The Government Economic Service Summer Placement Scheme 2026 offers paid summer internships for penultimate-year economics undergraduates. Successful applicants will join UK government departments for 6 to 12 weeks and support applied economics work.
Interns may work on data analysis, policy trade-offs, and briefing decision-makers. In addition, the scheme gives students practical Civil Service experience and exposure to economics roles across government.
Application Deadline:
October 16, 2026 (Applications are open from October 1, 2026 to October 16, 2026)
Tell Me About The Opportunity:
The Government Economic Service (GES) Summer Scheme is a prestigious 6 to 12-week paid placement designed for undergraduate economics students considering a career as an economist in the UK Civil Service after graduation. Participants work directly within various UK Government departments, tackling real-world economic issues—such as housing, climate policy, and public spending—by crunching data, evaluating policy trade-offs, and briefing decision-makers.
Which Fields are Eligible?:
- An undergraduate degree in economics (BA or BSc).
- An undergraduate economics joint degree where economics comprises at least 50% of the credit value over the full course of study.
- A Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) honours degree where at least 50% of the credit value is in economics.
- Note: All candidates must have studied both microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Type:
Paid Summer Placement / Internship Programme (6–12 weeks)
Who can Apply?:
- Undergraduate students currently in their penultimate year of study (the year before their final year, meaning you have one more year at university to complete after the placement; students graduating who plan to continue with a Master’s are not eligible).
- Students on course for a 2:1 or 1st class degree outcome based on current results.
- Candidates who meet the relevant UK immigration requirements and the Civil Service Nationality Rules (the scheme does not offer visa sponsorships).
How are Applicants Selected?:
Selection involves a formal civil service application and assessment process evaluating academic performance in required economics modules, analytical capabilities, and alignment with GES competencies.
Which Countries Are Eligible?:
Candidates must meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules and relevant UK immigration requirements (no visa sponsorship provided).
Where will the Role be Taken?:
Various UK Government departments across different locations in the United Kingdom.
How Many Openings?:
Unspecified cohort size across participating government departments.
What is the Benefit of the Programme?:
- Paid practical economic work experience within the UK Civil Service.
- Direct involvement in high-level policy analysis, data crunching, and briefing government officials.
- Opportunity to network with professional economists, with many placement students returning as permanent economists after graduation.
- Flexible arrangements to balance work with ongoing studies.
How Long Will the Programme Last?:
6 to 12 weeks over the summer period.
How to Apply:
Eligible candidates can apply online directly through the official UK Government application portal during the active application window.
👉 Visit the Application Webpage for Details
