Bringing fresh perspectives to intelligence. Ever wondered if a career in intelligence could be right for you? Or is it something you’ve never considered, but could get curious about? Our Summer Intelligence Internship is a great opportunity to spend some time exploring the day-to-day activities of the UK’s Intelligence Services. Discover how we keep the UK safe. And find out if you could see yourself building a career with us. People from a Black, Asian, mixed-heritage or other ethnic minority background and who are also from a socially or economically disadvantaged background are currently under-represented in the UK’s Intelligence Services. That’s why we invite applications to this 10 to 11 week internship from university students in their penultimate or final year of study (for the 2025/2026 academic year), who are specifically from these backgrounds. About the Internships We’re running three internships in our intelligence teams at either GCHQ, MI5 or MI6 during the summer of 2026. As part of a cohort of fellow interns, you’ll gain unique insights into your chosen organisation, along with access to specialist training and lots of support from a dedicated internship manager, mentors and the wider team. It’s a great way to build new skills and develop your abilities, as well as figure out if a career in intelligence is something you want to pursue after your degree. If it is, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for employment with your chosen agency once the internship is over. Please note, should you choose to apply, you will still need to go through the usual competitive application and selection process to secure a place. Dates of internships As part of the internship, you’ll have up to five paid days off during the periods below, though you will need to attend the first two weeks for training and the final day. - GCHQ: 29 June to 4 September 2026 (10 weeks) - MI5: 15 June to 28 August 2026 (11 weeks) - MI6: 11 June to 28 August 2026 (11 weeks and two days) Internship payment, expenses and accommodation As well as an experience you won’t get anywhere else, while you’re with us you’ll receive an internship payment and five days’ paid leave to use throughout the internship. Plus, we offer free accommodation for the duration of your time with us, if you need it. And of course, you’ll be able to enjoy organisation-wide events, as well as our clubs and societies, where you can learn and network. What’s more, you’ll have an experience you’ll never forget. Please note that you’ll need to pass security checks – your placement will depend on this. For more details, please visit the how to apply pages on the MI6 website. Hours of Internship Full-time (36 or 37 hours per week) and office-based for the duration of internship plus five days’ off. Equal opportunities At GCHQ, MI5 and MI6 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse organisation that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. Find out more about our culture, environment and diversity on the GCHQ, MI5 and MI6 websites. Take your first steps toward an unforgettable summer, click the Apply button, and find out more.