Become a Saltire Scholar

Our world-class internship programme offers university students in their penultimate and final year of study commercially valuable, fully remunerated Internship opportunities in Scotland and all over the world.

The experience of being one of our Saltire Scholars will be challenging, exhilarating, rewarding, social and fun, and for many it can be life changing. We are looking for passionate candidates with the capability of being the next generation of leaders and those who can be ambassadors for Saltire programmes and for Scotland.

Our Saltire Scholars are ambitious, creative and seek to challenge themselves. Through our mission to find, fuel and spark the next generation of leaders for Scotland, we are looking for individuals who are eager to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and are prepared to give back in return for their opportunity.

The Saltire Scholar Programme is open to all students in their penultimate or final year of study at a Scottish university. It is open to students from all degree backgrounds which means that whether you’re studying to be a social worker, a physicist or an accountant, you could gain an internship through the programme if you prove you have the right attitude and experience.

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Applications for the 2023 Saltire Scholar Programme are now CLOSED.

Opportunities

Saltire Scholars work with some of the world’s most recognised brands and innovative companies. You will undertake a project of commercial significance and deliver tangible results to your host company by applying theoretical learning in a professional environment over an 8-12 week period.

Scholars experience a different perspective by working in-person at an organisation with a global focus whilst immersing themselves in a different culture.

Alternatively, Scholars can undertake a virtual internship, allowing them to work from home.

Our Programme offers a range of Internship experiences, across multiple industries and sectors and all internships are paid.

Virtual Internships provide Scholars with the opportunity to experience working with an International Company from right here in Scotland. If circumstances mean that travelling overseas for a full summer is not possible, a virtual internship can enable you to gain that Global perspective while undertaking a project of commercial significance.

More than just an internship.

The Saltire Scholar Programme is more than just an internship. Beyond gaining a high quality placement, you can expect to benefit from a whole range of opportunities that will ignite your leadership potential and set you on a positive career path upon graduation.

  • Undertake a project of commercial significance and deliver tangible results to your host company by applying theoretical learning in a professional environment.
  • Experience a different perspective by working in an organisation with a global focus.
  • Immerse yourself in a different culture.
  • Saltire Scholars work with some of the world’s most recognised brands and innovative companies - read some of our case studies below.
  • Engage with all levels of an organisation. Scholars regularly have access to senior management who act as mentors.
More than just an internship.
Be part of something big.

Be part of something big.


Entrepreneurial Scotland is a community of current and future entrepreneurial leaders in Scotland. We invest a lot into enabling these leaders fulfil their potential which is why ‘giving back’ and contributing to our programme, beyond being a Saltire Scholar intern, is a key ethos of the Saltire Scholar Programme.

  • Become part of a Saltire Alumni network of 1500+ members.
  • Engage with Entrepreneurial Scotland’s wider Community and participate in events with Scotland’s business leaders.
  • Scholars are encouraged to fundraise and give back to our Foundation during their internship.
  • As a Saltire Scholar, you are an ambassador for the programme, your university and Scotland.
  • Create lasting and meaningful relationships with your Scholar cohort and Host Company colleagues.

We will support you on your journey to great leadership.

To enable Saltire Scholars get the most out of their Saltire experience, the Saltire Scholar team is on hand every step of the way to remove a lot of the worry and uncertainty that could come otherwise come with relocating for an internship or preparing to undertake real commercial work for the first time.

  • International Saltire Scholar Internships are fully funded, ensuring the opportunity is open to all students.
  • For Saltire Scholars based outside of the UK, we cover logistical costs. Scholars based in the UK are paid the living wage directly by the Host Company.
  • The Saltire Scholar team take care of the logistics for international roles including booking accommodation and flights, and are on-hand for all Scholars during their internships should any additional support be needed.
  • We have bespoke onboarding processes for each individual to ensure all Scholars are prepared for their internship.
We will support you on your journey to great leadership.

Our Application Process

At each stage, our application process views you holistically and we recruit based on skill, ability and aspiration. The most successful applicants will draw on experiences from their work, university, volunteering and personal life. We urge applicants to think about their transferable skills and how these might be applied within an employment context.

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