Entrepreneurial Scotland has launched its 2025 Saltire Scholars Internship Programme, giving businesses across the world opportunity to host an intern in their organisation next summer.

The programme matches businesses of all sizes, and from all sectors, with high-quality, pre-vetted students for 10-12 week summer internships. 

By partnering with the programme, organisations hope to build a pipeline for future hires and gain commercial results, with Entrepreneurial Scotland claiming that the interns bring the latest skills, as well as fresh ideas and a result driven mindset to new projects and daily operations.

Over the last year, the programme has seen significant growth, placing 195 students in internships across the world, from local SMEs to large corporations such as Sydney Airport, Network Rail and the Scottish National Investment Bank.   

Right now, over 1,200 students from all sixteen of Scotland’s universities are currently being evaluated in national assessment centres through a rigorous process that Entrepreneurial Scotland said will ensure businesses are matched with the most high-potential individuals.

During their time in the Saltire Scholars programme, students are given the opportunity to take part in a series of personal development workshops, building on their both practical and soft skills to further their career. 

Among those who have previously taken part in the programme is Scott Grant, from the 2016 cohort, who received the offer of a permanent role following his internship at Indie Semiconductor in California, and he now works as finance director at the company’s London office. 

Recommended reading

• ByteDance Sacks Intern After AI Interference
• Exploitation of GenAI a Stark Concern for IT Experts
• Ex-Skyscanner Chief to Mentor in Saltire Scholars Programme

In April, it was announced that former chief executive and founder of Skyscanner, Gareth Williams, would host a paid intern as part of the scheme, with their work focusing on a project using data and artificial intelligence.

“Hosting a Saltire Scholar isn’t just about filling a summer role, it’s about shaping your company’s future with a pipeline of the next generation of leaders,” said Sean McGrath, Entrepreneurial Scotland CEO.

“These are individuals who can drive change, bring new energy and deliver measurable results.”