Build the skills, confidence and experience to thrive in your future career,
with the opportunity
to secure a paid summer internship in the UK or a fully
funded internship internationally.
Applications for our 2027 Programme open in
Wednesday 16 September · 10:00am
Applications are now open
Open to penultimate and final-year university undergraduate students in Scotland.
ABOUT SALTIRE SCHOLARS
For 20 years, the Saltire Scholars Programme has supported ambitious university students across Scotland to prepare for life beyond university.
Combining professional development with the opportunity to secure a paid summer internship, every stage of the programme is designed to challenge you, broaden your horizons and help you become career-ready before you graduate.
Strengthen your CV and applications, build confidence in interviews and assessment centres, and stand out before entering the graduate job market.
Build your confidence, leadership skills and entrepreneurial mindset through opportunities that challenge you to step outside your comfort zone.
Connect with employers, professionals and fellow Scholars, building relationships that can support you throughout your career.
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Have the opportunity to secure a paid summer internship, gain meaningful experience and earn a Badge of Excellence for your CV.
Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. Saltire Scholars helps remove the financial and practical barriers that can stand in the way of gaining a summer internship, making them accessible to students from every background.
Gain hands-on experience with organisations across Scotland and the wider UK, with all internships paid at the Real Living Wage.
Explore the UK's vibrant business landscape and gain invaluable hands-on experience through our UK-based internships. Work closely with leading Scottish, English, Welsh and Northern Irish businesses where you can work on real commercial projects and drive impactful change. Build connections with influential industry professionals and mentors who will shape your leadership journey.
Broaden your horizons through a fully funded internship in Canada, the USA or Australia, gaining professional experience in a new culture and environment.
Embark on a global adventure and broaden your horizons with our International Internships. Intern with global host companies based in Canada, the United States and Australia.
Historically, we have also placed Saltire Scholars in Europe, China, Japan, India, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.
Through this transformational internship, you will experience different cultures, work on commercially driven projects and establish connections on a global scale.
Gain meaningful professional experience remotely, working with organisations and teams based in Scotland, the wider UK or internationally.
Gain professional experience from Scotland through our Virtual Internships. As a Virtual Saltire Scholar, you can work remotely with organisations and teams based in Scotland, the wider UK or internationally.
These internships allow you to expand your network, develop your communication skills and complete a project of commercial significance while working remotely.
Each year, Saltire Scholars offers 200+ internship opportunities across a wide range of roles, sectors and organisations, from growing Scottish businesses to global employers.
From your first application to becoming a Saltire Scholar,
every stage is designed to help you learn, grow and prepare
for your future career.
Complete a short personal statement to show us your potential. Tell us about your experiences, values, skills and what you could bring to the programme.
Take part in a supportive Assessment Centre where you'll demonstrate your skills while gaining valuable experience of a recruitment process used by graduate employers.
Successfully complete the Assessment Centre and you'll join our Candidate Pool, unlocking access to 200+ internship opportunities released between January and June across a wide range of roles, sectors and locations.
Complete exclusive online learning covering employability, entrepreneurial mindset and professional development , with practical guidance on CVs, cover letters and interviews, plus expert insights and video content from recruitment professionals and entrepreneurial leaders.
Explore internship opportunities as they're released, apply for the roles that interest you and, if shortlisted, interview directly with potential host organisations.
Secure and successfully complete your internship to become a Saltire Scholar, earning your Saltire Scholars Badge of Excellence, a recognised mark of achievement showcasing the skills, experience and attributes valued by employers.
Taking part in the Saltire Scholars Programme is about realising your potential. We look beyond grades, CVs and degree subjects, focusing instead on your transferable skills, values, ambition and willingness to learn and challenge yourself.
Applications are open to University of Edinburgh students who meet the University’s Widening Participation (WP) criteria. This eligibility requirement is set by the University of Edinburgh. Students who do not meet the WP criteria are unfortunately unable to apply.
Applications are open to University of Edinburgh students who meet the University’s Widening Participation (WP) criteria. This eligibility requirement is set by the University of Edinburgh. Students who do not meet the WP criteria are unfortunately unable to apply.