Are you a student or recent graduate looking to gain international work experience with one of Africa’s leading intergovernmental organizations? The African Union (AU) Internship Program 2026 is now open for applications from qualified nationals of AU Member States.

The internship provides talented young Africans with an opportunity to gain practical experience, develop professional skills, and contribute to the work of the African Union Commission (AUC) while working in a multicultural environment.

About the African Union Internship Program

The African Union Internship Program is a full-time professional development opportunity designed for students and recent graduates from diverse academic disciplines. The program offers participants hands-on experience across various AU departments while helping them strengthen their technical, leadership, and intercultural skills.

The internship also serves as a platform for nurturing the next generation of African leaders committed to advancing sustainable development, peace, governance, and regional integration across the continent.

Benefits of the AU Internship Program

Successful interns will:

• Gain valuable professional experience within the African Union.
• Work alongside experienced international professionals.
• Build practical skills in policy, administration, research, communications, and project management.
• Develop leadership and intercultural competencies.
• Expand their professional network across Africa.
• Contribute to continental development initiatives.

Departments Hosting Interns

Internship opportunities are available across numerous AU departments, including:

• Office of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson
• Economic Development, Trade, Industry & Mining (ETIM)
• Education, Science, Technology & Innovation (ESTI)
• Political Affairs, Peace & Security (PAPS)
• Health, Humanitarian Affairs & Social Development (HHS)
• Infrastructure & Energy (IE)
• Human Resources Management
• Strategic Planning & Delivery
• Women, Gender & Youth (WGY)
• Information & Communication
• New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)
• Other AU Directorates and Specialized Units

African Union Internship Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be nationals of an African Union Member State.
• Be aged between 22 and 32 years at the time of application.
• Be enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree, pursuing postgraduate studies, or be a recent graduate from a recognized institution.
• Be fluent in at least one AU official working language:
  • English
  • French
  • Arabic
  • Portuguese
  • Kiswahili
• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Meet any additional requirements outlined in the internship Terms of Reference.

Required Skills

Ideal candidates should possess:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good teamwork and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email applications.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of an additional AU language is considered an advantage.

Internship Duration

The African Union Internship lasts:

• Initial duration: 3 months
• Extension: Up to an additional 3 months based on performance and departmental needs.

Interns are expected to work full-time:

Monday to Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Financial Support

Applicants should note that the African Union does not provide financial assistance for:

• Travel expenses
• Accommodation
• Living expenses
• Per diem
• Medical insurance

Successful interns are responsible for arranging and covering all personal costs throughout the internship.

The AU may provide reasonable assistance with visa processing where applicable.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

• Motivation letter explaining what they hope to gain from the internship
• Copy of a valid passport or national identity card
• Certified academic certificates
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Recommendation letter from their university or institution

Applicants are also required to complete their profile using the official African Union CV Template available on the application portal.

How to Apply for the African Union Internship Program

To apply:

1. Visit the African Union Careers Portal. All internship applications MUST be submitted through the AU Careers portal at: https://careers.au.int
2. Create an online applicant profile.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Upload all required supporting documents.
5. Submit your application before the deadline.

After submission, applicants will receive an email confirming successful receipt of their application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

The internship is open to nationals of African Union Member States who are final-year undergraduate students, postgraduate students, or recent graduates.

Is the internship paid?

No. The African Union does not provide a salary, stipend, travel funding, accommodation, or living allowance.

How long is the internship?

The internship runs for an initial period of three months and may be extended for another three months based on performance.

Will I receive confirmation after applying?

Yes. Applicants receive an automatic email confirmation once their online application has been successfully submitted.

Can I track my application?

Yes. Applicants can monitor the status of their application through the AU Careers Portal.

What kind of work will interns perform?

Assignments vary depending on the department or unit where the intern is placed and may include research, administration, communications, project support, policy analysis, and technical assistance.

Can I take leave during the internship?

Leave may be granted only in exceptional circumstances with approval from the supervisor, provided it does not affect the internship assignment.

What if I experience technical issues during the application?

Applicants experiencing technical problems should contact the African Union Internship Team via the official support email provided on the Careers Portal.

Why Apply for the AU Internship?

The African Union Internship Program is one of Africa’s most prestigious early-career opportunities. It allows students and graduates to gain international exposure, strengthen their professional competencies, and contribute directly to initiatives that promote peace, development, governance, economic integration, health, education, and youth empowerment across the continent.

Whether you aspire to work in international development, diplomacy, public policy, governance, or humanitarian affairs, the AU Internship offers an excellent platform to launch your career.

Apply for the African Union Internship Program

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the African Union Careers Portal and ensure all required documents are uploaded before the application deadline.

Visit the African Union Careers Portal. All internship applications MUST be submitted through the AU Careers portal at: https://careers.au.int

For further inquiries: Internship@africa-union.org