Employers cut student work experience roles as demand rises
A new survey from the Institute of Student Employers shows that while student demand for internships has surged, employers have reduced the number of available roles. This creates a challenge for universities aiming to increase work-based learning opportunities for graduates.
Why it matters
The mismatch between student career preparation goals and employer hiring trends could exacerbate graduate unemployment and hinder workforce development.
Student interest in internships and work placements rose steeply last year – but employers have cut back on hiring for these sorts of roles, according to the largest survey of its kind in the UK.
Applications for university-level internships soared 27 per cent in 2025-26, the latest edition of the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) annual Student Recruitment Survey showed.
The volume of those applying for undergraduate placements also increased, climbing 15 per cent.
But there was an 8 per cent reduction in internship and placement hiring among the employers surveyed by the ISE.
The scarcity of student work experience comes at a time when many universities are doubling down on their commitment to producing employable graduates .
In May, vice-chancellor Duncan Ivison announced plans to ensure that all undergraduates at the University of Manchester take part in some form of work placement over the course of their degrees.
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