Applications are now open for the 2026 African Union (AU) Internship Program, a full-time professional development opportunity for young Africans seeking hands-on experience within one of Africa’s leading continental institutions.
The AU Internship Program allows qualified students and recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds to gain practical exposure, strengthen professional skills, and better understand the workings of the African Union.
The program promotes diversity, teamwork, and intercultural collaboration, and is designed to groom future African leaders.
About the AU Internship Program
The internship provides young professionals with:
- Practical exposure to AU policies, programs, and operations
- Administrative and technical work experience
- Professional skill development
- Opportunity to work in a multicultural environment
- Insight into continental governance and development
Interns contribute meaningfully to AU departments while gaining valuable career-building experience.
Focus Areas / Departments
Interns may be placed in various AU Departments and Directorates, including:
- Cabinet of the Chairperson
- Cabinet of the Deputy Chairperson
- Office of the Director General
- Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)
- Economic Development, Trade, Industry, Mining (ETIM)
- Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI)
- Infrastructure and Energy (IE)
- Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS)
- Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS)
- Human Resources Management (HRM)
- Information and Communication
- Women, Gender and Youth (WGY)
- Legal Counsel (OLC)
- NEPAD
- Peace Fund Secretariat
- And several other operational and oversight units
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of an African Union Member State
- Be actively enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree OR
Have obtained a Bachelor’s or postgraduate (Master’s) degree in a relevant field - Be full-time students in their final year or recent graduates
- Be 32 years old or younger at the time of selection
- Be fluent in at least one AU working language (Arabic, English, French, or Portuguese)
- Demonstrate high moral conduct and integrity
- Have no serious criminal convictions
Note: Prior work experience is not required.
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Required Skills
Applicants should have:
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Strong email and internet skills
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Strong interpersonal abilities
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment
Knowledge of additional AU languages (Spanish or Kiswahili) is an advantage.
Core Competencies
- Clear written and oral communication
- Professional integrity
- Commitment to assigned tasks
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Cultural sensitivity
Terms and Conditions
- The internship is unpaid
- Interns are responsible for:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation
- Living costs
- Medical insurance coverage
- The AU may assist with visa facilitation, but does not cover visa costs
- Duration: 3 months, renewable once
Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted online via the AU recruitment portal.
Required documents:
- Motivation letter
- Copy of passport or national ID
- Certified academic certificates
- Current CV
- Recommendation letter from your institution
After submission, applicants will receive an email confirmation.
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Why Apply?
The AU Internship Program offers:
- Exposure to continental policymaking
- Opportunity to contribute to Africa-wide initiatives
- Professional network within AU institutions
- Career-building experience in governance and development
This program is ideal for ambitious young Africans interested in diplomacy, policy, development, peacebuilding, economics, or governance.
Application Deadline
December 31, 2026
Duration
3 months (renewable once)
