Student Ambassador Programme: apply

Applications for the 2026-27 Programme are now closed. 

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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:

As a student ambassador, you will contribute to positive change and enhance your knowledge of international student policies. You will: 

  • Lead new projects and events to inform policy and practice, such as participating in working groups for specific topics of interest like employability and climate change. 

  • Contribute to high-level discussions and roundtable meetings with UKCISA’s Board of Trustees and education sector committees, as well as government consultations to share your views.   

  • Engage as a member of UKCISA’s Student Advisory Group (SAG) – a subcommittee of UKCISA’s Board of Trustees – to use your voice and advise on major strategic decisions, projects, and policies. 

A large part of the programme includes attending events to engage with the public and education sector on the international student experience in the UK. You will: 

  • Speak at exclusive sector events such as conferences, fairs, and forums to share your insight as part of panel sessions and presentations. 

  • Prepare content such as videos, quotes, and blogs for our website and social media channels. 

  • Provide your views or experiences on topical international student issues for the press, as required.   

Throughout the programme, you will have access to various sessions and resources from UKCISA and our partner organisations to help you become an influential leader. You will: 

  • Enhance your personal and professional development through training in areas such as public speaking, policy analysis, communications and campaigning.  

  • Engage in mentoring sessions with education sector leaders to develop your policy knowledge and leadership skills.  

As an emerging part of the #WeAreInternational campaign, you will also have the opportunity to engage directly with the wider international student community. You will: 

  • Build networks with international student officers and representatives, cultural groups, and local communities, working on projects to celebrate the achievements of international students and identify issues affecting the international student community.  

  • Create resources for international students to take action at their institutions and feel empowered to make positive change. 

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: 

  1. Personal information questions to confirm that you meet the criteria and so that we can contact you.  

  1. Two main questions on the themes of student representation and influencing policy. 

  1. 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.”

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Edeline Lim
#WeAreInternational Student Ambassador 2024–25

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

 

Once applications close, all applications will be sent to the selection panel to be reviewed. This panel is made up of experts in the international education sector, including the current #WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors, UKCISA staff and members of the Board of Trustees, key figures and representatives from education sector organisations, and UKCISA member institutions. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise in policy development and student representation to identify the most suitable candidates for this year’s programme.  

The application review process will take around two weeks. Successful candidates will be informed and sent further online interview instructions via email, therefore please check your spam/junk mail to avoid missing any emails from us.  

Yes, absolutely! We want to attract students who are willing to learn and lead, even if they do not have any policy knowledge or leadership experience.  

Through your online application and the selection process, you will be expected to either demonstrate your existing policy knowledge and leadership experience, or indicate your ability, potential and interest to develop policy knowledge and leadership skills. 

You must be living in the UK and studying at a UK education provider at the time of your application to be eligible to apply for the programme. 

Yes, of course! We welcome all current international students to apply for this programme. Your fresh perspectives as a new international student in the UK will be invaluable for us to take into consideration during future policy-making processes.  

Yes, absolutely! We encourage all current international students to apply for this programme. We recognise the wisdom and experience that final year students can bring, and we would love for you to stay engaged with us after graduation as alumni.  

You can read our current and alumni ambassadors’ biographies – they have all made invaluable contributions and their hard work is highly regarded by colleagues across the education sector.  

As the 2025-26 student ambassadors will complete their tenure in December 2026, you will have a one-year overlap in this programme with them throughout 2026.  

Your application will not be eligible if you do not meet the age requirement. You must be aged 18 or above when applications close on Monday 27 October 2025. We cannot accept applications from anyone who does not meet the age requirement. 

Unfortunately, if you cannot attend the online interviews at 13:00-17:00 (UK time) on Wednesday 26 November 2025 then this will make you ineligible for the programme.  

Unfortunately, you are not eligible. The programme is open only to current students.

The programme includes online and in-person activities. You will take part in online meetings/discussions as well as attend events in various places across the UK. 

We will not ask you to pay any costs to apply to or be a part of the programme. UKCISA will cover all reasonable costs including travel, accommodation and meals for events and activities included in the programme. If there are things you would like to buy or consume outside of the programme, then you would be responsible for these costs. 

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