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Bringing fresh perspectives to intelligence.
Please note there are no Summer Intelligence Internship vacancies at MI5.
Ever wondered if a career in intelligence could be right for you? Or is it something you’ve never considered, but could get curious about? Our paid Summer Intelligence Internship is a great opportunity to spend some real time working in the UK’s Intelligence Services. Discover how we keep the UK safe. And find out if you could see yourself building a career with us.
People from an ethnic minority and socially or economically disadvantaged background are currently under-represented in the UK’s Intelligence Services. That’s why we offer this 10 to 11-week internship to university students, specifically from those backgrounds.
Internship dates
As part of the internship, you’ll get pro-rata annual leave. So you’ll have up to five days off during the periods below.
- GCHQ: 30th June 2025 to 5th September 2025 (10 weeks)
- MI6: 12th June 2025 to 29th August 2025 (11 weeks and two days)
Locations
- Cheltenham (GCHQ) and Central London (MI6)
Working pattern
- Full time for the duration of the Internship, plus five day’s leave
Salary
- GCHQ: £4,972 plus accommodation assistance for duration of the Internship
- MI6: £6,363, plus accommodation assistance for duration of the Internship
- Some travel expenses may be available
About us
GCHQ and MI6 are the UK’s Intelligence Services. We work together to safeguard the UK’s people, interests and businesses from various threats at home, overseas and online, including cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime. Through the ingenuity of our people, we gather secret intelligence and work closely with our partners in the UK and overseas to detect threats and work out ways to stop them.
What will I do?
Join us as an Intelligence Intern and you’ll enjoy a summer like no other, where your unique perspectives and opinions will really matter. You’ll learn all about us – and discover new things about yourself too.
Over 10 to 11 weeks, you’ll become a real member of the team and contribute to core missions. Whether you choose GCHQ or MI6, you’ll see how front-line operations are run, piece together intelligence and create a picture of possible threats. By the end of the internship, you’ll understand the part each organisation plays in protecting national security. You’ll have grown your skills and confidence. And you’ll get the chance to apply for a permanent position at your chosen agency.
Am I eligible to apply?
For the 2024/2025 academic year, you’ll need to be in your penultimate or final year of university studying any degree, and come from a Black, Asian, mixed-heritage or other ethnic minority background. You’ll also need to be from a socially or economically disadvantaged background. Not sure if that’s you? Find more information about the entry requirements on our website.
What skills do I need?
We all look for naturally inquisitive people who thrive in a team and bring real enthusiasm. People who enjoy making sense of complex information, doing challenging puzzles, work collaboratively and are passionate about contributing to keeping the country safe.
You don’t need any specific skills, or to be studying a certain kind of degree. But it’s worth thinking about what you’re interested in when you’re picking which agency to apply with (you can only apply for one). We provide free accommodation if you need it, so don’t let our locations stop you from applying.
Here’s some insight into what we look for at each agency:
- At GCHQ, we safeguard the UK’s digital homeland. Which means we deal with a lot of data. So, you’ll need a passion for analysing information and discovering what it can reveal.
- At MI6, we focus on threats from overseas. So you’ll be interested in different cultures, with a good sense of judgement and communication skills.
Salary, benefits and financial support
You’ll get a competitive salary and five days’ annual leave. Plus, we offer free accommodation for the duration of your time with us, if you need it. And of course, you’ll be part of the team – so you’ll be free to enjoy organisation-wide events, as well as our clubs and societies, where you can learn and network. What’s more, you’ll have an experience you’ll never forget.
Please note that you’ll need to pass security checks – your placement will depend on this. For more information please visit our website.
Equal opportunities
At GCHQ and MI6 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from those from an ethnic minority and low socio-economic backgrounds who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our websites:
- https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/life-at-gchq/diversity-inclusion
- https://www.sis.gov.uk/explore-careers
To be eligible to apply, you must meet the criteria above and be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will nonetheless be considered. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply at the age of 17 years, if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday. Full eligibility details can be found on our website.
To take your first steps toward an unforgettable summer, click the Apply button, and find out more.
