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
Making a Difference Programme - Hilary term 2026
For current Oxford University undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Making a Difference is a practical skills development programme that provides insight into the third sector, with a focus on strategy, development, fundraising, marketing, and operations. The programme will run during Hilary term 2026 and will include a mix of interactive presentations, guest speakers, and group activities, followed by a group project with a local or international charity or social enterprise.
Apply for Making a Difference by Friday 16 January 2026.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/2sWuW6RGjLY?si=V86SmDNK9OM4NOsR
Insight into Publishing - Hilary term 2026
For current Oxford University undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Insight into Publishing is a three-session programme that demystifies the publishing industry and helps you become job-ready. Designed for those who want to work with writers rather than be one, it broadens your understanding of how publishing really works and the key skills employers look for. You’ll leave with practical insight you can use in applications, interviews, and your future career.
Apply for Insight into Publishing by Friday 13 February 2026.
The Oxford Strategy Challenge - Hilary 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 Hilary term programme by Sunday 15 February 2026.
Internship programmes going live in Hilary term
A range of exclusive internship programmes for Oxford University students will launch in Hilary term, each with different opening dates and deadlines.
Micro-Internship Programme - Spring vacation
The Micro-Internship Programme offers two- to five-day voluntary learning and development opportunities during the spring vacation.
- Applications open on 14 January and close on 1 February 2026.
Crankstart Internship Programme - Spring 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.
- Applications open on 26 January and close on 16 February 2026.
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 full-time for 2–12 weeks. Roles begin to be advertised from 19 January through the International, UK, and combined rounds, 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.
