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API acquires The Intern Group to link study abroad with internships
API has purchased The Intern Group, bringing its 15,000‑plus student internship network into API’s study‑abroad portfolio. The deal was announced on 5 November 2026 and affects students, university partners and existing internship participants.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- API acquires The Intern Group, merging internship network with study‑abroad programmes
- Timing
- Announced on 5 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Students, university partners and existing internship participants of API or The Intern Group
The details
Acquisition Announcement
The Intern Group (TIG) will become part of API’s international education offering following an acquisition announced on 5 November 2026. Both organisations said the move creates a single global entity that links academic study abroad with professional internships.
- TIG has placed over 15,000 students from more than 150 nationalities in internships
- API operates in nearly 80 cities across 30 countries
Integration of Services
The combined entity will expand API’s ‘Learn, Work, Thrive’ framework, allowing students to enrol in internships as standalone experiences or alongside semester and summer study‑abroad programmes. API’s ConnectAIQ platform will match students to opportunities based on academic interests, financial circumstances and career goals.
University partners of both organisations will gain reciprocal access to each other’s networks, increasing the range of programmes they can offer.
- ConnectAIQ will also help universities manage approvals, scholarships and participation data
- Existing staff from both companies will be retained
Impact on Existing Agreements
Current agreements with API and TIG remain unchanged. The Intern Group will operate as the newly created API Intern Group division, reporting to API’s CEO. No disruption to ongoing internships or study‑abroad placements is expected.
The acquisition aligns with API’s approaching 30th anniversary in 2027 and reinforces its commitment to making global learning accessible.
- All existing contracts continue under the same terms
- Students will have access to expanded housing, safety and on‑site support services
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing internship placements through The Intern Group remain valid under the same terms
- Students can combine API study‑abroad programmes with internships without altering travel dates
Cost and documents
- No new fees have been announced for the combined services
- Visa and travel documentation requirements stay unchanged
What you need to do
- Students should monitor API’s ConnectAIQ platform for updated programme listings
- University partners should review the expanded internship network now available through API
Who this affects
-
Students seeking international internships
The acquisition merges TIG’s internship network with API’s study‑abroad programmes
What to do Can apply through API’s ConnectAIQ platform for combined study‑work options
-
API university partners
They gain access to TIG’s expanded internship network
What to do May incorporate new internship opportunities into curricula
-
The Intern Group university partners
They can explore API’s accredited study‑abroad programmes
What to do Can offer study‑abroad options to their students
-
Current interns placed by The Intern Group
Existing agreements remain unchanged after the acquisition
Frequently asked questions
What does API’s acquisition of The Intern Group mean for students?
It means students can now access a combined portfolio of accredited study‑abroad programmes and international internships through a single platform, expanding options for career‑focused travel.
When does the API‑The Intern Group partnership start?
The partnership was announced on 5 November 2026 and takes effect immediately, with existing contracts and services continuing unchanged.
Will existing internship placements be affected?
No, existing placements remain valid under the same terms; the acquisition does not alter current agreements or student commitments.
How can universities benefit from the new partnership?
University partners of both API and The Intern Group gain reciprocal access to each other’s networks, allowing them to offer a broader range of internships and study‑abroad programmes to their students.
What is ConnectAIQ and how does it work?
ConnectAIQ is API’s AI‑driven platform that matches students with study‑abroad and internship opportunities based on academic interests, financial situation and career goals, also helping universities manage approvals and data.
Are there new fees for the combined programmes?
The announcement does not mention any new fees; existing cost structures for internships and study‑abroad programmes remain in place.
