Al-Habib Mraish, your Vice President Science & Engineering, has secured an agreement with the university for a new student internship programme
With the rising cost of living, many students must prioritise regular paid work during the summer months over internships on the basis that a part-time job pays more than an internship and if part of a regular job provides a reliable and stable income. Our Vice President Science & Engineering, Al-Habib Mraish, has been working hard and lobbying the university to create paid summer internships for financially disadvantaged students, to counteract the barriers that these students may face in getting relevant experience to support them post-graduation.
Here’s some good news: we have received confirmation that these internships will be going ahead from the 2025-26 academic year! Next summer, between 10 and 15 paid internships are launching across the Faculty of Science & Engineering, open to students from low-income backgrounds. Eligibility will be based on the Queen Mary bursary, and further details will be shared closer to the time. And this is just the start! We hope to build on the work that Al-Habib has started to help more students no longer have to choose between experience and income, instead we want more students to have access to both.
So, how will the internships work? You will get to choose which academic or research area you’d like to work in, and your work will be paid at least the London Living Wage. This will be an opportunity to work alongside top QMUL academics on real research projects to build your skills, confidence, and experience in a supportive environment. It’s perfect for students who need summer work and want something career-boosting on their CV, and/or those curious about a career in research or postgraduate study.
This is a great step for reducing inequality in access to internships, as we all know how competitive internships are in the UK! The programme will open doors for students who may not otherwise get the chance and is a real game-changer for students juggling work, finances, and future goals. Plus, many projects will tie into global sustainability challenges!
Applications for summer internships will open at the beginning of 2026, with internships running from June to August 2026.