MI6 Graduate Scheme 2024 – Requirements, Salary, Timeline & Application Process

The UK’s Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) is also known as MI6.

Opportunities for graduate schemes at MI6 are limited. However, the organisation advertises many job vacancies suitable for graduates.

You can also apply for a graduate scheme with MI5, which might involve working on joint operations when the threats faced involve international and domestic factors.

Staff from MI6 work secretly worldwide to make the UK safer and more prosperous. They use cutting-edge technology and undercover operations to stop terrorism, disrupt the activity of hostile states and ensure the UK has a cyber advantage.

MI6 works closely with MI5, GCHQ (the Government Communications Headquarters), HM Armed Forces, law enforcement and other international partners.

Many MI6 staff work overseas, but some colleagues work from the MI6 headquarters in Vauxhall, London.

All work carried out by MI6 is legal and underpinned by the values that define the UK.

Salaries for MI6 graduate jobs are not widely advertised, although you can expect to receive a competitive salary.

Applying for a job at MI6 involves a recruitment process that could take up to nine months and involves a rigorous application process. You can apply from the age of 17, but you will only be able to start work once you turn 18.

Does MI6 Offer Graduate Schemes?

MI6 does not regularly advertise MI6 internships or MI6 graduate schemes, although these are offered occasionally.

In addition, MI6 advertises several job vacancies that are suitable for graduates. If you want to work for MI6, you could apply for an MI5 graduate scheme.

MI5 and MI6 sometimes work together on joint operations; therefore, an MI5 graduate scheme could see you working alongside MI6 colleagues occasionally.

Types of MI6 Graduate Programs and Graduate Jobs

Although MI6 does not regularly advertise a dedicated graduate scheme, the following MI6 graduate jobs may be suitable for university leavers.

MI6 Intelligence Officer – £30,000 to £30,000 plus benefits

This role is crucial in gathering and analysing information to support the UK’s national security interests.

Intelligence Officers:

• Collect intelligence through covert operations
• Gathering data on threats to national security
• Recruiting and handling spies
• Analysing intelligence
• Identifying and countering efforts by foreign intelligence agencies
• Planning and executing intelligence operations
• Working with partners in risk management, communication, technology, cyber operations, language and cultural expertise

Business Support Officer – £31,393 plus benefits

This role provides essential support to the vital work of MI6, MI5 and GCHQ. Working within a supportive team environment, business support officers provide support through intelligence gathering and helping to ensure organisational activities run smoothly.

During the first two years of employment, business support officers work in two roles and spend two years in each. Afterwards, they can apply for an overseas post or promotion opportunities.

Previous administration experience is not necessary, but you must demonstrate the appropriate skills and potential, including:

• A high level of professionalism
• Sound judgment
• Strong organisational skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• The ability to plan and prioritise your work

You must also show that you understand the importance of discretion.

Language Specialist – £32,092 to £39,951 plus benefits

Language specialists must be competent in reading, writing, speaking and listening to a specific language.

The role involves:

• Translation
• Transcription
• Interpretation of various materials
• Conducting research and sharing findings

The operational workload covers targeting, casework, training, management or operational planning.

An opportunity for Russian language specialists for MI5, MI6 and GCHQ will be advertised in the coming months. These roles will be based in Cheltenham, Scarborough, Central London and Manchester.

The role is available to both full and part-time applicants, with flexible working options. To apply, you must be fluent in Russian.

As a Russian language specialist, you will use your Russian language expertise and analytical skills to provide intelligence insights to impact government policy.

If interested, you can register your details on the SIS (MI6) careers website.

Technology Graduate Development Programme – £37,396

This structured two-year development programme will give you the skills, knowledge and experience needed to join the MI5/MI6 technology team.

Technology Graduates must choose a specialism from the following options:

• Business Analysis
• Project Support
• Software Engineering
• UX (User Experience) Design
• Data Architecture
• Data Science and Machine Learning
• Data Engineering
• Information and Cyber Security
• Security Engineering

A combination of on-the-job and formal training is offered, plus ongoing support and development opportunities. MI6 also provides sponsorship for external training and qualifications.

To apply, you must be passionate about technology and have (or be expected to obtain) a minimum of a 2:2 degree in a STEM subject.

You will also need to live in central London (or be able to commute).

MI6 Staff Values

MI6 does not publicly disclose its values due to confidentiality and the secret nature of its work. However, the following values are likely to be important:

• Integrity – You must be able to adhere to high ethical standards and be honest in all of your actions and communications
• Secrecy – You must maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information and take steps to protect national security at all times
• Professionalism – All operations and tasks must be conducted to the highest levels of competence and professionalism
• Service – You must be committed to serving the UK's and its citizens' interests
• Teamwork – You must be able to collaborate and communicate effectively, both inside the organisation and with other intelligence agencies and external partners

MI6 Graduate Scheme Eligibility

Degree Requirements

The specific degree requirements will depend on the programme you want to apply for. You can find full details on the job advert.

Nationality

To apply for MI6 job roles, you must be a British Citizen. This includes people with dual nationality, as long as one component is British. However, you may be required to give up your non-British citizenship if offered a job role.

Similarly, you must also have lived in the UK for at least seven out of the last ten years to apply for MI6 job roles. This is particularly important if you were not born in the UK.

There are a few situations where exceptions to the above rule can be made. For example, if you have studied abroad, served overseas with HM forces or lived abroad with your parents, in which case, one of your parents must be (or have been) a British Citizen or have significant ties to the UK.

Drug Policy

MI6 staff and contractors are bound by a strict no drugs policy. This prohibits the use, possession or supply of illegal drugs, including drugs that are legal abroad if they are illegal in the UK.

Applicants for a job a MI6 must adhere to the drug policy from the date they submit their application form. During the MI6 recruitment process, you will be asked to provide a sample, and this will be tested for drugs.

Age

Applicants must be at least 17 years old when they apply. However, MI6 does not employ anyone under 18; therefore, if you are successful, you must wait until your 18th birthday to start working for MI6.

Security Clearance

Security clearance takes up to three months and involves an in-depth investigation of your life, including your finances. Applicants must be completely honest when answering security questions.

Reasonable Adjustments

The recruitment and vetting process for MI6 can take up to nine months. If you have a long-term health condition or disability, MI6 will consider and make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment and vetting process to accommodate your needs.

Are MI6 Apprenticeships Paid?

MI6 graduate roles and apprenticeships are paid, and salaries are competitive. You can find details of the salary offered in the job advert.

Other benefits of working for MI6 include:

• Civil Service pension
• Discounted healthcare scheme
• 25 days’ paid annual leave
• Flexible working options
• Generous parental/adoption leave and pay policy
• Childcare vouchers
• Subsidised holiday play scheme for children
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• On-site restaurant, gym and language facilities at the company HQ

What Is the MI6 Application Process Like?

MI6 and the SIS are well-known for being rigorous and confidential in their hiring processes. This is due to the sensitive nature of the work they carry out.

Specific details of the application process are not disclosed for security reasons, but the general process typically involves the following stages:

Online application

To apply for a job at MI6, visit the official MI6 website or government job portals to find available vacancies. Then, complete an online application form, providing full information about your education, work experience and relevant skills.

Application forms will be screened and reviewed to see if they meet the basic requirements and initial eligibility criteria for the role.

You must not tell anyone that you are applying for an MI6 role with the exception of your partner or a close family member.

Online Assessments

If your application meets the basic requirements for the role, you will be expected to complete a series of assessment tests.

These could include:

• Aptitude tests
• Language proficiency tests
• Situational judgment tests
• Numerical
• Verbal reasoning tests
• Personality assessments

Interviews

At the interview, your technical skills will be assessed along with your personal qualities, suitability for the role and ability to handle highly sensitive information.

Assessment Centre

Assessment centres often include work-based scenario activities, cognitive tests and competency-based interview questions.

Vetting

MI6 uses a thorough security clearance process, including background checks, financial assessments and checks to ensure you can be trusted with classified information.

Training and Probation

After passing the assessments and security clearance process, you will receive an unconditional job offer and undergo role-specific training.

Your performance and suitability for the role will be closely monitored during your probationary period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Working for MI6 offers the chance to work in a dynamic, challenging environment.

You will have the opportunity to contribute to national security and protect the interests of the UK.

If you have a strong sense of duty and wish to serve your country in a unique way, applying for an MI6 graduate role could be a good choice.

Before applying, it is important to understand the strict criteria the MI6 uses during the hiring process.

The application process can take up to nine months and involves comprehensive vetting and security procedures.