Saltire Scholars Candidate Pool: Candidate Guidance

To start your candidate pool journey, you have to login to our Internships Portal. This is the same login you used when you first applied.

Internships will be advertised on a rolling basis from January 2026 through to May 2026.

To view internship adverts, you must log in to the Internship Portal and go to the search tab at the top.

Please check the Internship Portal regularly to see the latest opportunities.

Each application will require one document, which should include your tailored Cover Letter (400 words maximum) followed by your tailored CV (no more than two pages).

You may submit multiple applications, however, please do ensure you are focussing your efforts on applying for roles which are aligned to your skillset, experience and genuine interest.

Internships are advertised on a rolling basis, mainly on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday each week until the end of May.

Please read the full information of how to apply for internship opportunities by downloading our guide here.

For each internship, the Scholars team shortlists 3-4 candidates. Shortlisting is based on your tailored cover letter and CV.

As our internships are competitive (last year some internships received over 50 applications), think carefully about your motivations and suitability for the role.

We run online drop-in sessions where you can ask a member of our team for guidance and advice.

The candidates who are most successful in this process are those who match their skills and experience to job descriptions and demonstrate good evidence of this.

We notify you by email if you have been successfully shortlisted (or not) for a host company interview. We ask host companies to interview all candidates shortlisted within two weeks of receiving candidate details. Host company timelines are out with our control.

Each host company has their own interview style and process. For internships with international placements, interviews are usually conducted over the phone or online. For Scotland based internships, interviews may be conducted in person, phone or online. Candidates will be required to pay for any fees associated with their interviews travel costs and expenses will not be reimbursed unless stated by the host company.

Complete host company research before your interview. Your University Careers Service and Scholar Alumni will be able to offer advice and support for interview techniques. Be technically prepared for your interview (good wi-fi connection, download and login to any necessary software well in advance of your interview) and take any time zone differences into account.

Communication with host companies should initially be limited to interview logistics and a polite thank you after your interview. Host companies can take several weeks following an interview to make their final decision. The Scholars team will inform candidates of the host company’s decision as soon as we are made aware of this decision. Please do not contact host companies directly for your interview outcome. Any feedback provided will be shared with you.

• Only apply to positions where you meet the essential requirements. For example, driving licence, age.
• Check your eligibility including any Right to Work and Visa requirements/restrictions.
• Remember this is a very competitive process and not every candidate will be successful in securing an internship position.
• Read about Scholar's internship experiences on our Scholar Blogs page here.
• If you have a query that is not answered on this page, please read our FAQs

• When you accept an internship offer you are required to sign a placement agreement. This contract is legally binding. If you change your mind, you will be responsible for paying any financial repercussions. Once a placement agreement is signed, you cannot apply to any further roles

• Candidates may have an interview with more than one host company at the same time. If you are successful in receiving an internship offer from one company, you have 24 hours to decide if you would like to accept that offer, or decline and continue with the application process for other internships.

• Saltire Scholars on international internships (outside of the UK) will receive return travel from Scotland to their internship city, accommodation for the duration of their internship, insurance, some visa fees (where applicable) and a weekly stipend to cover basic living costs.
• All UK based, and virtual internships, will be paid at the UK National Real Living Wage. Salary will be paid directly by the host company and Scholars are responsible for sourcing their own accommodation and commute to work. Scholars must have the Right to Work in the UK and have a valid UK National Insurance Number.

• You must remain in the UK 6 weeks prior to departure if a visa application is required - this timeline is subject to change. This will allow time to complete all the compulsory paperwork for your visa and ensure you are available to attend any embassy appointments.
• Be conscious of your passport expiry date. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your return date.
• Double-check your eligibility for the position as described in the job role (Age, drivers licence, nationality). Some roles have specific criteria due to security clearances which can prohibit nationals of certain countries from applying.