Graduate to Export

Graduate to Export is a fully funded programme that helps local businesses expand into markets outside Northern Ireland. The programme provides 50% salary support up to a maximum of £21,000 to employ a graduate for a duration of 18 months. 

The graduate will spend six months in Northern Ireland getting to know the business, and up to 12 months in an export market conducting research that fits with your company’s plans.

The application window for Graduate to Export is due to open in October 2026.

In the meantime, you can register your interest and request further information after completing the short eligibility checker.

The Graduate to Export programme is only available to Invest Northern Ireland clients. If you would like more information on becoming a client, see how we support businesses and the criteria to become an Invest NI client.  

To be eligible, you must also meet the following criteria: 

• Identify a market research project in a new or existing market aligned to their strategic marketing plan (projects based in Great Britain or the Republic of Ireland are eligible under this programme)
• Demonstrate that the project requires the skills of an entry level graduate
• Provide support to a graduate while in market
• While this programme is targeted at SMEs, large companies may also apply.
• Businesses owned by Invest NI staff members, are not eligible to apply.

Full criteria and guidance for business wishing to apply can be found in the Graduate to Export | Guidance notes for businesses. We recommend businesses read the guidance notes before applying.