MI6

Role: Summer Technical Internship at MI6

“I thought MI6 would be full of James Bonds, and really uptight, but once you’re inside, it’s welcoming and friendly. People here are insanely technical. I applied as a challenge, and now I’m using my skills in software, and getting an insight into how we can use AI in the future”.

L, 21, a Maths undergraduate and 2026 intern

We’re looking for innovators and adventure-seekers who want to use their skills to shape the future of intelligence. You’ll be a STEM undergraduate from one of the demographic groups that are currently under-represented within MI6.

You’ll share our values – integrity, courage, creativity and respect – and will be obsessed with technology.

We’ll offer you a unique opportunity to go behind the wire and experience what it’s like in one of the world’s most secretive and tech driven environments. We will support you with mentoring, and specialist training, and place you in a team where you can explore your interests.

Your work will be varied, challenging, surprising, and never, ever ordinary.

Eligibility:

You must be:

• Black, Asian, mixed-heritage or from another ethnic minority background.
• From a socially or economically disadvantaged background.
• At University in your penultimate or final year (2026/2027 academic year).
• Studying a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) subject.
• Expecting (or already hold) a 2:2.
• A British citizen, or if you have dual nationality, then one component must be British – and you must hold a valid British passport.

Read our full eligibility criteria.

Location: Our HQ in Central London – you can’t work remotely due to the nature of the role. The programme includes a short residential trip.

Dates: 10 June 2027 to 27 August 2027 (11 weeks and two days). This includes 5 days of paid holiday.

Hours: Full time (36 hours a week, Monday to Friday). You’ll receive training over the first two weeks from 9am to 5pm, and then the hours may vary.

Payment: £7,395.85

Accommodation:

If you need it, we’ll provide you with free accommodation for the duration of your internship. We will also help towards the costs of public transport to travel to us so you can join the internship (a single one-way journey to London). So, you don’t need to live nearby to consider applying to us.

Application deadline

You can apply now by clicking on the Submit button below. The closing date is Monday 14th September.

• Please submit your application as soon as you can, as we may bring forward the closing date if we receive a large number of applications.

About us:

SIS is the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service, better known as MI6. We are the UK’s foreign intelligence service, gathering intelligence and working with agents and partners around the globe. Our mission is to:

• understand the threats and opportunities for the UK.
• disrupt the activity of hostile states.
• detect and prevent terrorist and cyber attacks.

Why is this internship aimed at under-represented groups?

“We strive for diversity and inclusion in MI6 because it allows us to attract, retain and harness the very best of British talent so we can keep the UK and its citizens safe.”

‘C’

To protect the UK, we need a diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve.

• Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity.

What are the other internships in the UK’s intelligence services?

MI6, MI5 and GCHQ are all running internships in summer 2027. You can only apply for one of them, so choose the best fit with your skills and interests.

• MI6 (London): You’re technical, and a team player, and want to protect the UK from overseas threats.

Apply now.

• MI5 (London):You’re an enthusiastic problem solver who’s interested in protecting the UK from domestic threats.

Find out more and apply.

• GCHQ (Cheltenham):You’ve got a passion for data and analysing information to see what it can reveal.

Find out more and apply.

What happens when you apply for the MI6 internship?

There are a number of stages. You will need to pass each stage to progress to the next one.

• Initial application form - you’ll provide basic personal details and answer eligibility questions.
• Online Situational Judgement Test – you’ll be shown short scenarios and asked to rate the appropriateness of the responses.
• Cognitive Ability Test – you’ll be asked questions to assess how you think and solve problems.
• Full application form – you’ll provide details of your education and work history and answer questions exploring your strengths and skills.
• Interview – we’ll explore your motivation and technical interests and will assess if the internship is a good fit for you.
• A small number of applicants will be invited to undergo ‘Developed Vetting’ (see below).
• If you pass vetting, then we will offer you the internship.

The process is likely to take 6 to 9 months, so please carry on as usual, and do not change your plans or turn down any offers of work in the meantime.

Is the application process fair?

Yes, our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit.

Tell me more about the vetting…

This internship requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV). You will be interviewed about your background, family, friends, interests… and much more.

• Find out about the vetting process.

What do I need to know about your drug policy?

We have a strict drug policy. From the moment you apply, you must agree to not take any recreational drugs and you’ll need to declare any previous usage when you’re asked to do so. Previous drug usage doesn’t make you ineligible to apply and you won’t be penalised for it – but you must be honest.

Do you have any tips for my application?

We recommend setting up a separate email address for your contact with us. Avoid identifying features such as your name or date of birth.

Can I tell my friends about my application?

No, please do not discuss your application with anyone, apart from a trusted partner or a close family member.

Can I apply from overseas?

No, you must apply from the UK.

Will you reimburse my expenses?

You may be invited to attend in-person meetings during the recruitment and vetting process. If so, we’ll reimburse any reasonable travel costs. Any reimbursement is discretionary and will only be made in line with the Candidate Expenses Policy, which is updated from time to time. Candidates must book their own travel, using the most economical option, and provide original hardcopy receipts.

How do you support applicants with disabilities?

We are committed to providing equitable opportunities for candidates with disabilities. As part of this, we offer interviews to a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

To qualify, you will need to:

• Reach the minimum pass mark on the online Situational Judgement Test.
• Demonstrate an interest in technology and a proactive attitude to learning and development (assessed at the application sift).
• Show the ability to work effectively in diverse teams and contribute to an inclusive environment that values different insights and experiences (assessed at the application sift).

Find out more about the reasonable adjustments we can offer.

Will I get a job at the end of it?

No, but you will have been given a privileged insight into our secretive work at the cutting edge. Not many people get to experience this. We’ll also discuss future pathways with you.

You will have the opportunity to apply for the Technology Graduate Development Programme. This has a competitive selection process and you would need to apply alongside external candidates.