Sometimes. If the placement is a required part of the student’s UK university course and lasts no more than a year, the minimum wage doesn’t apply, so there’s no legal minimum and you can pay less. If your intern counts as a worker, you must pay at least the minimum wage.
When is there no legal minimum?
- Required course placements. Placements that are a required part of a UK further or higher education course, lasting no more than one year.
- Voluntary workers at charities. Genuine volunteers at a charity or voluntary organisation who receive only limited, specified expenses.
- Work shadowing. Where the person only observes and doesn’t do any work.
For everyone else doing real work, the minimum wage applies. From 1 April 2026 that’s £12.71 an hour for people aged 21 and over, £10.85 for 18 to 20 year olds and £8.00 for under 18s.
What should you pay?
Ideally, a wage students can live on. The real Living Wage, set independently by the Living Wage Foundation, is £14.10 an hour across the UK and £15.45 in London for 2026-27 (Resolution Foundation). Paying a living wage means students without family money can afford to take your placement, which widens your pool of candidates.
Can training make up for lower pay?
For placements with no legal minimum, yes, it can be a fair reason to pay less. If you invest heavily in structured training, mentoring or qualifications, that’s real value to the student, and it’s reasonable to take it into account when setting pay. Be clear in your listing about what the training includes.
It can’t replace the minimum wage, though. For anyone entitled to it, the cost of training can’t be counted towards their pay.
Where can you check the rules?
See the government guidance on employment rights and pay for interns, or call the free Acas helpline if you’re unsure.