What is the programme?

The UK Hong Kong Graduate Work Experience Programme is an initiative established by the UK Government to give recent university graduates up to one year’s experience of working and living in each other’s country.

Initially, the Programme will provide paid work placements for Hong Kong graduates with UK companies for up to 52 weeks.

The Graduate Work Experience Programme aims to give graduates a greater understanding of each other's countries, cultures, people, societies and ways of life. It also aims to create an enduring bond between the UK and Hong Kong, with future mutual economic benefit when these graduates become tomorrow's business leaders.

What type of internships do you offer?

Internships are available in areas such as consultancy, engineering, finance, information technology, research and development, sales and marketing, and supply chain and logistics. Details of current internship opportunities are available here.

Who is eligible for the programme?

To be eligible for the UK Hong Kong Graduate Work Experience Programme you must:

• be a citizen or permanent resident of Hong Kong.
• be studying at a Hong Kong university or college.
• be aged between 21 and 30 on the application deadline
• have a minimum TOEFL score of 570 paper-based, 230 computer-based, or 88 internet-based, or IELTS 6.5.
• return to Hong Kong at the conclusion of the programme.

How much would I get paid?

Salaries for the internships vary according to the type of job and where in the UK it is. Please see Placements for salaries of specific roles. All salaries will be enough to cover living costs.

When does the programme start and finish?

The next intake of interns will arrive in the UK mid-April 2010. An orientation programme will run after the arrival, and interns will begin work towards the end of April 2010.

The internships offered vary in length from 14–52 weeks (including the two-week orientation period) so the finish date for the programme will depend on how long the internship is for. Details of the length of specific opportunities are available at Placements.

What training would I get on the programme?

Interns’ first two weeks in the UK, prior to beginning work, will be spent at an orientation programme held in London. The orientation programme will help interns develop an understanding of UK culture and life, and the business environment they will be operating in.

Could I stay in the UK after I have finished my internship?

No, interns' visas will be for the period of their internship and they will have to leave the UK before their visas expire.