African Union Internships 2026 for African graduates

Who can apply

• Be nationals 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
• Be full-time students if applying while still studying
• 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, such as Arabic, English, French or Portuguese
• Previous professional work experience is not required.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to African Union - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

African Union invites students and recent graduates from AU Member States to apply for the Internship Program 2026.

Internship Application Closing Date: 31 December 2026

Internship Location: African Union Commission Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

About African Union Internship Program 2026

The African Union (AU) is inviting applications for its Internship Program 2026.

The programme offers students and recent graduates from African Union Member States an opportunity to gain practical work experience while contributing to the work of Africa’s premier continental organisation.

The internship is hosted at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and is designed to expose young professionals to international policymaking, multicultural teamwork and continental development work.

Purpose of the Internship Programme

The African Union Internship Program is designed to help participants complement their academic studies with hands-on professional experience across different departments within the AU Commission.

The programme also supports the development of technical, administrative and leadership skills while introducing interns to the work of the African Union in promoting:

• Continental integration
• Sustainable development
• Peace and security
• Cooperation among African nations
• Agenda 2063 priorities

Internship Areas Available

Interns may be placed in different AU departments and directorates depending on their academic background and the needs of the organisation.

Opportunities may be available in the following areas:

• 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

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

OR

Previous professional work experience is not required.

Required Skills

Applicants should have:

• 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, including Spanish or Kiswahili, will be an added advantage.

Internship Duration and Conditions

The African Union Internship Program is offered as a full-time placement for three months.

The internship may be renewed once for an additional three months.

Applicants should note the following:

• The internship is unpaid
• Interns are responsible for travel, accommodation and living expenses
• No travel compensation is provided
• Interns must arrange their own medical insurance for the full internship period
• The African Union may provide reasonable assistance with entry and residence visas where necessary

Required Application Documents

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

• Motivation letter explaining expected learning outcomes from the internship
• Valid passport or national identity card
• Certified copies of academic certificates
• Current Curriculum Vitae
• Recommendation letter from the applicant’s educational institution
• Completed African Union CV template

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

Selection and Application Confirmation

After successful submission, applicants will receive an email confirming that their application has been received.

Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.

Why You Should Apply

This internship is suitable for students and recent graduates who are interested in:

• International development
• Public policy
• Governance
• Diplomacy
• Research
• Communications
• Sustainable development
• African integration and cooperation

The programme gives young Africans an opportunity to gain practical exposure in a continental institution while building skills that can support long-term career growth.

How to apply

Click here to apply for African Union Internship Program 2026

Applicants are encouraged to apply online before the closing date.

Important Notes

Applications close on 31 December 2026.

Applicants should ensure that all required documents are uploaded correctly.

Incomplete or late applications may not be considered.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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