UKGES Summer Scheme gives penultimate-year economics undergraduates the chance to take paid 6–12 week placements across UK government departments, using economics to inform real policy decisions and gain practical Civil Service experience.
The scheme is run by the Government Economic Service and placements are hosted across a range of UK government departments. For full details and to apply, applicants are directed to the scheme’s official application website.
GES Summer Scheme Benefits
- Summer placements last 6-12 weeks over the summer period and are paid.
- The scheme offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience working in the Civil Service, applying economics to issues that matter.
- Work that actually makes a difference, hands-on economics experience in the real world, a supportive and inclusive team, and the flexibility to balance work with your studies.
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GES Summer Scheme Eligibility Criteria
- This scheme is only open to students in their penultimate year of undergraduate study (i.e. the year before their final year).
- You must be on course for a 2:1 or 1st class outcome, as indicated by your results so far.
- An undergraduate degree in economics (BA or BSc)
- An undergraduate economics joint degree, economics must comprise at least 50% of the credit value of modules studied and to be studied over the full course of your degree (typically 3 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 4 years in Scotland)
- An undergraduate Philosophy Politics and Economics (PPE) honours degree where at least 50% of the credit value of the modules studied and to be studied over the full course of your degree must be in economics.
- Please note: All candidates must have studied both microeconomics and macroeconomics to qualify.
- You will also need to demonstrate that you meet the relevant immigration requirements and that you are eligible under the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
- We do not offer sponsorships for our schemes.
- ‘Penultimate’ means that you have one more year at university to complete your undergraduate degree after this placement. You will not be eligible if you are due to graduate in the Summer, but plan to continue your studies with a post undergraduate degree, such as a Masters.
How to Apply for GES Summer Scheme
- The Government Economic Service Summer Placement Scheme is open for applications from 1 October 2026 – 16 October 2026.
- Use the APPLY NOW button on the guidance page to visit the application website.
- For further information, please visit our application website.
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Friday, 16 October 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the GES Summer Scheme. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply using the official application page.
What is the GES Summer Scheme?
The GES Summer Scheme is a paid summer placement programme run by the Government Economic Service. It offers penultimate-year economics undergraduates 6–12 week placements across UK government departments where interns apply economics to real policy issues, conduct data analysis, and brief decision-makers.
Who can apply for the scheme?
The scheme is only open to students in their penultimate year of undergraduate study who are on course for a 2:1 or 1st class outcome. Eligible degrees include a BA/BSc in economics, an economics joint degree with at least 50% economics credits, or PPE with at least 50% economics credits.
What are the academic requirements?
Applicants must be on course for a 2:1 or 1st class degree outcome and must have studied both microeconomics and macroeconomics. Specific degree composition rules apply for joint economics degrees and PPE degrees as stated on the guidance page.
Is the placement paid and how long does it last?
Yes. The guidance page states placements are paid and last between 6 and 12 weeks over the summer period. Exact salary details vary by department and are provided in job descriptions on the application page during the application window.
Where will placements be based?
Placements take place in a variety of UK Government departments across the UK. Locations and roles vary by department and year; job descriptions with specific location information are included on the application page during the application window.
Do you offer visa sponsorship for international students?
No. The guidance page states applicants must demonstrate they meet relevant immigration requirements and Civil Service Nationality Rules. The scheme does not offer sponsorships for participants.
When can I apply for the 2026 scheme?
The guidance page specifies the 2026 scheme is open for applications from 1 October 2026 to 16 October 2026. Applicants should use the application website linked on the guidance page to submit applications within this window.
How are applicants selected?
Selection involves the Civil Service application and assessment process. Assessments consider academic performance in required economics modules, analytical capabilities, and alignment with GES competencies. Further selection details are available through the job descriptions and application materials on the application page.
Who can I contact for more information?
The guidance page lists the contact point for applicants as the GESR Recruitment Team via email at GESRRecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk. Applicants can use this contact for scheme-specific queries.
Where do I apply and find more details?
The guidance page includes an ‘APPLY NOW’ button linking to the official application website (https://ges-careers.hiringplatform.co.uk/list/Summer_Scheme). The application page contains job descriptions, salary information, and full application instructions during the application window.
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