizations while continuing your doctoral studies.
Designed specifically for doctoral researchers funded by UKRI research councils, the internship scheme enables participants to develop valuable policy, communication, and professional skills by translating academic research into practical evidence that informs government decision-making.
Applications are now open, with internships expected to begin from January 2027.
Application Deadline: 8 September 2026 at 4:00 PM (UK Time).
About the UKRI Policy Internships Scheme
The UKRI Policy Internships Scheme provides doctoral students with first-hand experience of how research informs public policy across the United Kingdom.
The programme bridges the gap between academia and government by allowing PhD students to work alongside policymakers, applying their research expertise to real-world policy challenges.
Participants remain part of their doctoral studentship while gaining professional experience that can significantly enhance both academic and non-academic career prospects.
Internship Duration
Successful applicants will undertake:
- Duration: 3 months
- Expected Start: From January 2027
Internship Host Partners
Internships are available across 16 influential policy organisations, including:
- Cabinet Office
- Department for Education
- Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- Department for Work and Pensions
- Government Office for Science
- Home Office
- Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- And several other UK government and policy organisations.
These placements give doctoral students direct exposure to how research supports evidence-based policymaking.
Why Apply?
The UKRI Policy Internships Scheme offers numerous professional and career benefits, including:
- Gain practical policy experience within the UK government.
- Learn how research influences public policy.
- Develop communication skills for non-academic audiences.
- Build relationships with policymakers and government professionals.
- Strengthen your CV with valuable public sector experience.
- Enhance your career prospects both inside and outside academia.
- Continue your doctoral training while undertaking the internship.
- Apply your research expertise to real policy challenges.
Funding
Funding arrangements vary depending on:
- Your UKRI research council.
- Your selected host organisation.
Some research councils provide additional funding to support internship-related costs, while others require students to use funding available through their existing training grant.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be an existing UKRI-funded doctoral student.
- Hold funding from one of the following UKRI research councils:
- Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
- Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (ESRC)
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
- Medical Research Council (MRC)
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
- Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Application Timeline
| Activity | Date |
| Applications Open | 2 June 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 8 September 2026 (4:00 PM UK Time) |
| Shortlisting | October 2026 |
| Interviews | October – November 2026 |
| Results Announced | November – December 2026 |
| Internships Begin | From January 2027 |
How to Apply
Interested doctoral students should submit their applications through the official UKRI application portal before the deadline.
Click here for more and to apply
Why This Opportunity Matters
For doctoral students interested in influencing public policy, this internship provides a rare opportunity to see how evidence shapes government decisions while building highly transferable skills.
Whether you intend to pursue a career in academia, government, think tanks, international organisations, or the wider public sector, the UKRI Policy Internships Scheme offers invaluable practical experience and professional development that can set you apart in a competitive job market.
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute your research expertise to some of the UK’s leading policy institutions.
Deadline: 8 September 2026 at 4:00 PM (UK Time).
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