The UKRI Policy Internships Scheme provides an opportunity for UKRI-funded doctoral students to undertake a three-month placement at one of a selected group of influential policy organisations.
During the internship, students will undertake training and experience on a policy topic agreed with their host partner that is relevant to both parties. At the end of the internship, the student is expected to have:
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produced a briefing paper
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participated in a policy inquiry and, or
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organised a policy event
The intention of the scheme is to embed students in an environment where they can engage with the process of converting research outputs into policy. Internships are available with a number of parliamentary departments, government departments and non-governmental bodies. Currently the scheme supports on average 125 internships per year across all host partners.
The host partners for this year’s round are listed on the UKRI website along with further information on the scheme, documentation and guidance for applicants.
Eligibility
This scheme is open to PhD students funded by the Research Councils of UK Research and Innovation, including ESRC WRDTP cohorts, and will take place during 2027.
Internships must take place during a PGR’s funded period, and if taking place in the final year of the studentship, must be completed at least three months before the end date of the award, prior to the extension period being implemented. For example, if your funding was initially due to end on 30 September 2027, you must have completed your visit by 30 June 2027.
Students who are studying on a Student visa must check their eligibility to undertake a studentship placement, particularly where this requires an extension to the studentship period. UKRI consider Policy Internship placements to be integral to the studentship; however, international students must contact the International Student Support team or equivalent at their university for confirmation, before applying to the scheme.
Enquiries should be directed to policyinternships@ukri.org in the first instance.
Funding
Internships are financially supported by the research councils and host partners. Doctoral stipend and fees will continue to be paid by the research organisation throughout the three month internship period. Where necessary, students can also claim for eligible travel and accommodation costs incurred during the internship up to a maximum limit of £3,594 per student. The funding details will depend on the applicant’s research council and the chosen host partner.
For PGRs who started their studentship before October 2024, if you are successful in securing a UKRI Policy Internship, your studentship’s funding end date will be extended for the commensurate period of time that you undertake the internship. You will need to notify the WRDTP of this (via email to enquiries@wrdtp.ac.uk) and will receive further instructions.
For PGRs who started their studentship from October 2024 onwards, a UKRI Policy Internship will count as your mandatory RinP placement, if you are successful in securing one. As the duration of your studentship award already includes time for a placement, your studentship will not be extended further. You will need to follow the Research in Practice process to formalise the placement once you have been appointed to a position.
Application Guidance
For further information, applicants are advised to read the guidance and host partner information documents provided:
How to apply
- STEP 1: Submit your expression of interest to enquiries@wrdtp.ac.uk, which includes the following, by 17:00, Friday 7 August 2026:
- UKRI Policy Internships 2026 application form template (which must include a supporting statement from your supervisor in Section 13)
- Please cc your supervisors into the email by way of confirmation that they support your application and you are making good progress in your research.
- The WRDTP Manager will then assess all expressions of interest.
- STEP 2: The WRDTP will email you the outcome of your request by : 17:00, Wednesday 12 August 2026 –if you are successful the WRDTP will return the application form template to you with the required Training Grant holder supporting statement, and if needed, your UKRI studentship reference number. The WRDTP will also confirm the institutional process you will need to follow in order for your application to be submitted to UKRI.
- STEP 3: Follow your university’s internal process in order to submit your application online via the UKRI Funding Service’s Policy Internships scheme webpage. Your application will be sent to your university’s research office for checking, and then it will be submitted to UKRI. The overall deadline for applications to be received by UKRI is 16:00, Tuesday 8 September 2026. You must submit your application to your university in plenty of time, to ensure it is submitted to UKRI in advance of the deadline.
Applications will then be assessed by placement hosts via a 2 stage process: an assessment of the written application and an interview of the shortlisted applicants.
Applicants can apply to only one host partner but are invited to note a second choice on their application. Applicants may be contacted by their second-choice host partner should additional opportunities become available.
Next steps
Please be aware that although it is the responsibility of the WRDTP to fund any successful applicants, we are not involved in the application/interview process or notified if any WRDTP students have been successful in the application process.
Therefore, if you are awarded a UKRI Policy Internship, you must inform the WRDTP of this so we can advise you on the next steps required with your institution before you commence your internship. For DTP2 students this will include completion of the relevant paperwork to formalise the internship as your Research in Practice placement.
