African Union Internships 2026: Gain International Experience in Addis Ababa

The African Union (AU) is offering an exciting internship opportunity for students and recent graduates from AU Member States. This programme provides valuable practical work experience at the AU Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and is open for applications until 31 December 2026.

Application Closing Date: 31 December 2026
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Programme Duration: 3 months (renewable once for another 3 months)
Stipend: Unpaid
Minimum Qualification: Final year of a bachelor’s degree programme or a completed bachelor’s or postgraduate degree

About the African Union Internship Program 2026

The African Union Internship Program is designed to give students and recent graduates from AU Member States hands-on professional experience. Participants will work across various departments within the AU Commission. This programme aims to complement academic studies with practical application and expose young professionals to international policymaking and continental development work. It also fosters multicultural teamwork and helps interns develop technical, administrative, and leadership skills.

The programme supports the AU’s mission to promote continental integration, sustainable development, peace, security, and cooperation among African nations. It also contributes to the priorities of Agenda 2063, which is the AU’s blueprint for a prosperous and integrated Africa.

About the African Union

The African Union (AU) is a continental union consisting of 55 Member States. It is the premier continental organisation for fostering unity and development in Africa. The AU works to promote peace, security, and stability on the continent, as well as to accelerate the process of integration and development. It also champions good governance and democratic principles among its member states.

Internship Areas Available

Interns can be placed in various AU departments and directorates, depending on their academic background and the organisation’s needs. Potential areas for internships include:

• Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment
• Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining
• Education, Science, Technology and Innovation
• Infrastructure and Energy
• Political Affairs, Peace and Security
• Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development
• Human Resources Management
• Information and Communication
• Management Information Systems
• Conference Management and Publications
• Strategic Planning and Delivery
• Office of Legal Counsel
• Women, Gender and Youth
• Partnership and Resource Mobilization
• Peace Fund Secretariat
• New Partnership for Africa’s Development
• Cabinet of the Chairperson
• Cabinet of the Deputy Chairperson
• Office of the Director General
• Operations Support Services
• Financial Control Unit
• Ethics, Integrity and Standards
• Office of Protocol
• Office of Internal Oversight
• Citizens and Diaspora
• Medical and Health Services

What the Internship Offers

Successful interns will gain significant exposure and practical experience. The programme offers:

• Hands-on professional experience in an international organisation.
• Exposure to international policymaking and continental development work.
• Development of technical, administrative, and leadership skills.
• An understanding of the AU’s role in promoting peace, security, and integration.
• Opportunities to work in multicultural teams.
• Insight into Agenda 2063 priorities.

Internship Duration and Location

The internship is a full-time placement at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The programme duration is for three months. This period may be renewed once for an additional three months, subject to performance and organisational needs.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the African Union Internship Program 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a national of an African Union Member State.
• Be currently enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s degree programme, or have completed a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in a relevant field.
• If still studying, applicants must be full-time students.
• Be no more than 32 years old at the time of selection.
• Demonstrate high standards of integrity and moral conduct.
• Have no serious criminal convictions.
• Be fluent in at least one African Union working language: Arabic, English, French, or Portuguese.

Previous professional work experience is not a requirement for this internship.

Competencies Required

Applicants should possess the following skills and abilities:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Good knowledge of email and internet applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural teams.

Knowledge of additional African Union working languages, such as Spanish or Kiswahili, will be considered an advantage.

Who Should Apply?

This internship is ideal for students and recent graduates who are eager to gain practical experience in international development, public policy, governance, diplomacy, research, or communications. It is particularly suited for those interested in African integration and cooperation. The programme offers a chance to build skills that can support long-term career growth within continental institutions.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents during the online application process:

• Motivation letter explaining expected learning outcomes from the internship.
• A valid passport or national identity card.
• Certified copies of academic certificates.
• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A recommendation letter from the applicant’s educational institution.
• The completed African Union CV template.

The official African Union CV template must be downloaded, completed, and uploaded as part of the application.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply online for the African Union Internship Program 2026.

Click here to apply for African Union Internship Program 2026

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications online well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute issues.

Important Notes

Applications for the African Union Internship Program close on 31 December 2026. Applicants must ensure that all required documents are uploaded correctly and that the application form is completed accurately. Incomplete or late applications may not be considered for the selection process. Please note that this internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses.

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