MI5 and GCHQ are recruiting young Russian speakers to help combat the threat from Vladimir Putin. The intelligence agencies are jointly launching an 11-week Language Talent Programme next month, aimed at finding full-time Russian Language Specialists.
Programme details
The programme is open to students starting their final year of university this autumn or those who have graduated in the last three years. Participants will be paid between £6,380 and £7,059 for the 11-week programme, with locations including Cheltenham, London, and Manchester.
Successful participants may be offered jobs starting at £37,892 to £40,248. The advert specifically mentions that people who speak Ukrainian are of particular interest to MI5, but notes that this is not essential and all applicants will be considered fairly.
Summer Intelligence Internship
Additionally, MI5 and GCHQ are launching a separate 10-to-11-week Summer Intelligence Internship in Cheltenham and London, aimed at university students from Black, Asian, mixed heritage, or other ethnic minority backgrounds who are also from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The internship is open to students in their penultimate or final year of study for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The advert states that accommodation costs will be covered where required, and mentors, managers, and buddies will be available to support participants.
