We offer two-week placements for eligible students at our offices in central London.

In 2007 we offered placements to 15 students from Sheffield, Durham, Cambridge, St. Andrews, Kings College London, Manchester, University College London, Bristol, Oxford, Edinburgh and the London School of Economics.

Those who apply should have a genuine interest in foreign affairs, although you don't have to be studying politics at university. If you are successful, you can expect to be placed within one of our central departments. Last year, our students joined our South Asia Group, Global Economy Group and Afghan Drugs Inter-Departmental Unit – to name just a few. We also try to arrange visits to other institutions of interest such as the Houses of Parliament, for example.

What will I be doing?

If successful, you will be assigned to one of our departments in London. You could spend your time shadowing and working with members of the team, attending meetings or visiting other sectors of government.

When does the placement take place?

This year, the placement will take place during July 2008.

Is the placement paid?

You will be paid in arrears by credit transfer to your bank or building society with a pro-rata payment based on an annual salary of £14,732, plus a London Location allowance of £3,000.

Eligibility

You are only eligible for the programme if you satisfy all of the following:

• you must be an undergraduate at a UK university, and not in your final year of study.
• you must be a British citizen and have been resident in the UK for at least two of the last ten years immediately prior to your application, at least one year of which must have been a consecutive 12-month period (unless you have served overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of Her Majesty's Government, or have lived overseas as a result of your parents' or partner's Government employment).
• to work within the FCO you will require security clearance. You must be prepared to undergo an intrusive vetting process.
• you should be prepared to work in any FCO department in London.

How to apply

Applications for 2008 are now closed.