Apply for the Student Ambassador Programme

Last modified: 30 September 2024

Applications are now open. The deadline to apply is 9:00 AM (UK time) on Monday 28 October 2024.

Apply now.

About the programme

Last modified: 25 September 2024

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.  As a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, you will join a team of ambassadors and help the UK deliver a world-class international student experience.

Find out more about the network of ambassadors, who they are and what they have achieved here.  

Together, you will share responsibility to engage in activities relating to four main areas: 

Policy influencing

Learning and development

Community outreach

How to Apply

Last modified: 25 September 2024

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 28 October 2024. 
  • A current EU or overseas student studying at a UK education provider who will graduate during or after summer 2025. 

 

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

Stage 2 – Finalists take part in online interviews

Stage 3 – Join the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador programme!

Stage 4 – Long-term involvement

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Last modified: 25 September 2024

How are applications reviewed?

I do not have any policy knowledge or leadership experience, do I still have a chance of being selected?

Do I have to live in the UK at the time of applying?

I came to the UK this year as a first-year student, can I still apply?

This is my final year and I will graduate in June/July 2025, can I still apply?

Who are the current student ambassadors and when are they going to complete this programme?

I do not meet the age requirement, can I still apply?

I am not available for the online interview on Wednesday 27 November 2024, what do I do?

I have just graduated this autumn 2024, can I apply?

Are there any in-person activities for the programme next year?

What do I need to pay for?

Will I receive a salary on the programme?

Meet some of the student ambassadors

Last modified: 26 September 2024

Read about some of our ambassadors' experiences with the programme below and find out more about all the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors here. 

 

Vartika Khandelwal, 2023-2024 cohort

“Being a UKCISA ambassador has opened avenues for me and put me at the national stage as a student. It is an experience unparalleled to any other. It felt like I had a family since my first month, always super supportive and looking out for me.

The programme puts you at the right stage at the right time to influence change and the people you meet along the way are so receptive to ideas. It has truly allowed me to flourish as a professional and individual.”

 

 

 

Adityavarman Mehta, 2023-2024 cohort

“The #WeAreInternational programme has added significant meaning to my student experience in the UK. In addition to conducting PhD research at the intersection of conflict, peacebuilding and global health diplomacy, being a UKCISA Student Ambassador has given me the platform to add value to current and prospective international students.

Through speaking engagements at various conferences across the country, I have also had the privilege of interacting with a diverse range of stakeholders in the higher education ecosystem, and participating in honest discussions on ways to continually elevate the international student experience in the UK. I am eternally grateful for the time I have spent working with UKCISA.”

 

Annie Chan, 2022-2023 cohort

"Being a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador at UKCISA is a wonderful experience. The programme is very well-structured, and it gives me opportunities to share my own experience and stories of studying in the UK with educators, university staff and my fellow ambassadors. In less than a year, I have already met a lot of passionate and like-minded people who also want to make a positive change for the international student community.

I feel supported by UKCISA staff all the time and they provide us with training sessions on public speaking, policymaking and much more, which has helped me to develop new skills and enhance my personal growth. This programme is also a great platform for me to voice my opinion and it has boosted my confidence in socialising with people. I highly recommend for other students to apply."

 

 

Ilo Unuigbe, 2022-2023 cohort

“Being one of the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors has been one of the major highlights of studying for my masters. I have met brilliant and outstanding students from all over the world which has helped me improve my intercultural competence.

As an ambassador, I have been empowered to make meaningful contributions to policies and processes that are aimed at improving the international student experience which is an area that I am passionate about. I have also had the opportunity to improve my public speaking and engagement skills. Most importantly, I have learned the importance of advocating for myself as well as for international students like me by telling my story. It's been a remarkably awesome experience and I encourage eligible international students to apply!”

 

 

 

Lindsay Nygren, 2022-2023 cohort

“As a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, a highlight for me has been speaking on behalf of international students in the UK at various conferences. I've thoroughly enjoyed meeting and connecting with other international students in the UK and sharing our experiences. It has made my time in the UK so meaningful because I have been able to extend beyond the University of Glasgow and form relationships that I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. I have gained confidence through the impact we have all made as we continue to work to enhance the international student experience in the UK.”

 

 

 

Juan Ramon Candia, 2021-2022 cohort

JR“Being part of UKCISA as a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador has been a very rewarding experience. I have had the chance to speak at high-profile, national education events about how international students can tackle the climate crisis, which is my area of professional development.

We have worked closely with UKCISA staff and participated in dozens of training sessions, workshops and meetings with various organisations, aimed at shaping policy and improving the international student experience while in the UK; all of which have substantially enriched my own experience as an international student. Highly recommended!”

 

Nebu George, 2020-2021 cohort

Nebu“I joined the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador programme with one thing in mind: employability! Through this programme, I have met and worked with influential, passionate, and inspiring individuals in the higher education sector, working to achieve the goal of better employability for international students. From being able to influence their conversations and campaigns to providing student perspectives on various policies, I have developed my voice, our voices, as powerful drivers for change to enrich the international student experience in the UK.”

 

 


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