If you’re a high school student interested in medicine, you may already be curious about how hospitals function, how doctors diagnose patients, or what a career in healthcare truly looks like. One of the best ways to explore this field is through a medical internship, and the UK offers some of the most structured and academically enriching opportunities.

Imagine spending your summer in cities like London, Oxford, or Cambridge, shadowing doctors, observing clinical environments, or participating in medical workshops. Picture learning how healthcare systems operate, discussing real case studies, and gaining insight into specialities like surgery, paediatrics, or general medicine. Medical internships in the UK for high school students provide a blend of academic learning and real-world exposure, helping you understand what a future in medicine might involve.

How do you choose the right medical internships in the UK for high school students?

With limited spots and varying formats, it’s important to distinguish between observational experiences and those that provide structured learning and mentorship. 

Across the UK, medical internships may include hospital shadowing, research exposure, and classroom-based learning. You might observe patient interactions, attend lectures from healthcare professionals, or participate in simulations that mirror real clinical scenarios. These experiences help you understand both the scientific and human sides of medicine.

You’ll learn from experienced doctors and educators, collaborate with peers who share your interests, and develop essential skills such as communication, critical thinking, and professionalism. Internships also strengthen your university applications by demonstrating commitment to the field and giving you meaningful experiences to reflect on. 

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 Medical Internships in the UK for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their academic quality, clinical exposure, and ability to provide a realistic introduction to the world of healthcare.

For a broader focus, you can explore summer programs in the UK that cover various subjects. To gain medicine and related skills, you can consider medical summer schools.

15 Medical Internships in the UK for High School Students

1. University of Nottingham Pathways to Medicine

Location: University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Five days in July
Eligibility: For students in Year 12 and at a non-paying school in the UK; check here for more details

The Pathways to Medicine summer school, offered by the University of Nottingham in partnership with the Sutton Trust, introduces you to studying medicine while learning from practising clinicians across a range of specialities.

During the programme, you stay on campus and take part in lectures and practical sessions that mirror aspects of medical school teaching. You also engage in activities that demonstrate the clinical tools and methods used in healthcare, giving you insight into both the academic and practical sides of medical education.

Why it stands out: You experience a combination of classroom learning, campus life, and practical exposure to clinical work.

2. Immerse Education’s Medicine Summer School

Location: Cambridge, and London
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective/small cohorts of around 7 participants per class
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18 around the world

Immerse’s Medicine Career Insights Program lets high school students explore careers in major global industry hubs. You’ll participate in hands-on medical simulations, attend engaging classes, and participate in critical discussions. You’ll receive guidance from experienced medical professionals and gain both clinical and critical thinking skills. You’ll not only gain theoretical knowledge about a medical career but also understand the development of treatment plans. 

Participants engage in project-based learning with established companies, attend interactive workshops, and visit offices, factories, and headquarters. The program also includes in-person weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and sessions where you will receive personalised feedback on your resume and overall profile. You’ll also present your findings to industry experts at the end of the program. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll receive a certificate. You can find more details about the application here!

Why it stands out: You gain hands-on exposure to medical workflows and professional environments while building connections with practitioners in the field. 

3. STEM Learning Research Placements, UK-wide

Location: Various UK host organisations (offices, museums, labs, fieldwork), GB
Cost: Free; travel subsidy provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: Up to 2 weeks summer after Year 12/S5 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Year 12 (England/Wales)/S5 (Scotland)/Year 13 (Northern Ireland) from low-income/under-represented/first-gen uni backgrounds

During the summer after Year 12/S5, you can take part in a supervised independent placement in areas such as science, computing, technology, engineering, mathematics, or related interdisciplinary fields. These placements vary in format.

Research Placements last around two weeks, during which you collaborate on active research projects, producing reports or posters that contribute to the work of the host organization. In both cases, you apply the knowledge and skills learned at school to practical tasks in research centers, laboratories, or other professional settings, with guidance from mentors. 

Why it stands out: The programme provides structured, hands-on experience in STEM fields while supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

4. Imperial College London Y12 Work Experience Programme

Location: Imperial College London campus, South Kensington, London, UK
Cost: Free (fully funded; materials and lunch provided)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Typically early March. Applications open in January with closing dates dependent on the stream and year
Dates: 5 days in summer (stream dates vary by department)
Eligibility: Current Year 12 students at UK state schools who can commute daily to the London campus

The Work Experience Programme at Imperial College London gives you the opportunity to explore research in STEM subjects over five days.

You join a specific department  and take part in activities that mirror the way research is conducted at the university, including lab sessions, small-group workshops, and guided experiments. The programme concludes with a short presentation where you share your findings with peers and staff.

Why it stands out: You gain first-hand experience of research methods while also learning about the university application process.

5. Medical Internship and Shadowing Program for High School Students

Location: Various clinics in London, UK
Cost: None; stipend of £5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 2 students/year (tentative)
Application Deadline: March 15th
Dates: 1-4 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school students worldwide aged 16-24 (typically Year 10-12); Must show commitment to pursuing a medical or healthcare-related career; Must be fluent in English (IELTS ≥5.5)

In this medical internship and shadowing programme, you spend time alongside a doctor in a clinical setting in London. You observe day-to-day activities such as patient consultations, routine procedures, and the workflow of hospital or clinic teams.

The placement is primarily observational, giving you opportunities to ask questions and see how healthcare professionals make decisions in real time. You also develop skills in communication, teamwork, and professional conduct. Accommodation, meals, and local transport are included to support a fully immersive experience.

Why it stands out: You gain a clear view of how clinical teams operate and interact with patients.

6. In2STEM

Location: Across the UK
Cost: Free; Travel bursary offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Application Deadline: November – March
Dates: July 20th – August 21st
Eligibility: Domestic students in Year 12 or S5/S6 (16-19) with a strong interest in STEM

The In2STEM programme provides a mix of in-person work placements and online learning to introduce you to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

During the summer, you take part in professional placements, attend virtual workshops to build practical skills, and engage in activities such as public engagement challenges that mirror real-world STEM work. You also have the option to submit your placement work for a CREST Award, which can support university or apprenticeship applications.

Why it stands out: You gain structured, hands-on exposure to STEM careers while developing skills and a tangible portfolio of work.

7. Medical Schools Council’s Summer School

Location: Brunel University of London with Imperial College London | University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) with University of Sunderland | Brighton & Sussex Medical School (BSMS) with University of Southampton and University of Surrey | University of East Anglia with Anglia Ruskin University (for the medical summer school)
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Variable based on selected college. More information here
Eligibility: Summer schools are aimed at students aged 11-12 who are from underrepresented demographic groups in medicine and dentistry in England

Funded by the NHS, the Medical Schools Council and Dental Schools Council offer eight summer programmes across England for high school students interested in medicine or dentistry. These programmes provide over 500 free places and are open to Year 11 and Year 12 students from under-represented backgrounds.

Residential, commuter, and online options are available to suit different needs. During the summer schools, you take part in sessions that give an introduction to studying medicine or dentistry. A variety of teaching methods are used to help you prepare for the transition to university-level study.

Why it stands out: You gain early insight into medical or dental education while receiving structured guidance on applications and professional expectations, helping you make informed decisions about your future career path.

8. NHSBT Work Experience Programmes

Location: Bristol (Filton) and London (Tooting), UK
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: 5 days in June and July, varies by location
Eligibility: Local students aged 16 to 18 (Years 12-13) interested in scientific or laboratory careers; must be sponsored by their school

The NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) Work Experience Programme is a one-week placement for students aged 16 to 18 interested in healthcare science. During the placement, you visit laboratories, meet professionals including scientists and donor care specialists, and take part in practical sessions that introduce biomedical science, medicine, and nursing concepts.

You also develop skills in teamwork, observation, and professional communication while seeing how scientific work supports patient care.

Why it stands out: You gain a clear understanding of both the operational and scientific aspects of healthcare, helping you explore potential career paths in medicine, biomedical science, or patient care.

9. GOS ICH Work Experience

Location: UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, England
Cost: Free (lunch provided, travel costs on you)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 students
Application Deadline: April 2026 (for June/Oct placements)
Dates: June 29 th – July 3rd; October 26-30
Eligibility: Age 16+, completed GCSEs or studying A-Levels/equivalent; preference for disadvantaged backgrounds and science interest; international students are welcome to apply

The GOS ICH Work Experience programme is a week-long placement hosted by five teaching and research departments at Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. Each department offers 2–3 sessions where you explore research topics and laboratory techniques.

During the programme, you attend talks, departmental seminars, and journal clubs, and work alongside researchers and PhD students in lab-based activities. The focus is on research science careers rather than clinical practice, and full-week attendance is required.

Why it stands out: You gain hands-on experience in a research setting, learning techniques and methods used by scientists while understanding how laboratory work contributes to advances in child health research.

10. King’s College Hospital Work Experience

Location: King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust / Princess Royal University Hospital, London, England
Cost: Unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: June 7th (July placement); September 6th (October placement)
Dates: July 27-31; October 26-30
Eligibility: Ages 16-19; live in Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Orpington, or Bromley; current secondary school student (priority to non-private school attendees – all criteria required)

The King’s College Hospital Work Experience programme is one of the more practical medical internships in the UK for high school students, offering 1–5 day observational placements at King’s College Hospital or Princess Royal University Hospital. You are paired with a mentor based on your interests in healthcare, giving you the chance to observe daily routines, responsibilities, and the skills needed in different roles.

You can select either clinical or non-clinical placements. Clinical placements span specialities including acute medicine, anaesthesiology, cardiology, child health, gastroenterology, haematology, hepatology, histopathology, liver care, nursing, occupational therapy, orthopaedics, orthoptics/optometry/ophthalmic imaging, surgery, radiography, pharmacy, and urology. 

Why it stands out: You gain firsthand exposure to a variety of healthcare roles, observing both patient-facing and support functions. 

11. UCLH Work Experience

Location: University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, England
Cost: Unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: Unspecified
Eligibility: Ages 16-18 full-time students from selected local state secondary schools in Camden/Islington boroughs, aspiring medics via Social Mobility Foundation, or staff referrals (direct requests not supported due to high volume)

You access work experience placements only through prioritised routes as a leading NHS teaching trust handling hundreds of annual requests. Eligible students come from specific local state schools in Camden and Islington, or via the Social Mobility Foundation for aspiring medics, or through UCLH staff referrals.

The trust lacks the capacity for broader direct applications from students, parents, or teachers across London. You may instead explore their youth volunteering program for ages 16–17 (or 18 if in sixth form/college), requiring residency or study in Camden, Islington, or Westminster for a minimum three-month commitment.

Why it stands out: It stands out for channelling opportunities exclusively through partnerships to manage demand in a high-volume teaching hospital environment.

12. Premed Projects Hospital Work Experience

Location: Premed Projects accommodation and London hospitals (e.g., NHS King’s College Hospital), Camden, London, England
Cost: £395 booking fee + £1,470 balance (includes accommodation, meals; payable in installments)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Unspecified (tentatively)
Dates: July 20-26; August 10-16 (summer weeks; 2-week options all summer)
Eligibility: Ages 14-18 interested in medicine careers; open to UK and Europe students

In this week-long summer programme, you take part in in-person medical experiences at London hospitals under the guidance of healthcare professionals. You’ll study brain anatomy, emergency medicine, surgery, and radiology.

The week is structured to give a broad overview of medical practice. The program also includes hands-on work, exposure to palliative care, and ward rounds with multidisciplinary teams.

Why it stands out: The programme provides a consistent, week-long schedule combining hospital observation, practical simulations, and guidance on medical applications. 

13. BioGrad Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine

Location: BioGrad Liverpool
Cost: £999
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: Multiple cohorts
Eligibility: Students ages 16-19; Open to both UK and international students

BioGrad Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine offers a five-day intensive learning experience. You’ll gain early exposure to important emergency medicine skills and techniques in trauma care, emergency assessment and life support. You’ll learn to navigate in fast-paced work environments, learn from real doctors and clinicians, and gain practical experience and knowledge in emergency medicine.

The five-day course content includes basic and advanced life support, venesection and arterial blood gas analysis, cannulation and trauma management, emergency department presentations and suturing, and fracture diagnosis and management. The program will help you explore different opportunities in the world of medicine.

Why it stands out: You’ll train in real emergency medicine skills like trauma care and life support while learning directly from doctors in fast-paced clinical settings.

14. GOSH Young Visitors Programme

Location: Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, England
Cost: Unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified (may close early due to large volumes)
Application Deadline: March 13th (Late Spring); May 8th (Summer); August 14th (Autumn)
Dates: May 26-29; July 20th – August 28th; October 26-30
Eligibility: Local students aged 16-19 (ideally sixth form post-GCSE); school reference and parental consent required; demonstrate passion/knowledge of chosen area

Among the more specialised medical internships in the UK for high school students, the GOSH Young Visitors Programme lets you take part in 1–5 day placements at Great Ormond Street Hospital in areas such as medicine, nursing, laboratory work, or other specialised departments during school holidays, excluding Christmas.

Placements allow you to observe clinical and research work under the guidance of experienced staff. During your placement, you follow your supervisor’s guidance and learn professional standards in a clinical setting.

Why it stands out: You experience rare and complex pediatric specialties at a world-leading children’s hospital, observing professional practice and understanding the skills and decision-making required in highly specialized healthcare.

15. St George’s Work Experience

Location: St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London (Wandsworth/Merton area), England
Cost: Unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified (1000 requests/year, cannot accommodate all)
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: Up to 5 days maximum (one placement/person)
Eligibility: Ages 16-18, UK residents from local schools/colleges in Wandsworth/Merton (initial form via services); Shadowing Scheme: Year 12 (17 yo) from under-represented groups via St George’s University of London

You can apply for placements through the Trust services if you are 16 or older and attend a local school or college in Wandsworth or Merton. These opportunities let you shadow clinical or non-clinical professionals to explore NHS careers and gain insight useful for university applications.

Placements are limited to five days and generally one per student due to high demand. Priority is given to students from low socio-economic backgrounds, free school meal recipients, those with disabilities, or students whose families have no higher education or healthcare experience.

Why it stands out: The programme gives you a chance to observe NHS professionals in both clinical and non-clinical roles while specifically supporting students from under-represented groups.

Go Beyond Shadowing With Essential Medical Reading

Exploring medicine early can give you a far clearer sense of what the profession demands, from clinical environments and patient communication to the pace of healthcare settings.

Through shadowing, seminars, simulations, and mentorship, medical internships in the UK for high school students help you move beyond interest and towards informed career insight.

That kind of experience can strengthen your applications, deepen your motivation, and help you reflect more clearly on whether a future in medicine feels right.

For the next step, explore our Medicine Top Books Guide for essential reads that expand your understanding, sharpen your thinking, and deepen your medical curiosity.