Tell us what you think! Give your feedback on our new website here.
Student Ambassador Programme: apply
Applications for the 2026-27 Programme are now open. The deadline to apply is 9:00 AM (UK time) on Monday, 27 October 2025. Find out more about how to apply below.

The #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador Programme is an education policy and leadership development scheme for international students who are currently studying in the UK. Through this programme, UKCISA connects student ambassadors to a network of emerging future leaders.
The programme empowers international students to be key partners in shaping a quality student experience, by using their first-hand experience of studying in the UK to influence policy and develop an inclusive global student community.
#WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors will be equipped with policy knowledge and leadership skills to lead change and influence dialogue through their own lived experiences studying in the UK.
Find out more about our network of #WeAreInternational Ambassadors, who they are and what they have achieved.
#WeAreInternational Student Ambassador activities and responsibilities
As a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, you will join a team of ambassadors and help the UK deliver a world-class international student experience. Together, you will share responsibility to engage in activities relating to four main areas:
How to apply
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the programme, you must meet both criteria below. If you do not meet these criteria, unfortunately your application will not be accepted. You must be:
-
Aged 18 or over when applications close at 9:00 AM (UK time) on Monday 27 October 2025.
-
A current EU or overseas student studying at a UK education provider who will graduate during or after summer 2026.
Qualities and experience
We are looking for exceptional individuals who have potential and are passionate about playing a significant role in student representation and influencing policy in the UK education sector. To apply:
- You should be able to explain how you want to change the international student experience in the UK through student representation and influencing policy.
- You should demonstrate your motivation to improve your knowledge about policy and how to influence policy.
- You should be committed to building strong networks and supporting the development of the institution you are studying at, UKCISA, and the wider education sector in the UK.
- You should be willing to engage with UKCISA beyond the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador programme.
- You are likely to be in early to mid-study and already have examples of when you have demonstrated student representation skills or leadership.
We welcome applications from students who have diverse backgrounds. We are particularly interested in representing students who study at:
-
A further education, foundation or PhD course.
-
An institution in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
What is student representation and influencing policy?
-
Student representation: as a student, you are encouraged to play a full part in the decision-making process of your education provider and national policy. #WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors will represent other international students who have shared experiences from similar backgrounds. They will gather views about various aspects of the student experience, communicate this feedback to relevant staff members and committees, suggest solutions, and work together with the education sector to bring about change.
-
Influencing policy: encouraging changes to government or education sector policy through discussions, debate, and shared ideas.
We encourage all applicants to read the #WeAreInternational Student Charter as part of their application preparation. The charter demonstrates how #WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors influence policy through student representation. This student-led document provides guidance on the fundamental principles for delivering a world-class international student experience, from pre-arrival to post-graduation.
The application process
There are four stages in the application process to apply to become a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador:
Stage 1 – Complete your online application
In your application, you must demonstrate your motivation and passion to create positive change for students, as well as your interest in international education, student experience, and keeping up to date with education policy.
Your online application should take you approximately 45-60 minutes to complete – please note that you cannot save and come back to it later, therefore we recommend that you prepare your application in Microsoft Word (or another word processer) and then copy and paste it into the relevant sections of the application.
The online application form is in three parts:
-
Personal information questions to confirm that you meet the criteria and so that we can contact you.
-
Two main questions on the themes of student representation and influencing policy.
-
An equality and diversity monitoring form.
If you have any questions about the online application process after reading this recruitment pack, please contact us at WeAreInternational@ukcisa.org.uk before 9:00 AM (UK time) on Monday 27 October 2025.
Stage 2 – Finalists take part in online interviews
At this stage we will let you know if you have been shortlisted. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to online interviews at 13:00-17:00 (UK time) on Wednesday 26 November 2025.
At the interview, you will present your policy vision and explain your student representation experience to a panel of experts. Unfortunately, if you are unable to attend the interviews, your application cannot be progressed. There will be some places on the reserves list at this stage.
Stage 3 – Join the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador Programme!
After the interviews, we will make our final decision on who will become #WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors. Once confirmed, you will be expected to prepare to take part in training and development sessions, high-level meetings, and visits to leading organisations in the education sector, as well as exclusive events throughout the next two calendar years (from January 2026 to December 2027).
Stage 4 – Long-term involvement
You will be part of the #WeAreInternational network of education sector leaders and global talents and will continue to be connected to professional development and learning opportunities locally, nationally and internationally.
“It is easy to feel lost in a foreign environment after moving abroad, so I am immensely grateful to UKCISA for casting a spotlight on international students, especially by fostering intentional conversations on how to better the experience. Through UKCISA, I have attended events and training sessions that helped hone my transferable skills, enabling me to represent international students in other capacities as well. A big thank you to UKCISA for always keeping the well-being of international students at the forefront of it all.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
-
What is #WeAreInternational?
The #WeAreInternational campaign celebrates international students in the UK, sharing their contributions through storytelling and welcoming current and prospective students to the UK.
Learn more -
Student Ambassadors
The #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador programme empowers international students to be key partners in shaping a quality student experience, influence policy, lead the #WeAreInternational campaign and develop an inclusive global student community.
Hear from the ambassadors -
Student Charter
The #WeAreInternational Student Charter, created by our ambassadors and sector leaders, provides guidance on the fundamental principles for delivering a world-class international student experience, from pre-arrival to post-graduation.
Read and adopt the Charter
Sign up to our free email newsletter
Stay in touch with UKCISA and get all of our updates before anyone else.