Scheme duration
Two months
Salary
£452 per week (paid monthly)
Location
UK wide
Scheme overview
The Fast Stream Summer Internship Programme (SIP) gives people from lower socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to see what a career in the Civil Service is like. It puts talented undergraduates on a work placement in a government department. As a successful applicant, you’ll get an insight into the broad range of opportunities available across the Civil Service.
The SIP is a great way to prepare for a place on one of our Fast Stream graduate schemes, which could lead to many different career paths at the heart of the UK Government. Two months on the SIP could change your life! You’ll also be invited to undertake the ‘Fast Pass’, which is an accelerated route through Fast Stream selection. The Fast Pass means if you receive a positive appraisal during the 2026 Summer Internship Programme, and then apply for Fast Stream within 12 months, you’ll be fast-tracked past the initial online selection stages.
Entry requirements
- in your final 2 years at university with a 2:2 or higher in any degree subject (expected or awarded)
- you must be from a lower socio-economic background, as part of our commitment to improving access and opportunities for underrepresented groups.
- right to work in the UK and meet eligibility requirements under Civil Service Nationality Rules
- all offers are subject to completing relevant departmental security clearances prior to placement commencement. Please note some roles require SC clearance which can take up to 3 months.
Application process
You take the same initial online tests as all other applicants to the Fast Stream.
If you pass, you will be invited to a telephone interview during December 2025 and February 2026.
You need to be available for the internship in the summer holiday period from July 2026 to August 2026.
We anticipate being able to offer roles across the UK and you will be able to express up to three location preferences of where you would like to be based. We will offer internships to candidates in merit order in each location. You may be matched to any of the locations you list as a preference. Support with relocation costs or travel expenses are not provided so you should ensure you can base yourself in any location you list.
Why join the Summer Internship Programme?
Applying for the Summer Internship Programme
You’ll need:
- a real interest in pursuing a career in the Civil Service
- to show you can work in a team
- to be innovative and creative
- to be able to work with people at varying levels of ability and responsibility
- to be motivated to help make improvements on major policy issues or on how public services are provided
- to demonstrate the key behaviour we expect from civil servants
You cannot apply for the SIP and a Fast Stream scheme in the same year
You can only participate in the Summer Internship Programme once.
Saffron discusses her experience on the Summer Internship Programme in this case study.
On the internship you’ll do challenging project-related work. You could be:
- conducting research
- providing project support
- assisting with the creation of policy documents
- shadowing senior civil servants
- attending meetings with senior advisors on major issues
The support you get includes:
access to ‘Fast Pass’ which can potentially allow you to be fast-tracked to the final stages of the Fast Stream selection process. A minimum of 6 weeks is required in your placement in order to be considered for a ‘Fast Pass’
an allocated Fast Stream buddy and a scheme manager to support and oversee you
an excellent range of central events for you to attend, such as skills involving inspirational speakers
a corporate welcome reception in early July
Scheme placement details
Your internship starts with a welcome reception. You’ll get the opportunity to hear from inspirational speakers and find out how to make the most of your placement.
You’ll then spend the next couple of months working within a departmental team immersed in work. This is a great opportunity to get involved in various activities and learn about the Civil Service and Fast Stream.
Fast Pass
Fast Pass’ appraisal of your performance throughout the scheme aims to streamline your progression through the Fast Stream selection process. Your Fast Stream mentor will be there to offer you support and guidance.
Events
Your two months in the department will be spread with some exciting centrally run events.