The Saltire Scholars Programme is Entrepreneurial Scotland's flagship programme designed to find, grow, and connect students with the ambition and potential of becoming future leaders for Scotland.
Open to full-time undergraduate students in their 3rd, 4th or 5th year of a bachelor’s or integrated Masters’ Degree at a Scottish university, the programme puts students on a year-long transformational development journey, culminating in an 8–12-week fully funded summer internship with host companies across the world. Please watch our Information Session video to learn more about the progamme.
To apply to the 2026 Saltire Scholars Programme, you will be asked to provide information about yourself and submit a 400-word Candidate Statement. Please read all of the guidance below before clicking the apply button at the bottom of this page.
The 2026 Saltire Scholars Programme is open to:
• Full-time undergraduate students in their 3rd, 4th, or 5th year (Integrated Masters)
• Enrolled in a bachelor’s or integrated Masters’ degree
• Studying at a Scottish university
Please be aware that each university makes independent funding decisions, which can affect which internships are available to their students.
Please click here to view University-specific Eligibility Criteria for students who attend The University of Edinburgh, Abertay University, Robert Gordon University or the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Have these documents ready to upload (Word, PDF, JPG, JPEG or PNG only — no HEIC files):
• Student matriculation number
• Proof of undergraduate status - This can be a letter from your University Admissions Office OR a screenshot from a University Portal. It must display matriculation number, current year of study & graduation date.
• Photographic ID (Student ID, Driving Licence, or Passport)
• Passport details (including a copy)
• Proof of Right to Work in the UK status (e.g. UK/Irish Passport, pre-settled status, digital visa)
• UK National Insurance Number
As part of your application, you’ll be asked to submit a 400-word Candidate Statement.
We want to get to know the real you — beyond your CV or academic background.
Your statement should cover:
• What motivates you: What drives your interest in the Saltire Scholars Programme?
• Who you are: Share a key experience, challenge, or moment that shaped your values, mindset, or goals.
• What you bring: What qualities, perspectives, or experiences would you contribute?
• Where you’re heading: How do you hope to grow through the programme?
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⚠️ Important: Prepare this in a separate document first. You’ll need to copy and paste it into the application form, as there is no Save & Return feature and the form times out after 20 minutes.
💡 AI tools can support your writing, but your statement must remain authentic, truthful, and your own work.
• Don’t click “APPLY” until you have fully reviewed and prepared your statement.
• Once submitted, you cannot return or update your answers.
• Don’t refresh, click back, or leave the page — you won’t be able to continue.
• No Save & Return: once you start, you must complete the form in one sitting.
• This form may timeout, therefore, please prepare everything in advance and transfer it in a timely manner.
• Most questions are mandatory, and answers are given via Textbox or from drop down menus.
• We recommend using a laptop to complete your application.
• Applications close on Monday 13th October 2025 at 12:00 midday. We caution applicants against leaving their submission to the deadline day to ensure that they have sufficient time to seek support, should they experience any technical issues.
Click the link below to go to our careers platform to submit your application.
Applications Close on Monday 13th October 2025 at 12:00 midday.