Language Talent Programme

Are you a student or graduate with proficient language skills in Russian? Interested in a paid internship where you can use your skills to piece intelligence together, be valued for your insights, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how vital linguists are to our work at GCHQ? Then look no further.

Introducing the Language Talent Programme , an 11-week paid internship within our Language Specialist teams. As an aspiring linguist at GCHQ, you’ll engage in meaningful projects, learn exciting new skills, and discover if a career as a Language Specialist is right for you.

*In addition to the current Russian programme at GCHQ in Cheltenham, Manchester or Scarborough, there may also be future opportunities in London for MI5 on the programme in both Russian and Arabic, as well as Arabic in Cheltenham. Final details will be confirmed prior to our recruitment campaign launching in August 2025. We encourage you to register your interest if you have proficient language abilities in Arabic and Russian and wish to complete the programme in Cheltenham, Manchester, Scarborough or London.

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber, and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity, and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ, you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that emphasizes teamwork.

On our Language Talent Programme, you’ll discover that being a linguist at GCHQ is about more than just translation. You’ll analyse foreign language written materials, listen to audio recordings, and provide input using your cultural knowledge. By doing so, you’ll play a key role in mission-critical work, supported by our Language Specialists, who’ll guide you every step of the way.

Once the programme finishes, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a permanent role with us. With our support, you can build an exciting career, with opportunities to work across the UK’s Intelligence Services.

The registration of interest is now open for this campaign and our upcoming information event on 9 July 2025. By registering your interest, you’ll receive a job alert when the campaign goes live in August 2025. The Language programme starts in September 2026.

What we are looking for

To apply, you must be in the final year of your undergraduate degree or have graduated in Summer 2022 or later. If you’re not a heritage speaker of Russian or Arabic, your degree must be in one of these languages.

To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will still be considered. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is especially important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply at age 17; if successful, you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday. Full eligibility details can be found on our websites.

Additional job details

Location: Cheltenham, Manchester, Scarborough

Dependent on location, for the 11-week programme.

Contract, dates and working times: Fixed term, full-time

How to apply

Please note: Registering your interest does not constitute a job application, nor will such registration influence the recruitment process. Those who register interest and later decide to apply for the role will need to complete an application form once the window opens in August 2025.

Click \”Apply\” to start your application now. This job will be available on Prospects until 7 July 2025.

Don\’t forget to mention Prospects to employers when you contact them.

We’re the Government Communications Headquarters – GCHQ. We’re a world-leading intelligence, cyber and security agency that unlocks the complex world of data and communications to keep the UK and its citizens safe, both in the real world and online. Through the ingenuity of our people, we combat cyber-attacks, espionage, and terrorism.

Everyone who works here contributes towards that goal. We support each other and learn together. We also work closely with our British Intelligence partners, MI5 and MI6. It means you’ll have one of the most interesting careers around.

What are our opportunities?

We offer a range of graduate entry points, from Languages and Intelligence Data Analysts to Software Engineering, Business Enablers, and Project Management. With training and development opportunities, including industry-recognised qualifications, you’ll continually learn valuable skills while protecting your country. We regularly recruit for various technology, engineering, and other roles. Sign up for job alerts to stay informed about new opportunities.

What makes GCHQ different?

At GCHQ, you’ll have a unique career with endless possibilities. We work collaboratively to solve complex problems creatively. Your ideas will help us stay ahead of evolving threats.

We offer employee networks (LGBTQ+, Women in Tech, ethnic minority, disabled staff), training, flexible work patterns (part-time, compressed hours, job shares), and a supportive environment that promotes work-life balance and diversity.

What are we looking for?

We seek ingenuity, attention to detail, good communication, and problem-solving skills. We value diverse perspectives and welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of age, experience, or identity. As Disability Confident Leaders, we support applicants with disabilities, offering reasonable adjustments during recruitment. We aim for fair opportunities for all qualified applicants.

To be eligible, you must be a British Citizen or hold dual British nationality. Candidates should have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. You can apply at age 17; if successful, your start date will be after your 18th birthday. For full eligibility details, please visit our website.

Join us to develop personally and professionally. We offer tailored training, mentorship, work placements, and links with academia, industry, and professional partners to support your success.

To stay safe during your job search, visit JobsAware, a non-profit organization working to combat job scams. Their website provides information on scams and advice for safer job hunting.

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