Horticultural Internship Programme

As a Horticultural Intern at one of the gardens of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), you will work alongside our professional horticultural team in the daily care and management of our world-renowned plant collections.

At Edinburgh you will have access to our well-stocked Botanical Library and Herbarium and at all the gardens you will have contact on a daily basis with our experienced and specialist staff. Many students have worked in one or more of our gardens and have enjoyed and benefited from their experiences with us.

The Living Collection of RBGE is located on four sites - Edinburgh, Benmore (near Dunoon in Argyll), Logan (near Stranraer in Galloway) and Dawyck (near Peebles in the Borders), and is the second richest collection of plant species in the world.

Shared self-catering accommodation is available at Logan and Benmore Botanic Garden if booked in advance. Students must source their own accommodation for Edinburgh and Dawyck.

What we offer

  • Experience alongside our experienced horticulturists in one of our four Gardens
  • RBGE poloshirt/sweatshirt (waterproofs and other clothing is not provided but are essential)
  • Free accommodation at Benmore and Logan Botanic Garden (Edinburgh and Dawyck can supply a list of nearby accommodation, however your own transport is essential at Dawyck.)
  • Certificate of Practical Training
  • Reference for your CV

With regret, we are only able to accept students who have the right to live, work or study in the UK on our horticultural internship programme as a result of changes in UK immigration regulations. We do not as an education provider currently fulfil any of the criteria necessary to support visa applications for students out with the UK at this time.

For US students and recent graduates in the USA the BUNAC internship scheme has allowed such applicants to take up our horticultural internships, as BUNAC are able to support their visa applications.

Ensuring you have the correct immigration documents for entry into the UK is the responsibility of the individual intern.

Application Procedure

Applications are currently open at Benmore and Logan. Applications at Edinburgh and Dawyck are closed.  

Applications open

Applicants are responsible for financing the full duration of their internship. Funding opportunities can include: employer sponsorship, grants from universities or colleges, scholarships and bursaries, or self-sponsorship.

If you wish to take up the offer of an unpaid Horticultural Internship with us please complete and return the Horticultural Internship Application Form, together with a copy of your current CV and a photograph.

Requirements:

  • Minimum age 18
  • Internships must last a minimum of 6 weeks
  • Minimum English Proficiency Level B1
  • Previous Practical Horticultural Experience
  • Applicants are responsible for financing the full duration of their internship.

If you are not interested in doing an Internship with RBGE but would still like to volunteer please see the Volunteering section of our website.