Internships Abroad for UK Students 2026: Costs, Visas and How to Apply

UK students can still get funded internships abroad in 2026, primarily through the Turing Scheme, the UK government's replacement for Erasmus+. Monthly living costs range from around £700 in Cape Town or Lisbon up to £2,200 in Sydney or New York, and the visa route depends entirely on the destination: EU countries now require a national visa for stays over 90 days since Brexit ended freedom of movement, while Canada, Australia and the US each have their own separate systems.

Since Brexit, the process for interning abroad has genuinely changed for UK students. This guide sets out exactly what funding is available, what visa route applies to your destination, and how to sequence your applications so you are not caught out by processing times.

Is funding still available after Brexit?

Yes. The Turing Scheme replaced Erasmus+ for UK students in 2021 and continues to fund international placements, including internships, in 2026. Key differences from Erasmus+ that UK students should know:

• Global reach, not just the EU. Turing Scheme funds placements worldwide, including the US, Canada, Australia and Asia, not just European countries.
• You apply through your university. There is no direct application to the Turing Scheme as a student, your university's international office manages the bid and allocates funding to eligible students.
• Grants vary by destination and household income. Monthly grants are higher for lower-income households and for placements in higher-cost countries, typically in the range of £335 to £490 per month for higher education placements.
• Minimum placement length applies. Most Turing-funded internships must run for at least 4 weeks to qualify.

Visa requirements by destination

The visa picture is genuinely different for UK students now compared to pre-2021. Here is what applies to the three most common destination categories:

United States

UK students need a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa for any internship in the US, arranged through a sponsor organisation that issues the DS-2019 form. Processing typically takes 3 to 8 weeks once your sponsor documentation is in place, but demand for interview slots at busy times of year can extend this. The SEVIS fee is $220 (about £175) plus the visa application fee of $185 (about £145).

Canada

The International Experience Canada (IEC) programme is the main route, covering Working Holiday, International Co-op, and Young Professional permits depending on whether your internship is degree-mandated. Total fees run to around CAD $370 (roughly £215). As of April 2026, students completing a mandatory co-op as part of their course may not need a separate work permit at all, your existing study permit may suffice, but confirm this with your university before travelling. Full detail in our guide to internships in Canada for UK students.

Australia

The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) is available to UK passport holders aged 18 to 35, valid for 12 months with the possibility of a second and third year for those who complete specified regional work. The application fee is AUD $650 (about £340), and most applications are processed within 2 to 4 weeks.

European Union

Since Brexit, UK nationals no longer have automatic freedom of movement in the EU. For internships over 90 days, you need a national visa or residence permit from the specific host country, requirements and processing times vary significantly by country, from a straightforward registration process in some Nordic and Central European countries to a more document-heavy national visa process in others. Always check the specific country's rules well ahead of your planned start date.

Cost comparison across popular destinations

Realistic monthly living costs vary enormously depending on destination. These figures reflect shared accommodation, food, local transport and modest leisure spending in 2026:

Cape Town and Lisbon consistently offer the lowest cost of entry for UK students, while still providing genuine international work experience. Our companion guides on interning in Cape Town and interning in Lisbon break down the exact numbers city by city. For students prioritising a tech-focused placement in North America, our guide on AI internships in Montreal covers a specific high-demand niche, and our psychology internships abroad guide covers a common non-STEM path.

How to apply: a step-by-step timeline

1. 4 to 6 months before departure: confirm Turing Scheme eligibility with your university's international office and start researching destinations and host organisations.
2. 3 to 5 months before: secure your internship offer. Most visa applications require a confirmed placement before you can apply.
3. 2 to 4 months before: submit your visa or work permit application. Build in buffer time, US J-1 and EU national visas can take 6 to 12 weeks in busier periods.
4. 1 month before: arrange accommodation, health insurance valid in your host country, and confirm your Turing Scheme grant payment schedule with your university.

Before you finalise your applications, see how a Living Profile helps international employers understand what you bring beyond your CV, and use the free internship toolkit to prepare your documents. A business example profile shows how a UK student might present themselves to an overseas employer.