Applications for the 10,000 Black Interns Programme Summer 2027 open on 5 October 2026, giving eligible Black students and recent graduates an opportunity to access paid internship placements across a wide range of industries in the United Kingdom.
The programme, delivered by the 10,000 Interns Foundation, is designed to widen access to workplace experience and professional networks for Black students and graduates. Successful participants can gain at least six weeks of paid work experience, alongside training, career support and one-to-one mentoring.
Applications close on 1 November 2026, giving prospective applicants 28 days to complete their applications.
What Is the 10,000 Black Interns Programme?
The 10,000 Black Interns Programme is the flagship programme of the 10,000 Interns Foundation. It works with employers to create access to paid internship opportunities for Black students and graduates across the UK.
The programme spans 35 sectors, allowing participants to explore professional opportunities across industries including finance, technology, law, healthcare and creative fields.
The Foundation states that employers remain responsible for shortlisting and selecting candidates. The programme therefore focuses on widening access while providing participants with preparation, training and support throughout the internship process.
What Participants Can Expect
Selected interns receive more than workplace experience. The programme combines paid employment with professional development and mentoring.
Key benefits include:
- 6+ weeks of paid work experience
- Training and development before applications, interviews and internships
- 1:1 mentoring during the internship
- Industry-specific workplace exposure
- Opportunities to develop professional networks
- Practical experience in professional environments
- Support designed to build workplace confidence
The programme can therefore provide participants with an opportunity to gain direct exposure to professional workplaces while developing skills and networks relevant to their career interests.
Who Is Eligible for Summer 2027?
The programme has specific eligibility requirements. Applicants must meet all relevant criteria to apply.
For the Summer 2027 programme, candidates must:
- Be 18 or over.
- Be Black African, Black Caribbean, Black British, or of mixed Black heritage.
- Be studying at a UK university at undergraduate or postgraduate level; be on a gap year with a confirmed place at a UK university; or be a recent graduate from a UK university who graduated in 2024 or later.
- Have not previously secured an internship through the 10,000 Black Interns Programme.
- Meet the programme’s right-to-work requirements.
A particularly important requirement concerns UK work authorization. Candidates must already have an unrestricted right to work full-time in the UK when submitting their application.
The Foundation gives examples including British and Irish citizens, people with Indefinite Leave to Remain, and people with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Applicants should therefore check their immigration and work status carefully before applying.
Explore Opportunities Across 35 Sectors
One of the programme’s features is the range of workstreams available to applicants.
The Foundation highlights sectors including finance, technology, law, healthcare and creative industries, among others.
For example, the Accountancy & Finance workstream can include opportunities related to financial transactions, financial records, decision-making, cost planning and performance evaluation. Internships may also provide exposure to areas such as Audit, Tax and Assurance.
Applicants should explore the available workstreams and consider which areas align with their academic background, interests and longer-term career goals.
How the Application Process Works
The programme follows a structured process designed to support applicants from initial exploration through to the internship.
Step 1: Explore the workstreams
Applicants can review the available sectors and consider where their interests and skills may fit.
Step 2: Apply to the programme
Eligible candidates submit their application during the official application window.
Step 3: Prepare with training and resources
Applicants can access preparation resources and training designed to support applications, interviews and workplace readiness.
Step 4: Employers consider applicants
Participating employers review candidates and make their own shortlisting and selection decisions.
Step 5: Complete a paid internship
Candidates who are selected by an employer undertake a paid, time-limited internship.
How to Prepare Before Applications Open
With applications opening on 5 October 2026, prospective applicants can use the period before the opening date to prepare their materials.
Candidates may want to review their CV, identify relevant academic and extracurricular experiences, and think carefully about the workstreams that match their interests.
It is also useful to prepare examples demonstrating teamwork, communication, problem-solving, leadership, research, technical skills or other experience relevant to the sectors being considered.
Applicants should also confirm that their UK university status and right-to-work documentation meet the programme’s requirements.
Evidence of Programme Impact
The 10,000 Interns Foundation reports that 89% of candidates across its programmes said their experience positively impacted their professional development, while 79% said programme training supported applications beyond the 10,000 Black Interns Programme.
These figures are programme-reported results and provide an indication of participants’ reported experiences rather than a guarantee of outcomes for every applicant.
The Foundation also shares stories from previous interns who describe gaining professional exposure, confidence, networks and experience through the programme.
Application Deadline and Official Information
Applications for the Summer 2027 10,000 Black Interns Programme open on 5 October 2026 and close on 1 November 2026.
Prospective applicants should review the official eligibility requirements carefully, particularly the requirements concerning Black heritage, UK university status, previous participation and unrestricted UK right to work.
The programme is specifically designed for eligible candidates who already meet the stated UK study and work-authorization requirements.
Key Details
- Programme: 10,000 Black Interns Programme
- Internship Period: Summer 2027
- Applications Open: 5 October 2026
- Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Experience: 6+ weeks of paid internship experience
- Sectors: 35 workstreams
- Mentoring: 1:1 mentoring
- Location: United Kingdom
- Target Group: Eligible Black students and graduates
- Age: 18+
- University Requirement: UK university study or qualifying recent UK graduate status
- Right to Work: Unrestricted full-time UK right to work required
How to Apply
Eligible candidates can apply through the official 10,000 Black Interns Programme application portal. Applicants should also review the Foundation’s eligibility guidance and FAQs before submitting their application.
