UK citizens are no longer EU members. For most European destinations, you now face the Schengen 90-day rule and may need additional documentation to work legally — even as an unpaid intern. This guide explains what that means for you, destination by destination.
No Visa Required — Direct Destinations
UK passport holders can visit these countries without a visa. Note: visiting without a visa does not automatically permit you to work — even in an unpaid internship. Always check the specific work authorisation requirements.
Schengen Zone (90 days in any 180)
Asia (varies)
Americas
Africa
Visas & Work Authorisation by Destination
🇺🇸 USA — J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Required for any paid internship. ESTA (visa waiver) only for unpaid, non-work visits under 90 days.
The J-1 requires a US State Department-approved sponsor organisation. We work with accredited partners. Start the process 3–4 months before your planned departure. UK students do not need the ESTA if applying for a J-1.
See New York →🇪🇺 Europe — Schengen 90-Day Rule
Post-Brexit. UK citizens can visit for 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, but work authorisation is separate.
The 90-day visa-free entry does not authorise you to work. For an internship in Spain, France, Italy or Germany, you need a student or trainee visa. The exact requirements depend on whether your internship is paid or unpaid, and whether your UK university has a partnership agreement with the host company. We navigate this for you.
🇦🇺 Australia — Working Holiday Visa (WHV)
Subclass 417. One of the world's best working holiday programmes, available to UK citizens.
Fully legal work in any sector. Renewable up to 3 years with regional work (88 days). Apply 100% online via ImmiAccount. One of the most straightforward visa processes for UK students.
See Sydney →🇨🇦 Canada — IEC (International Experience Canada)
UK-Canada bilateral programme. The main route for UK students to work legally in Canada.
Three categories: Working Holiday (complete freedom), Young Professionals (with a job offer), and International Co-op (for current full-time students). Places are allocated by pool draw each week — apply early.
Easy e-Visas — Asia & Africa
Turing Scheme — Get Your Internship Funded
UK students can no longer access Erasmus+ funding. The Turing Scheme is the UK government's equivalent — covering travel and living costs for international placements. It's available through participating universities, not directly. Check with your placement or international office.
We provide all documentation your university needs: learning agreements, internship confirmations, supervisor details, and reporting formats. Many of our students secure Turing Scheme funding for their placements in Europe, Australia, and beyond.
Full Turing Scheme guide →We Handle the Visa Paperwork
With Full Service, we manage the entire visa process — from gathering documents to submitting your application. You provide the documents we ask for; we do the rest.