Skills development programmes open for applications
Career programmes to help Oxford students and researchers build employability skills
Making time for extra-curricular activities alongside your studies can not only be enriching personally, but professionally too. Learning new skills and developing those you already have will contribute to your overall employability as the majority of organisations look for both academic qualifications and interests beyond academia.
To help you build your employability skills, we run a number of original programmes for Oxford University students. Submit your applications now to take part in programmes that could help plan your next career move.
Careers Service programmes open for applications
Insight into Policy - Trinity term 2026
For current Oxford University undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Insight into Policy is a brand-new programme for Oxford students who are motivated to explore a career in policy with little or no experience in this area. Apply for this introductory programme taking place on Tuesday 5 May to gain an overview of policy careers, hear from professionals working in the field through a panel session, and take part in an interactive policy team challenge.
Apply for Insight into Policy by Wednesday 22 April 2026.
The Oxford Strategy Challenge - Trinity term 2026
For current Oxford University undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The Oxford Strategy Challenge (TOSCA) is a team-based experiential learning programme with participants taking part in real strategy-focused challenges over a week. On the programme, you will be placed in a small team providing consultancy on a client project. The project you will take part in will be important to your client, an opportunity for hands-on client experience, and to make a real contribution to an organisation.
Apply for the June-July programme by Sunday 7 June 2026.
Internship programmes open for applications in Hilary and Trinity term
Summer Internship Programme - Summer vacation
The Summer Internship Programme offers a wide range of paid or funded internship opportunities in the UK and internationally for the summer vacation. Internships run for 2 to 12 weeks. International and UK opportunities are advertised in Hilary and Trinity terms, with rolling deadlines extending through May.
- Round 1: International internships — advertised 19 January, deadline 16 February.
- Round 2: UK internships — advertised 17 February, deadline 16 March.
- Round 3: International and UK internships — advertised 17 March, deadline 13 April.
- Round 4: International and UK internships — advertised 14 April, deadline 4 May.
- Round 5: International and UK internships — advertised 5 May, deadline 25 May.
Micro-Internship Programme - Summer vacation
The Micro-Internship Programme offers two- to five-day voluntary learning and development opportunities during the summer vacation.
- Applications for summer micro-internships open on Tuesday 21 April and close on Sunday 10 May 2026.
Crankstart Internship Programme - Summer vacation
The Crankstart Internship Programme provides internship opportunities during the spring vacation exclusively for Crankstart Scholars. Please note that some internships may follow different timelines, so be sure to check the specific posting and submit your application before its closing date.
- Crankstart summer internships are advertised on a rolling-basis from Monday 27 April until Monday 18 May. Please check individual opportunities for the specific closing date.
